The effectiveness of a spray with skin cells in the treatment of trophic ulcers
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Created by the American company Healthpoint Biotherapeutics, an external spray that contains skin cells was tested on 228 patients with trophic ulcers.
The results of testing a new wound-healing remedy are published in the August issue of The Lancet.
In addition to cells of the donor skin, it contains clotting factors.
During the investigation of the spray, it was found that the optimal effect is achieved when treating trophic ulcers once every 14 days.
According to scientists, the size of the wound "began to decrease rapidly" immediately after the first treatment. In 70 percent of patients treated with skin spray, trophic ulcers completely healed in three months, while a similar effect was observed in only 46 percent of patients taking another treatment.
According to one of the researchers who participated in the creation and testing of the new spray, Herbert Slade, "the proven treatment can significantly reduce the healing time of the wound and improve the general condition of the limb without transplantation of the skin flap", which is practiced in severe cases.
Trophic ulcer (Greek trophē - food) - a long-lasting non-healing skin defect that occurs as a result of a disturbance in its nutrition. Tropical venous ulcers account for 70% of all ulcers of the lower extremities.
The occurrence of an ulcer against the background of decompensated chronic venous insufficiency, in the vast majority of cases is caused by varicose (4: 1), less often postthrombotic disease.
Trophic ulcers of the lower leg usually arise as a complication of varicose veins of the lower extremities. These are hard-healing wounds, for the treatment of which currently apply compression dressings or skin grafts. Compression treatment lasts no less than six months, its effectiveness does not exceed 70 percent.
The current tests of the spray were designed to test it for safety and establish the optimal dose of application. To decide whether to use this spray in the case of trophic ulcers, further research is necessary.
Experts believe that, despite the high cost of spraying with skin cells and clotting factors, it can be more economical than existing means of treating trophic ulcers, since it acts much faster.