title: The use of cultured dermis in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.
abstract: The aim of this open, non-comparative study was to assess the potential benefit of tissue-engineered human dermis (Dermagraft) in healing long-standing, difficult-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers, and the practicality of its use in the UK. Six patients with full-thickness neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers which extended into subcutaneous tissue and had an area > 1 cm2 were included. The treatment was applied weekly for eight weeks and the patients were followed for a total of 24 weeks. Four patients completed the study, showing improvement ranging from a reduction of 26% in ulcer area to complete healing. Two patients were withdrawn after developing complications not associated with the treatment. We conclude that this tissue-engineered human dermis has a role in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers as part of a comprehensive treatment package. A study to confirm effectiveness in a comparative trial and optimise patient selection is indicated.
authors.affiliation: Wound Healing Research Unit, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Grey
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lowe
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bale
authors.forename: K G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Harding
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D017768:Skin, Artificial