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. 2024 Mar 6;36(2):203-211.
doi: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_189_23. eCollection 2024 Apr-Jun.

Autologous fat grafting and adipose-derived stem cells therapy for acute burns and burn-related scar: A systematic review

Fanny Evasari Lesmanawati  1 , Carolus Aldo Windura  1 , Iswinarno Doso Saputro  1 , Lynda Hariani  1
Affiliations

Autologous fat grafting and adipose-derived stem cells therapy for acute burns and burn-related scar: A systematic review

Fanny Evasari Lesmanawati et al. Tzu Chi Med J. .

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to analyze all available research on the application of autologous fat grafting (AFG) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) to present evidence-based recommendations, particularly in the clinical treatment of acute burns and burn-related scars.

Materials and methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, COCHRANE, and EMBASE, as well as a manual search of previous reviews' reference lists up. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I, where appropriate.

Results: Six eligible studies were selected (2 randomized clinical trials [RCT], 1 retrospective cohort, and 3 experimental studies) with subjects ranging from 3 to 100. Only one study evaluated the use of AFG for acute burns. Improvements in wound healing, vascularization, scar characteristics, and tissue architecture were generally observed in some studies, supported by molecular markers, while one study reported nonsignificant results. Subjective patient satisfaction was reported to have improved. Functional outcomes improvement in the treated regions was minimal. However, study heterogeneity arose mainly from treatment protocols. Cautious results interpretation due to potential bias, especially in selection and confounding domains, and limited clinical trials are important to note. More studies are needed to evaluate.

Conclusion: AFG and ADSC hold potential as valuable treatment options for burn-related scars, supported by a body of evidence, but further well-designed RCT are needed. The efficacy of acute burn settings is yet to be further evaluated since evidence is limited.

Keywords: Acute burns; Adipose-derived stem cells; Autologous fat grafting; Burn wound; Burn-related scars.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis flowchart
Figure 2
Figure 2
Risk of bias of individual studies (left: Randomized clinical trial; right: Non randomized intervention)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Summary of risk of bias assessment (top: Randomized clinical trial; bottom: Nonrandomized intervention)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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