Amniotic membrane grafting in patients with epidermolysis bullosa with chronic wounds.

Abstract

Severe forms of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) are characterized by chronic, nonhealing wounds. We sought to evaluate the usefulness of amniotic membranes in patients with EB. A retrospective chart review of patients with EB who were treated with amniotic membranes (two patients, 8 applications) was conducted. The primary outcome measure was number of days to complete healing, and the secondary outcome measures were a qualitative wound score, a visual analog scale score, and potential adverse effects. The number of days to detect a significant clinical response, defined as greater than 50% improvement, was 40.3 +/- 21.2 days. The median qualitative wound score was 2 (range 0-5). The mean visual analog scale score at last follow-up was 31.4 +/- 26.8. No adverse events were noted. Retrospective design, healing assessed by comparing photographs, and partial grafting of some wounds were limitations. This proof-of-concept study revealed the potential usefulness of amniotic membrane grafting in promoting healing of chronic wounds in patients with EB.