736 Autologous Skin Cell Suspension in Combination with Meshed Autograft: A Case Report Demonstrating the Efficacy in NSTI

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are some of the more difficult disease processes encountered by physicians. Most patients require multiple surgical debridements, and survivors often have complex wounds requiring soft tissue coverage and prolonged hospitalizations. The goal of this report is to describe the use of autologous skin cell suspension over widely meshed skin graft in a patient with large wound secondary to a NSTI. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of a patient with NSTI of the abdomen.The patient received autologous skin cell suspension as an epidermal graft in combination with widely meshed skin grafting. Results A 41 year-old female had an abdominal wound infection resulting in a NSTI. The patients had poorly controlled diabetes, congestive heart failure, and coronary heart disease with a drug eluting stent on dual antiplatelet therapy. She presented septic to an outside facility where she underwent multiple abdominal wound debridements. She was transferred to our institution with concerns for ongoing infection. Upon arrival, the wounds appeared stable with granulation tissue present over the wound bed with small areas of necrotic fat. She underwent debridement and autologous skin cell suspension in combination with a widely (3:1) meshed skin graft. The donor site also received treatment with the cell suspension. The wounds were covered with a non-adherent dressing along with bismuth-impregnated, petroleum-based gauze. Additional padding was secured with sutures to prevent post-operative shearing. On post-operative day (POD) 2 the outer dressings were changed with excellent adherence of the graft. On POD 4 her dressings were taken down completely, staples were removed, and she was transitioned to daily topical antimicrobial ointment and a non-adherent dress to her torso. She had >95% closure on POD 7 on both her graft and donor site. Conclusions Similar to severe burn injuries, the magnitude and scope of NSTI necessitates radical debridement often creating challenges in wound care, preservation of function, and cosmesis. Autologous skin cell suspension in combination with widely meshed skin grafts appear to be well-suited for treatment of large wounds resulting from NSTI. Treatment of this patient demonstrated decreased healing times, decreased donor sites, and an acceptable cosmetic outcome. Applicability of Research to Practice Autologous skin cell suspension has been approved for the use in partial and full thickness burn either as an epidermal graft alone or in combination with widely meshed grafts. This case report represents an example of its use in large complex wounds secondary to NSTI with acceptable outcomes.