Application of composite skin grafts consisting of allogeneic acellular dermal matrix and autologous scalp to the repair of defects after excision of giant pigmented nevi in children

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of composite skin grafts consisting of allogeneic acellular dermal matrix and autologous scalp in the repair of defects after excision of giant pigmented nevi in children.Methods Eighteen children with giant pigmented nevi were included in this study.All the patients received excision of giant pigmented nevi.The defects were repaired using composite skin grafts consisting of allogeneic acellular dermal matrix and autologous razor-thin scalp grafts in 10 children from June 2009 to October 2012 (test group),and using autologous thin or intermediate-thickness skin grafts in 8 children from March 2006 to May 2009 (control group).Donor site healing time,skin graft survival rate,and the degree of scar proliferation were compared between the two groups.Results Significant differences were observed at donor sites between the test group and control group in healing time ((5.31 ± 1.45) vs.(11.63 ± 1.69) days,P ＜ 0.05) and scar score (1.62 ± 0.38 vs.6.38 ± 0.58,P ＜ 0.05).At recipient sites,the survival rate of skin grafts was similar between the test group and control group ((94.44 ± 2.56)％ vs.(95.13 ± 3.13)％,P ＞ 0.05),while scar score was significantly different (5.38 ±0.62 vs.8.40 ± 0.41,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Composite skin grafts consisting of allogeneic acellular dermal matrix and autologous scalp appear to be a good option for the repair of defects after excision of giant pigmented nevi in children,with minor donor-site injuries and satisfying cosmetic and functional outcomes at recipient sites. Key words: Nevus; Child; Skin transplantation; Dermis