Autologous Adipose Tissue Graft to Treat Hypertensive Leg Ulcer: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND

Adipose tissue is an abundant source of mesenchymal stem cells, called adipose-derived stem cells, which have anti-inflammatory and trophic effects to enhance overall tissue repair.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the healing effects of autologous adipose tissue graft on hypertensive leg ulcers.

METHODS

Prospective pilot study in 1 French dermatology department. Ten patients with a hypertensive leg ulcer were enrolled from April 2013 to June 2015. The primary end point was the wound closure rate at each follow-up visit. The secondary end points were wound characteristics, pain assessment and adverse events.

RESULTS

One patient, the only smoker, was lost to follow-up at month 5 (M5). For the 9 non-smokers, wound surfaces constantly and significantly decreased: the median wound closure rate was 73.2% at M3 and 93.1% at M6, p < 0.001. The median wound closure rate of the 10 patients was 63.2% at M3, p < 0.001. Percentages of fibrin and necrosis decreased, granulation tissue increased significantly. Pain rapidly and significantly decreased. No recurrence or adverse event was observed.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that autologous adipose tissue grafting induces pain relief and promotes wound healing with a good skin quality. Large prospective controlled randomized studies are required to confirm these results.