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American Journal of Otolaryngology 2024The radial forearm flap (RFF) is one of the most commonly used flaps in reconstructive surgery. Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) has traditionally been used for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The radial forearm flap (RFF) is one of the most commonly used flaps in reconstructive surgery. Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) has traditionally been used for closure of the forearm. However, full-thickness skin grafting (FTSG) has gained in popularity to achieve more satisfactory results. The aim of the study is to identify the best RFF donor site closure technique by comparing the functional and aesthetic outcomes of STSG and FTSG.
METHODS
PubMed and EMBASE databases were queried. Only studies comparing complications rate, functional and aesthetic outcomes between STSG and FTSG were included. The primary outcome was graft failure rate. Secondary outcomes included the aesthetic result and functionality of the forearm/wrist.
RESULTS
A total of 13 studies were included in this review, accounting for a total of 712 patients with mean age of 60.7 years. Overall, 348 patients underwent FTSG and 377 underwent STSG. The mean follow-up was 14.7 months. The rate of graft failure in FTSG was significantly higher compared to STSG (OR: 2.79, 95 % CI 1.38-5.65, p = 0.004). There was no significant difference in rate of tendon exposure (OR: 0.83, p = 0.65) and infection (OR: 1.37, p = 0.42). Regarding the aesthetic outcome, no significant difference between FTSG and STSG based on observer (SMD = -0.37, p = 0.17) and patient (SMD = -0.016, p = 0.93) assessment, respectively. Overall postoperative functional assessment showed a not severely impaired hand and arm function in both groups. Subjective evaluation of pain was similar between groups.
CONCLUSION
FTSG is associated with higher risk of graft failure than STSG in RFF donor site closure, without significant improvement in aesthetic results.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Skin Transplantation; Forearm; Surgical Flaps; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Wound Closure Techniques
PubMed: 38142610
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2023.104156 -
Hematology (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Dec 2024Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is the common complication seen after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and a pleomorphic syndrome that... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is the common complication seen after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and a pleomorphic syndrome that resembles autoimmune and other immunologic disorders, leading to profound immune dysregulation and organ dysfunction. The most common targets of GVHD are skin, gastrointestinal tract and liver. GVHD is classified as acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) if it occurs within the first 100 days after HSCT and chronic graft versus host disease(cGVHD) if it occurs after day 100. The skin is most frequently and earliest affected by aGvHD, followed by the gastrointestinal tract and liver. An ideal biomarker would predict the onset and severity of clinical acute GVHD and help to direct management, and this is an area of active research regarding the use of biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of acute GVHD. Recently, elafin has been identified as a potential plasma biomarker for aGVHD.
METHOD
We searched the databases PubMed, Cochrane library, and medRxiv for all studies investigating the Diagnostic or prognostic role of elafin in GVHD. We set the search strategy incorporating the search terms, 'elafin', 'graft versus host', and 'GVHD', and operated using the Boolean operators 'AND', and 'OR'. Thus, retrieved articles were then exported on an Excel® sheet, and duplicates were removed. The systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. After selecting the study based on inclusion criteria, data on study characteristics and biomarker description was extracted on a pre-determined data extraction table on the Microsoft Excel version. The quality assessment of the included studies was determined using the QUIPS tool.
RESULT
The search revealed 547 studies and 6 studies that met the eligibility criteria of this review have been included. The major finding of our study is the significant elevation of elafin in skin aGVHD.
CONCLUSION
Elafin is a significant biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of skin aGVHD and should be assessed within 2 weeks of the onset of the disease.
Topics: Humans; Prognosis; Elafin; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Biomarkers; Graft vs Host Disease; Acute Disease
PubMed: 38112182
DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2023.2293497 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Jan 2024Artificial dermal substitutes (ADMs) have been trialled to improve outcomes at the donor site following the harvesting of a radial forearm free flap (RFFF). This...
BACKGROUND
Artificial dermal substitutes (ADMs) have been trialled to improve outcomes at the donor site following the harvesting of a radial forearm free flap (RFFF). This systematic review compares donor site aesthetic and functional outcomes, with the use of an ADM versus conventional practice.
METHODS
The databases Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science (Core Collection), and Scopus were searched for retrospective, prospective, and case-control studies and randomised control trials (RCTs) involving any ADM. Studies with adult patients having undergone RFFF harvesting and donor site repair with an ADM, commenting on appropriate clinical outcomes and without high risk of bias, were included. Direction-of-effect analysis was performed on relevant groupings of studies since heterogeneity in outcome measurement precluded meta-analyses.
RESULTS
Across eight non-comparative studies included, 132 patients had donor site coverage with AlloDerm™, Integra™, Matriderm™, or Rapiderm. Across 11 comparative studies included, 240 patients had donor site coverage with fish-skin matrix, AlloDerm™, amniotic membrane, MegaDerm™, Hyalomatrix, Integra™, or Matriderm™. Five out of 11 comparative studies demonstrated superior aesthetic outcomes with ADMs according to at least one aesthetic metric compared to controls, whilst 6/11 demonstrated superior functional outcomes with ADMs. No study demonstrated poorer aesthetic or functional outcomes with an ADM compared to conventional practice.
CONCLUSIONS
In summary, the lack of studies reporting poorer outcomes with them compared to conventional practices, and a cumulative effect direction in their favour, provide strong indications in support of the use of AlloDerm™, Integra™, or Matriderm™ grafts. Further comparative studies, including RCTs, are needed to reinforce these initial indications.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Esthetics; Free Tissue Flaps; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Retrospective Studies; Skin Transplantation
PubMed: 38101265
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.11.046 -
Blood Reviews Jan 2024Chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGvHD) remains the leading cause of morbidity among transplant recipients. The efficacy of second-line treatments varies widely based... (Review)
Review
Chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGvHD) remains the leading cause of morbidity among transplant recipients. The efficacy of second-line treatments varies widely based on many factors, including wide differences in the organ overall response-rate response and in the current era where multiple agents are approved, and optimal sequencing of drugs based on organ ORR is unknown. We aimed to evaluate outcomes based on ORRs to the most common agents for the treatment of steroid-refractory/steroid-dependent cGvHD by conducting a systematic literature review. A total of 387 studies were evaluated for the ORRs of 12 cGvHD treatments. The highest skin ORR was observed to be 77% though some agents had an acceptable ORR. Most agents had an ocular response ranging from 17 to 50% Some agents resulted in a GI ORR of ≥88%. Rituximab showed the best response for musculoskeletal-GvHD. In the case of lung-GvHD (bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome [BOS]), negligible response was observed in patients treated with various agents. No clinically meaningful responses to treatments were reported for genital-GvHD. Most GvHD trials are focused on the ORR and partial response rates (PRR). The evidence for optimal agents for each organ is limited, and therefore, our study results are striking for differences in organ-ORR yields for a clinically meaningful difference. Thus, a personalized organ-based approach to the selection of therapeutic agents in cGvHD could result in favorable outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Graft vs Host Disease; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Rituximab; Steroids; Chronic Disease
PubMed: 38087715
DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101142 -
Wounds : a Compendium of Clinical... Nov 2023Since 2017, the clinical use of IFSG has increased substantially in the United States, with some use in Europe and Asia as well. However, scant consensus data have been...
BACKGROUND
Since 2017, the clinical use of IFSG has increased substantially in the United States, with some use in Europe and Asia as well. However, scant consensus data have been published on such use.
OBJECTIVE
The authors sought to develop consensus recommendations for the clinical use of IFSG in the management of acute and chronic LEWs.
METHODS
A panel of 8 expert clinicians in the United States used a 2-cycle NFG process to develop consensus statements based on their own clinical practice and the literature. At their initial meeting in October 2021, panel members discussed the management of DFUs, VLUs, atypical LEWs, and traumatic LEWs in their practices. Consensus statements were drafted, voted on, and rated by relative importance. At the second meeting in October 2022, the panel discussed the initial survey results; a second survey was conducted, and panel members revised the recommendations and indicated the relative importance of each in the final report. A systematic literature review of English-language articles published from January 2016 through November 2022 was conducted as well, using the search terms: "fish skin," "piscine graft," "fish tissue," "intact fish skin graft," "Cod skin," "Omega 3 fatty acid graft."
RESULTS
Forty-three statements were generated and grouped into 5 sections comprising general recommendations for LEWs and recommendations specific to DFUs, VLUs, atypical LEWs, and traumatic LEWs. The primary general recommendation is the need to determine wound etiology based on clinical evaluation and reviewing related test results. For DFUs and VLUs, the main recommendations are to adhere to first-line therapy (ie, standard of care, follow conventional guidelines [multilayer compression therapy], offloading, and assessment of wound perfusion) before introducing IFSG.
CONCLUSIONS
Publications on and clinical experience in the use of IFSGs have increased substantially in the past several years. The 43 consensus recommendations are meant to guide physicians in the optimal use of IFSG in the management of acute and chronic LEWs.
Topics: Animals; United States; Skin Transplantation; Skin; Fishes; Europe; Lower Extremity
PubMed: 38048615
DOI: 10.25270/wnds/23130 -
Microsurgery Jan 2024Radial forearm free flap (RFFF) donor site closure is traditionally performed with split thickness skin grafts (STSG), which can be associated with poor aesthetics,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Radial forearm free flap (RFFF) donor site closure is traditionally performed with split thickness skin grafts (STSG), which can be associated with poor aesthetics, wrist stiffness, paresthesia, reduced strength, and tendon exposure. Full thickness skin grafts (FTSG) are potentially beneficial as they provide a more durable coverage, and the skin graft donor site can be closed primarily, which is more aesthetic. The aim of this systematic review is to compare the outcomes of STSG versus FTSG for closure of the RFFF donor site.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The primary objective was to answer: do subjects undergoing RFFF harvest, utilizing FTSG to close the RFFF donor site, compared to STSG, achieve superior aesthetics at the RFFF donor site? Included papers compared FTSG and STSG with statistical data. Means were compared with t-test and proportions with Fisher's exact test.
RESULTS
The initial search resulted in 1851 studies. After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, the search resulted in eight studies, with 366 total skin grafts, 197 STSG and 169 FTSG. Six studies evaluated aesthetics utilizing a Likert scale, with the scaled average aesthetic score for FTSG being 7.9/10 compared to 6.9/10 for STSG (p < .001). Tendon exposure was measured in five studies, with a rate of 13.1% for STSG versus 10.6% for FTSG (p = .555). No significant difference in function was observed, however, methods to quantify function were heterogeneous.
CONCLUSION
FTSG compared to STSG, resulted in statistically significant improved aesthetics, with comparable rates of tendon exposure and function.
Topics: Humans; Skin Transplantation; Free Tissue Flaps; Plastic Surgery Procedures
PubMed: 37990820
DOI: 10.1002/micr.31126 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Jan 2024Neoumbilicoplasty aims to reconstruct an aesthetically pleasing new umbilicus following agenesis, malignancy, anatomical distortion, or umbilicus loss. Despite the wide... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Neoumbilicoplasty aims to reconstruct an aesthetically pleasing new umbilicus following agenesis, malignancy, anatomical distortion, or umbilicus loss. Despite the wide variety of surgical techniques described, literature is scarce when it comes to standardized categorization of these as well as the clear definition of patients' selections, specific indications, final outcomes, and possible complications. According to available literature, this work aims to evaluate different surgical approaches, and correlate them to specific surgical needs, to simplify the surgical choice and patient management.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed in December 2020 in PubMed, Web of Science, and MedLine Ovid databases according to the PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
A total of 41 studies and 588 patients were finally included. On the basis of the evidence of the literature collected, we divided the studies into four groups according to the neoumbilicoplasty techniques: single suture or purse-string suture, single flap, multiple flap, and skin graft. Patients' surgical comorbidities, neoumbilicoplasty indications, and aesthetic and surgical outcomes were investigated. Direct suture and single and multiple flap techniques assured overall, satisfactory cosmetic outcomes with a low rate of surgical complications. Whereas suture-only techniques were chosen mostly by general surgeons/urologists in laparoscopic surgery, the single flap was the preferred method to reconstruct the umbilicus in open abdominal surgery or combined abdominoplasty with herniorrhaphy. Multiple flap and skin grafts were adopted in abdominoplasty-related umbilicus reconstruction, although the latter option showed impactful aesthetic and surgical complications.
CONCLUSIONS
Umbilicoplasty can assure generally pleasant aesthetic outcomes with relatively low complication rates. Indications for specific techniques correspond to different patient populations and surgical scenarios.
Topics: Humans; Abdominoplasty; Surgical Flaps; Abdominal Muscles; Abdomen; Umbilicus
PubMed: 37972443
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.10.094 -
Bone Marrow Transplantation Jan 2024Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) has been noted to be a potential curative treatment in cases of advanced-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) or Sezary... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) has been noted to be a potential curative treatment in cases of advanced-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) or Sezary syndrome (SS). To assess outcomes of allo-HSCT for MF/SS we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis including 15 manuscripts and 557 patients, published from 2010-2023. Meta-analysis revealed 1-year and 3+year overall survival (OS) of 51% (95% CI 39-64%) and 40% (32-49%). Progression-free survival at 1 year and 3+years were 42% (31-53%) and 33% (25-42%). Non-relapse mortality was 18% (13-23%). Relapse occurred in of 47% (40-53%) with a median time to relapse of 7.9 months (range 1.6-24 months). Rates of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were 45% (35-55%) and 40% (33-48%). Reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) was associated with superior OS compared to myeloablative conditioning (MAC) (58% vs. 30%, p < 0.001). Of patients with relapse after allo-HSCT, 46% treated with donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) achieved complete remission. These data support use of allo-HSCT for treatment of advanced-stage MF/SS and suggest superiority of RIC over MAC. Rates of GVHD were comparable to allo-HSCT in general. The improved OS for RIC and high rate of CR with DLI underscore the importance of the graft-versus-lymphoma effect in allo-HSCT for MF/SS.
Topics: Humans; Sezary Syndrome; Transplantation, Homologous; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Mycosis Fungoides; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Transplantation Conditioning; Graft vs Host Disease; Skin Neoplasms; Recurrence; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37853164
DOI: 10.1038/s41409-023-02122-0 -
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism Dec 2023There is a strong rationale to develop locally-acting surgical treatments for digital ulcers (DUs) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Our aim was to examine the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
There is a strong rationale to develop locally-acting surgical treatments for digital ulcers (DUs) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Our aim was to examine the safety and efficacy of local surgical management for SSc-DU.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was carried out until to August 2022 using 7 different databases. Original research studies concerning adult patients with SSc-DUs, and local surgical treatments were analysed using the PICO framework. We included randomized controlled trials, prospective/retrospective studies, and case series (minimum of 3 patients) References were independently screened by two reviewers including assessment of the risk of bias using validated tools.
RESULTS
Out of 899, 13eligible articles were included. Autologous fat (adipose tissue AT) grafting was the surgical modality most identified (7 studies, 1 randomized controlled double blinded trial and 6 prospective open-label single arm studies). The healing rate (HR) with autologous fat grafting (4 studies) was 66-100 %. Three studies reported autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction grafting: HR of 32-60 %. Bone marrow derived cell transplantation in a single study showed 100 % healing rate over 4-24 weeks. Surgical sympathectomy was examined in 3 studies, prospective without comparator with a median healing rate of 81 %. Two surgical studies (of direct microsurgical revascularisation and microsurgical arteriolysis) showed 100 % healing of ulcers, with no complications.
CONCLUSION
Several surgical approaches for SSc-DUs have demonstrated some degree of safety and effectiveness for DU healing. However, there are significant methodological issues. Future studies are warranted to rigorously investigate surgical interventions for SSc-DUs.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Fingers; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Skin Ulcer; Scleroderma, Systemic
PubMed: 37826898
DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2023.152266 -
Pediatric Transplantation Feb 2024There is a well-documented risk of secondary cutaneous malignancies following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), but data on risk in pediatric...
BACKGROUND
There is a well-documented risk of secondary cutaneous malignancies following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), but data on risk in pediatric populations are limited. The objective of this study is to perform a systematic review of reported features and outcomes of skin cancers in pediatric allogeneic HSCT recipients.
METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Web of Science were systematically searched (Prospero CRD42022342139). Studies reporting cutaneous cancer outcomes were included if the age at transplant was ≤19 years. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles were screened in duplicate.
RESULTS
Out of 824 citations that were screened, 12 articles were selected for analysis. The final sample included 67 pediatric HSCT recipients, comprising 65 allogeneic transplant recipients and 2 cases of HSCT with an unknown donor type. The median age at transplant and skin cancer diagnosis were 7.4 and 13 years, respectively. Out of the 67 pediatric HSCT recipients, some patients developed more than one lesion, resulting in 71 lesions. The most common skin cancer type was cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (32 lesions), followed by basal cell carcinoma (25 lesions). The median latency period between HSCT and skin cancer diagnosis ranged from 0 to 29 years. Identified risk factors for skin cancers included younger age at the time of transplant, exposure to total body irradiation, prolonged post-transplant immunosuppression, graft versus host disease, and sunburn.
CONCLUSION
Skin cancers are reported in pediatric allogeneic HSCT recipients, and the risk appears to be increased. More data are needed to better characterize this risk.
Topics: Humans; Child; Young Adult; Adult; Skin Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Graft vs Host Disease; Transplantation, Homologous; Disease Progression
PubMed: 37786978
DOI: 10.1111/petr.14618