METHODS: Membrane films were prepared from water-soluble O-C solution blended with various concentrations of glycerol to modify the physical properties of the films. In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility evaluations were performed using primary human skin fibroblast cultures and subcutaneous implantation in a rat model, respectively.
RESULTS: Addition of glycerol significantly influenced the barrier and mechanical properties of the films. Water absorption capacity was in the range of 80%-160%, whereas water vapor transmission rate varied from 1,180 to 1,618 g/m2 per day. Both properties increased with increasing glycerol concentration. Tensile strength decreased while elongation at break increased with the addition of glycerol. O-C films were found to be noncytotoxic to human fibroblast cultures and histological examination proved that films are biocompatible.
CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the membrane film from O-C has potential application as a wound-dressing material.
METHODS: A retrospective review of burn cases in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from 2010 to 2015 was conducted. Cases of major burns among pediatric patients grafted using the Meek technique were examined.
RESULTS: Twelve patients were grafted using the Meek technique. Ten (91.7%) patients were male, whereas 2 (8.3%) were female. The average age of patients was 6 years (range, 2-11 years). The average total body surface area was 35.4% (range, 15%-75%). Most burn mechanisms were due to flame injury (66.7%) as compared with scalds injury (16.7%) and chemical injury (16.7%). There was no mortality. All patients were completely grafted with a good donor site scar. The average graft take rate was 82.3%, although 8 cases had positive tissue cultures from the Meek-grafted areas. The average follow-up duration was 3.6 years (range, 1.1-6.7 years). Only 1 case developed contracture over minor joint.
CONCLUSIONS: The Meek technique is useful when there is a paucity of donor site in the pediatric group. The graft take is good, contracture formation is low, and this technique is cost-effective.