Artificial skin grafts in chronic wound care

A systematic review is warranted, because of the large number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs); and the high demand for, high cost of and uncertain efficacy of artificial skin grafts. [...] The elasticity and mechanical integrity of the skin reside in the deeper dermal layer, where the blood vessels that nourish the epidermal layer are located. [...] This report is a review of the evidence on the use of cultured artificial skin grafts in the treatment of chronic skin ulcers, with an emphasis on venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. [...] Skin ulcers are associated with a significant risk of co-morbidity and of mortality.12,13 The costs of healing a venous leg ulcer are related to the severity of the lesion. [...] The recommended treatment for diabetic foot ulcers includes sharp débridement; a regular change of moist wound dressings; the offloading of weight using special footwear or casts; and the control or treatment of infection.18,19 For diabetic foot ulcers, standard care includes treatment at the level of the cause and local care.18,20,21 Vascular insufficiency should be corrected with a bypass or ang