In a nutshell
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) sheets in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). The main finding of the study was that ASC sheets improved the healing of DFU.
Some background
DFUs are a common complication of diabetes. DFUs are very difficult to heal and can result in pain, infection, amputation, and disability. Therefore, treating DFUs is very important.
Stem cells are cells found in the body that can change into other types of cells as needed. ASC sheets are dressings that contain a gel with stem cells derived from fat tissue to promote wound healing. The safety and efficacy of ASC sheets in the treatment of DFU are not yet known.
Methods & findings
This study included 59 patients with DFUs. They were randomly assigned to be treated with either ASC sheets (30 patients) or a standard dressing (29 patients). The dressings were applied weekly for 12 weeks.
After 8 weeks, 73% of the ASC-treated group had complete healing of their ulcer. 47% of the standard dressing group had complete ulcer healing at this time. After 12 weeks, 82% of the ASC-treated group had complete ulcer healing, compared to 53% of the standard dressing group. The average time it took for ulcers to heal completely was 28.5 days in the ASC-treated group and 63.0 days in the standard dressing group. No serious side effects were reported.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that ASC sheets may be a safe and effective treatment for DFU.
The fine print
This study was funded by Anterogen Co., Ltd, the developer of ASC sheets. This study had a very small number of patients. Larger studies are still needed.
Published By :
Diabetes
Date :
Jan 24, 2019
