The Central Institute of Burns Le Huu Trac has successfully researched fibroblasts, a type of cell crucial for skin regeneration and healing non-healing wounds. This research has provided deep and extensive burn patients with treatment options, as Vietnam has never imported this type of product due to its high cost.
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Child receiving fibroblast graft due to scalding burns (Photo: VTV) |
The child received a fibroblast graft due to scalding burns, with severe burns covering the entire leg, classified as grade 4. The child has been hospitalized for nearly 10 days and has undergone a fibroblast graft once, with today being the second time. In about a week, the child will be discharged from the hospital. The reason for the early discharge is due to the fibroblast grafting method. This type of cell is essential for skin regeneration and wound healing.
For small wounds, the fibroblasts present in the body can help the wound heal naturally. However, for extensive and deep burns, natural healing is not possible. This marks a preliminary success in a series of research projects aimed at producing biological membranes leading towards artificial skin. Thanks to this research, many burn patients have been timely rescued and have recovered quickly.
Dr. Đinh Văn Hân – Deputy Head of the Pediatric Burn Department at the Central Institute of Burns stated: “To create a fibroblast sheet, scientists must take a skin sample of about 1cm2 from the patient or from another person, known as allogeneic skin. The skin sample is then cultured in a specialized environment. After about 4 weeks, the fibroblast sheet will be formed. Since allogeneic skin can be grafted, patients can use already cultivated sources. Therefore, within just 3 days, the skin grafting requirements of the patient can be met instead of waiting for 4 weeks. As of now, 80 patients have been treated using the fibroblast grafting method. All patients who have recovered have no complications or disabilities as seen previously.”
According to scientists, this research is not only specific to burn treatment but can also be applied to various other conditions such as chronic ulcers that do not heal after long-term treatment, complications from diabetes, or damage due to radiation exposure. Although the fibroblast research has achieved success, scientists continue to study ways to make it more accessible for patients, especially regarding affordability.
