Korean J Dermatol.  2005 Jan;43(1):29-36.

Effectiveness of Amniotic Membrane Patch in the Treatment of Chronic Ulcers

• Kim HS
• Song KH
• Park WC
• Kim KH

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The main goal in the management of an open wound is to obtain a clean and closed wound in the shortest time. Open wounds, including chronic and acute ulcers, occur frequently, and are painful and difficult to heal. We evaluated the usefulness of human amniotic membrane for management of ulcers, due to its easy accessibility, negliable cost and healing properties. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to confirm the findings on the use of human amnion in the treatment of post-phlebitic, post-burn chronic ulcers and postoperative wound defects. METHODS: We treated 12 patients with non-healing ulcers, and postoperative wound defects, using human amniotic membrane. RESULTS: Most patients experienced immediate and impressive relief of pain after application of the amniotic membrane. The ulcer beds treated with amnion were vascular and filled with granulation tissue. Human amniotic membranes kept the wounds bacteriologically clean, thus allowing spontaneous closure to occur and reduced the time required for healing and convalescence. CONCLUSIONS: Human amniotic membrane was successfully used as a biological dressing for treating ulcerations, including chronic ulcers and postoperative wound defects. It can serve as either a permanent therapy or as a temporary measure until the inflammation subsides.

Keyword

Amniotic membrane; Chronic ulcer; Wound healing

MeSH Terms

Amnion*
Biological Dressings
Convalescence
Granulation Tissue
Humans
Inflammation
Ulcer*
Wound Healing
Wounds and Injuries