Use of amniotic membrane transplantation in the treatment of venous leg ulcers

Amniotic membrane (AM), the most internal placental membrane, has unique properties including antiadhesive effects, bacteriostatic, wound protection and pain-reduction properties, as well as epithelialization initialization capacities. Furthermore, AM is widely available and less costly than other bioengineered skin substitutes. In a prospective pilot study, we evaluated the safety, feasibility, and the effects on healing of AM graft in 15 patients with chronic venous leg ulcers. AM grafts were prepared from placentas harvested during cesarean section. All grafted AM had adhered to the wound bed 7 days after being applied with a 100% engraftment rate. The percentage of granulation tissue increased significantly (from 17% on day 0 to 69% on day 14, p < 0.0001), along with a significant decrease of fibrinous slough (from 36% at day 0 to 16% at day 14, p < 0.001). A significant clinical response occurred in 12 patients (80%) including complete healing (20%) in three during the 3-month follow-up period. The ulcer surface area decreased significantly from a mean value (standard deviation) of 4.59 +/- 2.49 cm(2) at baseline to 2.91 +/- 2.01 cm(2) on day 30 (p < 0.001). All patients experienced a significant reduction of ulcer-related pain rapidly after AM transplantation. No adverse events were recorded. AM transplantation seems to function as a safe substrate, promoting proper epithelialization while suppressing excessive fibrosis. Further advantages of biotherapy with AM are its easy and low-cost production, and that it can be applied as an ambulatory treatment without immobilization. AM transplantation may thus be considered to be an alternative method for treating chronic leg ulcers.