Optimized Manufacture of Lyophilized Dermal Fibroblasts for Next-Generation Off-the-Shelf Progenitor Biological Bandages in Topical Post-Burn Regenerative Medicine.

Cultured fibroblast progenitor cells (FPC) have been studied in Swiss translational regenerative medicine for over two decades, wherein clinical experience was gathered for safely managing burns and refractory cutaneous ulcers. Inherent FPC advantages include high robustness, optimal adaptability to industrial manufacture, and potential for effective repair stimulation of wounded tissues. Major technical bottlenecks in cell therapy development comprise sustainability, stability, and logistics of biological material sources. Herein, we report stringently optimized and up-scaled processing (i.e., cell biobanking and stabilization by lyophilization) of dermal FPCs, with the objective of addressing potential cell source sustainability and stability issues with regard to active substance manufacturing in cutaneous regenerative medicine. Firstly, multi-tiered FPC banking was optimized in terms of overall quality and efficiency by benchmarking key reagents (e.g., medium supplement source, dissociation reagent), consumables (e.g., culture vessels), and technical specifications. Therein, fetal bovine serum batch identity and culture vessel surface were confirmed, among other parameters, to largely impact harvest cell yields. Secondly, FPC stabilization by lyophilization was undertaken and shown to maintain critical functions for devitalized cells in vitro, potentially enabling high logistical gains. Overall, this study provides the technical basis for the elaboration of next-generation off-the-shelf topical regenerative medicine therapeutic products for wound healing and post-burn care.

Surgical Management Evolution Between 2 Massive Burn Cases at 17-Year Interval: Contribution of Cell Therapies in Improving the Surgical Care.

We report the cases of 2 patients admitted to our hospital at a 17-year interval, both with 90% total body surface area (TBSA) burns. These two young patients were in good health before their accident, but major differences in time of intensive care and hospitalization were observed: 162 versus 76 days in intensive care unit and 18 versus 9.5 months for hospitalization, respectively. We have analyzed the different parameters side-by-side during their medical care and we have identified that the overall improved outcomes are mainly due to a better adapted fluid reanimation in combination with the evolution of the surgical management to encompass allogenic cellular therapy (Biological Bandages). Indeed, autologous cell therapy using keratinocytes has been used for over 30 years in our hospital with the same technical specifications; however, we have integrated the Biological Bandages and routinely used them for burn patients to replace cadaver skin since the past 15 years. Thus, patient 1 versus patient 2 had, respectively, 83% versus 80% TBSA for autologous cells, and 0% versus 189% for allogenic cells. Notably, it was possible that patient 2 was able to recover ∼6% TBSA with the use of Biological Bandages, by stimulating intermediate burn zones toward a spontaneous healing without requiring further skin grafting (on abdomen and thighs). The body zones where Biological Bandages were not applied, such as the buttocks, progressed to deeper-stage burns. Despite inherent differences to patients at their admission and the complexity of severe burn care, the results of these two case reports suggest that integration of innovative allogenic cell therapies in the surgical care of burn patients could have major implications in the final outcome.

Erratum to: Delayed Closure of Giant Omphaloceles in West Africa: Report of Five Cases.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1599796.].

Delayed Closure of Giant Omphaloceles in West Africa: Report of Five Cases.

Giant omphalocele (GO) management is controversial and not easy. Conservative management at birth and delayed surgical closure is usually mandatory. Postponed surgery may be challenging and carry the risk of intensive care treatment. We report on five children who were treated in our department for GO between 2000 and 2010. Initially, the patients were managed conservatively in West Africa. Delayed closure of the ventral hernia was performed in Switzerland after patient transfer through a nongovernmental organization. Fascial closure was performed at the median age of 23 months. Median diameter of the hernias was 10 × 10 cm ranging from 10 × 8 cm to 24 × 15 cm. Four (80%) patients had associated anomalies. Three children needed mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit after surgery. Median hospitalization was 19 days. Complications were seen in two patients. The follow-up showed no recurrence of ventral hernia. There was no mortality. This report shows that conservative management of a GO at birth with delayed closure of the ventral hernia after transferring the patients to a European center is a safe approach for West African children and avoids life-threatening procedures. Delayed closure of a GO may be nevertheless challenging everywhere.

[Vascular anomalies]. / Anomalies vasculaires: exemple du syndrome de Klippel-Trenaunay.

Vascular anomalies are rare conditions that could be observed at all ages. They are classified, according to their histology, in vascular tumors or vascular malformations. The general practitioner plays a significant role in diagnosis and patient management, diagnosis being suspected on clinical history. In case of vascular anomaly, ultrasound-Doppler assessment is helpful to characterize morphologic and hemodynamic changes of the lesion and permits to monitor the evolution and to detect complications. Further investigations are often necessary prior to multidisciplinary management. In this article, a brief overview of vascular anomalies, their multidisciplinary management and the exemple of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome are presented.

Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like elements of the thyroid: a multi-institutional case series and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like elements (SETTLE) is a rare tumor of the thyroid observed in children and adolescents. We present a case series of 3 patients with SETTLE, focusing on the clinical and pathologic features of this rare tumor. METHODS: Three male patients presented at ages 4.5, 6.5, and 7 years with a right thyroid mass. All were treated by standard hemithyroidectomy. None had evidence of distant metastases at presentation. The diagnosis of SETTLE was confirmed at the time of the initial operation in 2 of the 3 patients. RESULTS: All patients had uneventful postoperative courses. Two patients remain disease-free 4 and 7 years postresection, respectively. One patient presented 10 years after resection with shortness of breath and hemoptysis secondary to multiple bilateral parenchymal lung metastases. This patient received chemotherapy against the epithelial components of the tumor with a 25% response based on imaging studies. CONCLUSION: Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like elements is rare tumor that should be suspected if spindle elements are observed in the resected thyroid specimen. Because these patients may present with delayed metastases, follow-up is recommended. However, chemotherapy against specific tumor elements is only marginally effective.