A systematic review of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) for the treatment of acute cutaneous wounds

Background Stromal vascular fraction (SVF), derived enzymatically or mechanically from adipose tissue, contains a heterogenous population of cells and stroma, including multipotent stem cells. The regenerative capacity of SVF may potentially be adapted for a broad range of clinical applications, including the healing of acute cutaneous wounds. Objective To evaluate the available literature on the efficacy and safety of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) for the treatment of acute cutaneous wounds in humans. Methods A systematic review of the literature utilizing MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed to identify published clinical trials of autologous adipose-derived SVF or similar ADSC-containing derivatives for patients with acute cutaneous wounds. This was supplemented by searches for ongoing clinical trials through ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Results 872 records were initially retrieved. Application of inclusion and exclusion criteria yielded 10 relevant studies: two completed non-randomized controlled trials and eight ongoing clinical trials. Both completed studies reported a statistically significant benefit in percentage re-epithelialization and time to healing for the SVF treatment arms. Safety information for SVF was not provided. Ongoing clinical trials were assessing outcomes such as safety, patient and observer reported scar appearance, wound healing rate, and wound epithelization. Conclusion In the context of substantial limitations in the quantity and quality of available evidence, the existing literature suggests that SVF may be a useful treatment for acute cutaneous wounds in humans. More clinical trials with improved outcome measures and safety assessment are needed.