Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Autologous Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in Treatment of Keloids

Background: The formation of keloids is accompanied by undesirable aesthetic and psychological impacts. Different therapeutic techniques, including local injection, occlusive dressings, surgical excision, and lasers have been examined for keloids. This work objects to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of autologous adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in keloids treatment.

Methods: This prospective clinical research involved 15 subjects with keloids who were injected with autologous ADSCs three sessions at monthly intervals. Follow up was done for 3 months after treatment and evaluation was done for improvement in Vancouver scar score, patient's opinion and physician's opinion.

Results: In the studied patients, 8 patients (53.3%) showed good improvement (25 – 49%), 7 patients (46.7%) showed very good improvement (50 – 74%) and none of the patients (0%) showed excellent improvement. Side effects were mild and tolerable and included pain during injection and abdominal discomfort for few days after lipoaspiration.

Conclusions: Adipose-derived stem cells are effective, safe and are of more value in improving consistency and vascularity of keloids.