Objectives
To characterize by means of Line Field-Confocal Optical Coherence Tomography (LC-OCT) the alterations in the collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis after enzymatic removal of the epidermis of skin allografts, by using dispase II.
Methods
Cryopreserved human skin samples stored in the Queen Astrid Military Hospital Biobank were thawed in phosphate buffered saline. Samples were then incubated (24h at 4°C + 2h at 37°C) with and without dispase II (2.5U/ml). The epidermis of the samples treated with dispase was carefully removed and the dermis was washed with Phosphate Buffered Saline. The samples of both treatments were then evaluated either by LC-OCT imaging or histology. Concerning histology methods, sections of 5μm were obtained and stained with H&E, orcein and Masson’s trichrome. Slices were analyzed by a pathologist for: presence/absence of the epidermis, characteristics of elastic fibers, collagen and blood vessels.
Results
Before treatment with dispase II, epidermis and dermal epidermal junction (DEJ) were well observed with LC-OCT in all samples. Blood vessels were present and preserved in the dermis. The reticular dermis showed a mesh of homogeneous and continuous fibers. After treatment with dispase II, the epidermis was not present. Papillae could be distinguished in the horizontal sections and appeared collapsed compared to pre-treated skin. Vascular spaces within the papillae were preserved and clearly visible. In the dermis, fibers appeared stretched and discontinuous, giving a feeling of chaos.
Conclusions
The effects of dispase II on a human donor skin could be characterized by LC-OCT. These findings were comparable to those seen with histology and are similar to those obtained with other imaging techniques (RCM and HD-OCT). This description may contribute to a better understanding of the visualisation of the skin.

P.015 Evaluation by LC-OCT of human skin allografts before and after the enzymatic removal of the epidermis

Dear friends and colleagues,

We will be pleased to welcome you in Turin (Italy) for the 19th European Burns Association´s Congress in 2022. Italy is honored to hold the meeting of the European Burns Association for the second time, after Verona in 1995. Turin is easily reachable from everywhere in Europe, either travelling by car, train or choosing flight connections. During the meeting, held in the renewed industrial center of the main Italian historical automotive factory (i.e. Lingotto-FIAT), we will meet international burn specialists, focusing on standards of care, progresses in burn treatment, strategies to face disaster situations, with a special attention to education of younger colleagues. However, in your spare time, you might enjoy the sweet days of Italian late summer, simply wandering in the green parks and gardens along the two rivers which cross the city, or you might decide to discover the numerous art galleries, churches, palaces, libraries, walking across elegant squares and large boulevards, passing through centuries of art and history; finally, you may choose to immerse yourself in some of the most exciting museum experiences, such as the Cinema Museum and the Turin’s Egyptian museum.

Looking forward to seeing you all in Turin for the 19th European Association´s Congress in 2022!
Maurizio Stella, Congress President, Turin Burn Centre