The production and application of CEAs across borders
Tantula, S., Gigante-Bounid, M., Lindford, A. and Vuola, J.
Introduction In Europe there are only a few institutions that can produce cultured epithelial autografts (CEAs). We herein describe the process in which CEAs were produced in one European country and then transported to another country for wound coverage in patients with major burn in a well-planned time schedule. The purpose of this poster is to describe this process and the preparation of the patient for the procedure.
Methods
During 2016-2021 three severely burned patients received treatment with CEAs in the Helsinki Burn Centre. Skin biopsies were sent to Switzerland where they were cultured in the Centre de production cellulairé, CHUV, Lausanne. After 3-4 weeks the cells attached to polyamide sheets were delivered by personal courier in a time window of 8 hours straight to the operation theatre and applied to the patients successfully. Prior to this, the patients had undergone several debridements and allograft treatments and the wounds were confirmed as not having any infection or necrosis.
Results
Three patients with TBSA burn % ranging from 78 % to 92 % each received 3000cm2 of CEAs. Unfortunately, the first two patients eventually died but the third patient with TBSA 78 %, survived. The CEAs were applied on top of widely meshed autografts to enhance the epithelialization. The exact benefit of the accelerated healing was difficult to measure. Histological staining confirmed that the cells were alive on arrival. The total costs were less than 10€/cm2.
Conclusions
Cultured epidermal autografts have not (yet) achieved large popularity. The high price and strict regulations are clear hindrances to their production and delivery. With good co-operation autologous cells can be cultured in one non-EU country and delivered to another EU country located far away, by careful planning and a strict time schedule with acceptable costs.

P.105 The production and application of CEAs across borders

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