Transplantation of Autologous Single Hair Units Heals Chronic Wounds in Autosomal Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Proof-of-Concept Study

The study demonstrated that autologous single hair unit transplantation could effectively heal chronic wounds in a 54-year-old woman with autosomal recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a condition characterized by non-healing ulcers and a high risk of squamous cell carcinoma. Over five years, 360 follicular unit extractions (FUEs) were grafted in nine sessions, leading to significant healing of most treated ulcers and reducing the patient's daily wound dressing time. The treatment showed an 80% reduction in ulcer area on the right upper back by Day 17 post-grafting. The procedure was safe, easy to perform, and did not require laboratory manipulation, making it a promising solution for RDEB patients with chronic wounds.