Effectiveness of Stem-Cell-Related Treatments in Healing Leprosy Ulcers: A Systematic

Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Bryan Setyoputra , Raesha Fachira Isfianto1, Jean Andrina Liem1, Felina Fortuna Utomo1
1

1
Faculty of Medicine, Pelita Harapan University, Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia

Introduction
The current study of leprosy only focuses on the prevention. Patients who have suffered from
leprosy can face disability due to the non-healing ulcers, especially plantar ulcers which often
take months or years to heal, affecting the patient’s quality of life.

Objective
This review aims to evaluate stem-cell-related treatments in healing of leprosy ulcers.

Method
This review is made by collecting data from online databases including Cochrane, PubMed,
Wiley, Scopus, and Google Scholar using the keywords “Leprosy Ulcers” AND “Stem Cells”
AND “Therapy”: RCT. We obtained data from several randomized clinical trials conducted
over the last five years and assessed the quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).
PICO analysis and MeSH terminology were also used in the Systematic Analysis of this
review.

Result
A total of four studies were included in this review. Currently, there are 5 types of stem-cells
therapy for leprosy ulcers, including: (1) human amniotic membrane-mesenchymal
stem-cell-conditioned medium (hAMMSC-CM), (2) a mixture of topical hAMMSC-CM and
vitamin C, (3) a mixture of topical hAMMSC-CM and vitamin E, Adipocyte-derived
Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Conditioned Medium (ADMSC-CM), (4) Amniotic Membrane
Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Conditioned Medium (AMSC-CM) on chronic plantar ulcers in
leprosy, and (5) Patterned wound healing effect of topical recombinant human epidermal
growth factor. NOS quality assessment shows all four studies are high quality (>7).

Conclusion
In conclusion, we found that stem-cell-related treatments showed a positive result in healing
of leprosy ulcers. However, there are many factors that may contribute to the healing of the
ulcers. Further studies regarding this are needed to optimize the management.

Keyword
Stem Cell, Treatments, Therapy, Leprosy Ulcers, Systematic Review