Objectives
Although previous studies have shown that stem cells improve burn wound healing, its effect on mortality outcome in large burns remains unclear. We hypothesized that human choriodecidual mesenchymal stem cells (hcMSCs ) infusion could reduce burn mortality outcome.

Subjects and Methods
40 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into Group A (sham control, n=10), Group B (burned rats, n=10), Group C (burned rats treated with culture medium, n=10), and Group D (burned rats treated with hcMSCs, n=10). By immersing the backs of the rats in 100°C hot water for 15 s, burns of 40% total body surface area (TBSA) were inflicted. On day 0 after burns, each of the Group C rats was treated with culture medium, and each rat in Group D with a single dose of 2×10^6 hcMSCs.

Results:
Mortality outcome was evaluated on postburn day 7 and day 14. The overall mortality in burn rats was 30% (n=9/30). In the first week after burn, 4 rats died in Group C, 3 in Group B but none in D. In the second week, 1 rat died in each of the Group D and Group C. The mortality of the burn rats with hcMSCs treatment (Group D) was 10%, compared to 40% in those without (Group B and Group C).

Conclusions:
This study showed that a single dose of 2×10^6 hcMSC treatment could reduce mortality in a 40% TBSA burn rat model.