Laser Doppler flowmetry for the early detection of hypertrophic burn scars

In this preliminary study it was hypothesized that patients with hypertrophic scars have increased microcirculatory perfusion in the areas of scarring. Sixteen former patients whose burn injuries involved less than 30% TBSA and who required autologous skin grafting were evaluated using laser Doppler flowmetry. Data grouped at three-week intervals showed higher flow values in patients with hypertrophic scarring than in those with non-hypertrophic scars. These initial data suggest that hypertrophic scars may be associated with increased microcirculatory blood flow. These values are elevated early and could possibly serve as an early indicator for the occurrence of hypertrophic scarring.     

聚氨酯泡沫敷料在点阵激光治疗面颈部增生性瘢痕辅助治疗中的疗效观察

目的 探讨聚氨酯泡沫敷料在点阵激光治疗面部增生性瘢痕术后辅助治疗中的疗效.方法 回顾我科2018年9月至2020年12月面部烧伤后增生性瘢痕在烧伤创面愈合后3个月内采用二氧化碳点阵激光+压力治疗和二氧化碳点阵激光+聚氨酯泡沫敷料+压力治疗的86例患者,采用温哥华瘢痕量表(vancouver scar scale,vss...     

The effect of silicone gel sheets on perfusion of hypertrophic burn scars

The mechanism of action of topical silicone gel sheets on hypertrophic scars is not well understood and their effect on the blood flow within hypertrophic scars has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine whether application of silicone gel sheets produced any acute effects on blood flow in hypertrophic burn scars. Perfusion of hypertrophic scars and adjacent normal skin was measured using a laser Doppler with and without application of silicone gel sheets. Continuous measurements were made for 5 minutes before gel application, for 30 minutes during gel application and for 5 minutes following gel removal. Surface temperature of the scar was continuously monitored. An occupational therapist, blinded to the perfusion level, rated each scar using the Vancouver Scar Scale. Eighteen scars and adjacent control sites in sixteen adult burn patients (11 male, 5 female; mean age: 42 +/- 14 years) were evaluated. The mean scar age was 5.4 +/- 3.7 months. The mean Vancouver Scar Scale was 5.5 +/- 2.4. Hypertrophic scars demonstrated higher perfusion measurements at baseline compared to control areas (58.5 +/- 19.3 flux units vs 25.0 +/- 8.4 flux units; P < 0.001). Application of silicone sheeting gel did not significantly alter perfusion in either the hypertrophic scar or normal tissue from the baseline measurements. However, application of silicone gel sheeting did significantly increase the mean baseline surface temperature of the hypertrophic scar from 29 +/- 0.8 degrees C to 30.7 +/- 0.6 degrees C (P < 0.001). The mechanism of action of silicone gel sheeting probably does not involve an acute alteration in blood flow within the scar. However, surface temperature of the scar increased significantly following gel application, raising the possibility that temperature alteration is involved in the mechanism of action.     

Exploration of nonsurgical scar modification options: can the irregular surface of matured mesh graft scars be smoothed with microdermabrasion?

The purpose of this study was to determine, in principle, whether microdermabrasion can alter waffle-pattern (meshed split-thickness skin graft) burn scars after scar maturation. Matured waffle-pattern mesh-graft scars were treated with multiple microdermabrasion sessions over the course of a year (maximum 20). Before and after treatment, the treated scars and the control scar on the same patient were assessed with subjective and objective scar assessment tools (scar scales, cutometer [elasticity], laser Doppler flowmeter [vascularity], Semmes-Weinstein filaments [sensation], and high-resolution ultrasound [thickness]). The treatment resulted in continuous improvement of some physiologic skin functions like perfusion response (feedback), thickness, and elasticity when compared with nontreated scar, although no statistical significance was reached. Both Vancouver scar scale and patient assessment scales showed significant improvement. The study showed that even mature waffle pattern scars can be modified by minimally invasive interventions. Larger study groups and more economic treatment modalities need to be studied in the future.     

Pressure therapy for the control of hypertrophic scar formation after burn injury. A history and review

Devastating functional problems can result from the formation of hypertrophic scar tissue after burn injury. Although a patient with burns may have several medical problems to contend with because of the injury, most ongoing rehabilitation difficulties are a consequence of the continual wound contraction that occurs in immature burn scars. Treatment of hypertrophic burn scar consists of several surgical options and of pressure therapy, which traditionally involves wearing garments made from elasticized fabric. This article reviews the treatment of hypertrophic scar tissue, with emphasis on its history and on nonsurgical methods of managing the burn scar.     

Analysis of gene expression patterns in human postburn hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic scars cause cosmetic disfigurement and limited mobility in burn patients. To better understand the molecular pathophysiology of hypertrophic scar formation, microarray analyses were performed on normal skin and hypertrophic scars from four burn patients. Microarray analyses were determined in an effort to identify genes whose expression discriminated between normal skin and mature, hypertrophic scars. Surgical biopsies were obtained from two pediatric and two adult patients 6 to 15 months after burn injury. Total RNA was isolated from the samples and subjected to microarray analysis using the Affymetrix U95Av2 GeneChip. Results from this analysis revealed 31 probe sets representing genes that were consistently up-regulated at least two-fold in hypertrophic scar specimens from all four patients and four probe sets that were down-regulated. The significance analysis of microarrays algorithm also identified 35 probe sets whose increased expression resulted in the hierarchal clustering of the hypertrophic scar and normal tissue, seven of which were identical to the six genes identified by paired analyses. These six genes all displayed elevated levels of expression in the scar tissue. Proteins encoded by the genes identified included germline oligometric matrix protein, matrix metalloproteinase-16, collagen type 1alpha, pleiotrophin, and thrombospondin-4. Although the results presented here suggest that there may be unique patterns of gene expression in hypertrophic scars that may be important in the evaluation and treatment of hypertrophic scarring, the results must be confirmed with larger datasets.     

超脉冲CO2点阵激光干预兔耳浅表性瘢痕的原位再生

背景：临床上超脉冲CO2点阵激光治疗浅表性瘢痕的效果优良,但机制不清。目的：进一步验证超脉冲CO2点阵激光干预兔耳浅表性瘢痕的效果,并探讨创面原位再生修复的相关机制。方法：用超脉冲CO2点阵激光干预兔耳浅表性瘢痕,传统络合碘治疗和湿润烧伤膏治疗两种修复方法对创面进行修复。结果与结论：湿润烧伤膏组创面愈合显著短于络合碘组（P〈0.01）。超脉冲CO2点阵激光干预兔耳浅表性瘢痕后即刻创缘无表皮干细胞标志分子细胞角蛋白19、P63蛋白表达,24h后细胞角蛋白19、P63蛋白表达。湿润烧伤膏组治疗后第4天细胞角蛋白19、P63蛋白开始增多,第7天达到高峰,第14天逐渐减少;络合碘组治疗后第4天细胞角蛋白19、P63蛋白达高峰,第7天和第14天减少。湿润烧伤膏组细胞角蛋白19、P63蛋白强阳性表达率显著高于络合碘组（P〈0.05）。提示超脉冲CO2点阵激光结合湿润暴露疗法治疗兔耳浅表性瘢痕,能更好地启动和保护表皮干细胞,促进创面原位再生修复。     

Noncontact laser Doppler imaging in burn depth analysis of the extremities

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and practical utility of a noncontact laser Doppler imager (PIM-II, Lisca Development AB, Link?ping, Sweden) in the estimation of burn depth in the upper and lower extremities. At 48 hours after burn injury, we performed scans of 35 burns in 22 patients and obtained histological samples for burn determination with hematoxylin and eosin and vimentin immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, sequential scans and tissue specimens were obtained on 10 burns at 24, 48, and 72 hours. A statistically significant inverse relationship was noted between burn depth and the laser Doppler perfusion index. Laser Doppler perfusion index values greater than 1.3 predicted a superficial dermal burn with 95% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Superficial dermal burns exhibited increased perfusion in the early burn period. Wounds showed a progressive decline in perfusion and a progressive increase in the depth of injury during a 72-hour period. This study demonstrates the advantage and accuracy of using a noncontact laser Doppler to differentiate deep dermal from superficial partial thickness burns in the extremities.     

Changes in subjective vs objective burn scar assessment over time: does the patient agree with what we think?

It is not known whether objective measurements of burn scar quality reflect, or even bear any relationship to, the patient's opinion of their scar. The purpose of this study was to determine whether any correlation exists between the rehabilitation therapist's rating of the scar using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the patient's subjective opinion of their scar. A total of 37 scars in 20 adult patients (mean age, 34 +/- 13 years; 30% female; mean %TBSA burn, 16 +/- 11%) were evaluated at 3.1 +/- 1.9 months after injury (early assessment). Patients were asked to rate their own scar (question 1) and to rate how they perceive other people view the scar (question 2). A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to score the answers to both questions. A burn occupational therapist who was blinded to the VAS scores performed a VSS rating of the scar. These evaluations were repeated 1.5 years after injury (late assessment). At the early assessment, there was no correlation between the VSS score and VAS scores for question 1 (r =.291) or question 2 (r =.371). At the late assessment, there was significant improvement in the VSS score and the VAS score for question 2. Also, a significant correlation developed between the VSS score and the VAS score for question 1 (r =.646, P =.003) but not between the VSS score and VAS score for question 2 (r =.099). The VSS measurement of the scar bears no relationship to the patient's opinion of their scar early after a burn injury. As the scar improves over time, the patient's opinion of their scar appears to improve and shows better correlation with the VSS rating. Conversely, the patient's impression of what others think of the scar continues to bear no relationship to the VSS rating, suggesting that scar acceptance by the patient is incomplete despite objective improvement in the quality of the scar. Although the VSS was never intended to measure a patient's opinion of their scar, these preliminary findings emphasize the necessity of including a patient-centered subjective component to routine scar monitoring and assessment.     

A Novel,Reliable Protocol to Objectively Assess Scar Stiffness Using Shear Wave Elastography

The aim of this research was to investigate the use of shear wave elastography as a novel tool to quantify and visualize scar stiffness after a burn. Increased scar stiffness is indicative of pathologic scarring which is associated with persistent pain, chronic itch and restricted range of movement. Fifty-five participants with a total of 96 scars and 69 contralateral normal skin sites were evaluated. A unique protocol was developed to enable imaging of the raised and uneven burn scars. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability was excellent (intra-class correlation coefficient >0.97), and test–retest reliability was good (intra-class correlation coefficient >0.85). Shear wave elastography was able to differentiate between normal skin, pathologic scars and non-pathologic scars, with preliminary cutoff values identified. Significant correlations were found between shear wave velocity and subjective clinical scar assessment (r = 0.66). Shear wave elastography was able to provide unique information associated with pathologic scarring and shows promise as a clinical assessment and research tool.     

Laser Doppler flowmetry evaluation of burn wound depth

Hypothesizing that reduced blood flow to various levels in thermally damaged dermis is related to the depth of burn, we studied 59 burns in 41 patients, with an age range of 18 months to 67 years, with improved laser Doppler blood flow technology to determine burn depth on admission. Two hundred and sixty-eight laser Doppler measurements were made in 59 burn wounds in 41 patients. Of the 129 burn wounds with laser Doppler readings of less than 1.4 on admission, 127 were classified ultimately through clinical observation as either deep second- or third-degree burns and required excision and closure. Therefore predictive value of a positive result (i.e., laser Doppler value less than 1.4) on admission was 98.4% using laser Doppler measurements. Clinical estimation did not correlate as well with the depth of injury.     

应用弹性测量仪和超声波评价烧伤后增生瘢痕的粘弹性

目的：研究应用弹性测量仪和超声波测量评价烧伤后增生瘢痕的变化。方法：自1995年1月起，长期随访18例随机选择的烧伤患者（年龄为1－60岁），应用皮肤弹性测量仪及超声波影像对患者每月测量一次皮肤在负压吸引作用下的最大变形度（R0）和粘弹性指数（R8），比较增生瘢痕与身体对侧相应部位测量的区别，并将检查结果与传统临床分度方法进行比较分析。同时也对皮肤弹性值与临床观察的瘢痕硬度进行相关性分析。结果：烧伤后增生瘢痕的R8＞0．193时，临床硬度分度也较高（9％为0度，14％为1度，30％为2度，46％为3度，83％为4度）。结论：R8＞1．93被定为预后数值，大于该数值者需要密切随访。     

像束激光治疗烧伤患者自体皮肤移植术后瘢痕形成的疗效

目的:观察YAG像束激光对烧伤患者自体皮肤移植术后瘢痕形成的临床效果。方法:自体皮肤移植术后瘢痕形成的烧伤患者96例,分为2组。观察组50例,间隔1～1.5个月进行1次激光像束治疗,共治疗3～6次。对照组46例,未进行过任何针对瘢痕的治疗。结果:治疗6个月后,观察组患者的瘢痕厚度、皮肤颜色偏红值及偏黄值、VSS评分均低于对照组(P<0.05,0.01),像束激光治疗患者的治疗次数和生活质量各维度、生活质量总分、VSS评分呈正相关关系。随着治疗次数的增加,患者的生活质量评分及VSS评分均随之增加。结论:像束激光治疗自体皮肤移植术后瘢痕形成的烧伤患者,临床效果安全可靠。     

A polarized multispectral imaging system for quantitative assessment of hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic scars (HTS) are a pathologic reaction of the skin and soft tissue to burn or other traumatic injury. Scar tissue can cause patients serious functional and cosmetic issues. Scar management strategies, specifically scar assessment techniques, are vital to improve clinical outcome. To date, no entirely objective method for scar assessment has been embraced by the medical community. In this study, we introduce for the first time, a novel polarized multispectral imaging system combining out-of-plane Stokes polarimetry and Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging (SFDI). This imaging system enables us to assess the pathophysiology (hemoglobin, blood oxygenation, water, and melanin) and structural features (cellularity and roughness) of HTS. To apply the proposed technique in an in vivo experiment, dermal wounds were created in a porcine model and allowed to form into scars. The developed scars were then measured at various time points using the imaging system. Results showed a good agreement with clinical Vancouver Scar Scale assessment and histological examinations.OCIS codes: (110.0110) Imaging systems, (110.4234) Multispectral and hyperspectral imaging     

无细胞异体真皮基质在烧伤后整形患者功能部位的应用

AIM:To investigate the effect of allogeneic acellular dermal matrix(ADM) on cograft in joint functional positions of patients with post burn plastic operation. METHODS:9 patients with hypertrophic scar and joint dysfunction after severe burns were used. After pre treating with trypsin and TritonX 100, 13 reticulated ADM were overlapped with autogenous ultrathin split thickness skin grafts(USTS), and were transplanted to the scar excision wounds in the joints of four limbs at the same time. The neighbouring autogenous thin split thickness skin grafts(TSTS) were used as control.RESULTS:The composite skin grafts as well as the controls were all survived. The rejection and hypertrophic scars were not found during (1- 5) years follow up studies. The appearance, fiber and function of composite skin grafts were near to normal skins. CONCLUSION:The ADM could be used to joint functional positions of patients with post burn hypertrophic scars and could produce satisfactory plastic results as dermal substitute.     

Hypertrophic scar

Hypertrophic scars are common complications of burn injury and other soft tissue injuries. Excessive extracellular matrix combined with inadequate remodeling of scar tissue results in an aesthetically and functionally unsatisfactory, painful, pruritic scar that can impair function. Treatment options are available to rehabilitation practitioners, but none are entirely satisfactory. An interdisciplinary clinical program is necessary for best outcomes. Challenges to be met by the rehabilitation community include research into the quantification of burn scar measurement, the effects of mechanical forces on wound healing and scar management, and the best combination of surgical, pharmacologic, and therapy interventions to maximize outcome from reconstructive procedures.     

A型肉毒毒素联合持续减张法及面部瘢痕切除术治疗面部小面积瘢痕患者的疗效评价

目的探讨A型肉毒毒素联合持续减张法及面部瘢痕切除术治疗面部小面积瘢痕患者的疗效。方法选取2019年1月~2020年6月我院面部小面积瘢痕患者126例,简单随机化法分为观察组(n=63)、对照组(n=63)。两组均行面部瘢痕切除术,术后对照组予以常规治疗,观察组予以A型肉毒毒素联合持续减张法。比较两组疗效、不良反应发生率、手术前后温哥华瘢痕量表(VSS)、术后1个月、3个月肉芽组织成熟分级及患者和观测者瘢痕评价量表(POSAS)。结果观察组优良率95.24%高于对照组76.19%(P<0.05);两组术后VSS评分逐渐降低,术后1个月、3个月观察组低于对照组(P<0.05);术后1个月、3个月观察组肉芽组织成熟分级优于对照组,OSAS、PSAS评分低于对照组(P<0.05);两组不良反应发生率对比,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论A型肉毒毒素联合持续减张法及面部瘢痕切除术治疗面部小面积瘢痕效果显著,可有效促进肉芽组织成熟,减轻患者瘢痕,提高美观满意度,且安全性高。     

血小板源生长因子及其受体在烧伤肉芽组织和增生性瘢痕中的表达

目的探讨血小板源生长因子 (PDGF)及其受体在瘢痕增生过程中的作用。方法采用多克隆抗体并以免疫组织化学方法检测 9例正常真皮、7例肉芽组织及 34例增生性瘢痕标本中的PDGF及其受体和Ⅰ型胶原的表达情况。结果PDGF及其受体在肉芽组织和增生性瘢痕中的表达明显增强 ,在 6个月以内的增生性瘢痕中达到高峰 ,此后逐渐减弱 ;而正常真皮组织中仅少数标本呈微弱表达 (P <0 .0 5 )。结论PDGF及其受体表达的增强可能与瘢痕的增生密切相关     

2 940 nm饵像素激光对早期、成熟瘢痕干预效果的临床观察

目的:观察、对比2 940 nm饵像素激光对早期、成熟瘢痕的干预效果,探究2 940 nm饵像素激光对早期瘢痕形成防治的相关机制。方法:选取2012年1月²013年1月于我科就诊的60例手术切口缝合或外伤清创缝合后早期、成熟瘢痕,分为两个组,早期瘢痕组(拆线后2 d)和成熟瘢痕组(拆线后6个月),均给予铒像素激光处理。治疗前、治疗后应用VSS评分系统对瘢痕情况进行评价,并由患者、医生和第三方分别对两组瘢痕情况进行评价(三方对于瘢痕情况客观给予评分,5分制,以三者平均分作为最终分数)。结果:两组病例均随访半年,早期瘢痕治疗前与治疗后相比,色泽、厚度方面具有明显变化(P<0.01),成熟瘢痕治疗前、治疗后相比,在色泽、厚度、柔软度方面均具有显著性差异(P<0.01),两组治疗前后患者、医生、第三者满意度均具有显著性差异(P<0.01);早期瘢痕治疗后与成熟瘢痕治疗后相比,在色泽、厚度、柔软度上具有显著性差异(P<0.05),患者、医生、第三者满意度具有显著性差异(P<0.05)。结论:2 940 nm饵像素激光对早期瘢痕干预效果好,对成熟瘢痕疗效佳,值得临床推广。