Combination treatment utilizing fractional ablative and continuous wave CO2 lasers for hypertrophic burn scars

BackgroundHypertrophic scars are devastating outcomes of severe burn injuries, producing physical and mental burdens. Adequate treatment is of benefit to relieve these burdens. Laser therapy has shown scar reducing effects. In this study, we compared outcomes after combination of two different lasers or single laser treatment to treat severe hypertrophic burn scars.MethodsForty patients with hypertrophic burn scars were included in one of two therapeutic groups: continuous wave CO₂ laser and fractional ablative CO₂ laser group (group 1, n = 20) or fractional ablative CO₂ laser alone group (group 2, n = 20). Hypertrophic scars were evaluated by the observer-rated Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) before and after treatment and by patient-completed questionnaires after treatment. Comparative analyses were performed before and after treatment, and time-dependent improvement was also analyzed.ResultsForty patients (54 hypertrophic scars) completed the laser treatment protocols. Group 1 exhibited significantly more improvement in VSS vascularity, pliability, and height indices than group 2 (p < 0.05). Time-dependent analysis of total VSS scores suggested that group 1 experienced more improvement during a shorter treatment period (p < 0.05). For patient-reported outcomes, group 1 noted better grades than group 2 in four indices, namely scar appearance, scar thickness, pain, and pruritus (p < 0.05).ConclusionEffective scar reduction was achieved using combination laser treatment, with significant improvement in multiple observer- and patient-reported outcomes. The shorter treatment period of the combination method can be a merit, as prolonged hypertrophic scars may increase morbidity. Nonetheless, cautious treatment protocols are necessary to avoid undesirable sequelae related to laser application.     

二氧化碳点阵激光治疗烧伤瘢痕的研究进展

This paper reviews the new progress in the research of fractional carbon dioxide laser in treating hypertrophic scar after bum injury,which remains a challenging problem for burn care surgeons.There have been many traditional therapeutic approaches,such as compression remedy,operation,and so on.However,a satisfactory method is lacking to date.In recent years,the newly developed fractional carbon dioxide laser has been employed to treat different kinds of scars,and it has been proved to be effective in terms of an improvement of scar color,texture,and rigidity.It seems to be a promising method for scar treatment in future.     

Before-after cohort study to assess the efficacy of fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser treatment of pediatric hand scars

Lasers in Medical Science - The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser (AFXL) surgery in patients with pediatric hand scars. This study...     

Argon and carbon dioxide laser treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars

Laser physiology has shown that while wound healing is generally excellent after laser impaction, it nevertheless is delayed. It is thought that this factor may be important in the treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars. These scars have been treated in a variety of ways with the laser, and the results, which have been good, are reported. A possible explanation of the complex mode of action has been given. It is thought that more work should be undertaken in this field.     

Effectiveness and safety of ablative fractional CO2 laser for the treatment of burn scars: A case-control study

BackgroundBurn scars are a major clinical challenge. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of one treatment with the ablative fractional CO₂ laser (AFL-CO₂) compared to standard burn scar treatment.MethodFrom December 2014 to October 2018 patients were prospectively recruited and treatment effects analyzed by assessing various outcome parameters from the date of first consultation and after treatment. A case control study was conducted looking at the impact of one AFL-CO₂ treatment compared to a cohort subjected to conventional conservative treatment. Adverse effects were noted at follow up.Results187 patients were included, with 167 in the AFL-CO₂, and 20 in the control cohort. Baseline demographics and scar characteristics showed no significant differences. Ultrasound measured scar thickness as well as the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) revealed a significant reduction in the treatment cohort, but no significant improvement in the control group. The POSAS-O was significantly improved in both cohorts. Subjective parameters (POSAS-P, DN4-Pain, and modified D4Pruritus scores) decreased significantly in the AFL-CO₂ cohort but remained unchanged in the control group. The BSHS-B quality of life score increased significantly in the AFL-CO₂ group, but worsened at the follow up of the untreated patients. Sub-domain analyses found the biggest differences in Affect, Body Image, Heat Sensitivity, Treatment and Work. Complications occurred in 5 patients (2.9%).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that AFL-CO₂ is an effective and safe treatment modality for burn scars improving thickness, symptoms and quality of life of burn survivors when compared to conventional scar treatment.     

Vascular patterns in mature hypertrophic burn scars treated with fractional CO2 laser

Background and Objective

Fractional CO₂ laser has recently emerged as a promising therapeutic modality to improve the texture and appearance of burn scars. An issue in many burn scars is persistent erythema, which traditionally has been treated with vascular lasers. Interestingly, fractional CO₂ lasers have been shown to improve the appearance of burn scars, including erythema, but no mechanism has been proposed for this change. Our objective is to evaluate the histopathologic changes in vasculature in burn scars treated with fractionated CO₂ laser, and to attempt to describe the mechanism behind reduced erythema following treatment.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Uncontrolled, prospective study of ten patients with mature burn scars, from a clinical and histological perspective. Biopsy specimens were obtained before and 2 months after 3 treatment sessions. Anti‐CD31 immunostaining was performed to highlight vascular patterns in biopsy specimens.

Results

In histological analysis, an increase in vascular density, particularly of small caliber vessels, was seen following treatment, with an 82.6% average increase in vasculature (P = 0.028). This increase in vascularity correlated with a decrease in clinical erythema and vascularity scores, measured using the Vancouver Scar Scale.

Conclusion

Mature hypertrophic burn scars treated with a fractional CO₂ laser showed a statistically significant increase in vascular density in the superficial dermis. A non‐statistical decrease in clinically perceived erythema and improvement of overall appearance was seen. To our knowledge, this is the first report of increased vascular density in burn scars treated with fractional CO₂ laser and suggests our prior assumptions on causes of erythema in mature hypertrophic scars may need to be challenged. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:597–600, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Combination therapy using non‐ablative fractional laser and intralesional triamcinolone injection for hypertrophic scars and keloids treatment

Combinations of various treatment modalities were shown to be more effective than monotherapy when treating hypertrophic scars and keloids. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of combination therapy with non‐ablative fractional laser and intralesional steroid injection. From May 2015 to June 2017, a total of 38 patients with hypertrophic scars or keloids were evaluated. The control group of 21 patients received steroid injection alone, and 17 patients (the combined group) received 1550‐nm erbium‐glass fractional laser treatment and steroid injection simultaneously. The mean number of treatment sessions was statistically fewer in the combined group than in the control group (6.95 vs 5.47, P = .042). There was a significant difference in the patient's scale in the combined group (14.62 vs 22.82, P = .005); however, the observer's scale was not significantly different (17.92 vs 20.55, P = .549). The recurrence rate was 38.1% (8/21) in the control group and 35.3% (6/17) in the combined groups and showed no significant difference (P = .859). However, the mean remission period was statistically longer in the combined group (3.00 months vs 4.17 months, P = .042). Combination therapy with non‐ablative fractional laser and intralesional steroid injection showed better results for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids with fewer treatment sessions, better patient satisfaction, and longer remission periods.     

Early intervention by Z-plasty combined with fractional CO2 laser therapy as a potential treatment for hypertrophic burn scars

The aim of this study is to determine whether Z-plasty combined with fractional CO₂ laser therapy can be a potential management option for hypertrophic burn scars in the proliferation stage. A total of 105 patients (46 male and 59 female patients) diagnosed with hypertrophic scars under tension but without any functional limitations were enrolled in this study. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score and scar height were analyzed and compared. The VSS scores for all scars were improved in all groups after treatment. The scar height was also significantly decreased in each group after treatment (P < 0.05). In the C group, the scar height decreased significantly to 2.62 ± 0.21 mm, which was the maximum extent at the ≦ 6 month time point compared to the decrease in the other groups. Compared to the > 12 month time point for the C group, there was a significant difference between the ≦ 6 month time point for the L group and the > 12 month time point for the Z group. The proportion of satisfied patients was highest at 89.47% at the ≦6 month time point in the C group and lowest at 65.52% at the > 12 month time point in the L group. Six representative cases are presented. Z-plasty can decrease the thickness of a hypertrophic burn scar, which not only reduces the scar tension but also makes it easy to treat the scar with a fractional CO₂ laser. Subsequent treatment with a fractional CO₂ laser can better improve the color and texture of the scar.     

Laser in the treatment of hypertrophic burn scars

This prospective study looked at the outcome of laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) treatment for hypertrophic scarring. Dermatrade mark K laser (a set of combined lasers erbium:yttrium aluminium garnet/carbon dioxide, qualified as a class IV laser) was used. Between 21 June 2000 and 19 November 2002, at the Siemianowice Burn Center, Poland, 592 interventions, using laser, were performed on N= 327 patients (220 women and 107 men, aged between 3 and 80 years). The majority of cases [N= 223 (68.9%)] were patients with post-burn hypertrophic scars, and 104 cases (31.8%) had various types of hypertrophic scars. Evaluation took place using an adapted Vancouver Scar Scale and digital photographs as well as the patient's opinion. It was noted that after laser treatment, satisfactory results were achieved in 72% of cases. The scars had become less red (192/327 scored no redness at the end of the study versus 92/327 upon initial), less raised (272/327 scored a flat scar versus 72/327 upon initial) and demonstrated an improved viscoelasticity (192/327 scored a soft skin versus 62/327 upon initial). Laser treatment did not improve contractures in post-burn hypertrophic scars. Results were not confirmed using objective measurement tools, as these were not available to us.     

压力治疗联合点阵CO2激光治疗增生性瘢痕的疗效观察

目的观察压力治疗联合点阵CO₂激光治疗增生性瘢痕的临床疗效。方法回顾分析2018年1月至2020年6月收治的烧伤后增生性瘢痕患者74例。其中,对照组采用压力治疗(42例);观察组采用压力联合点阵CO₂激光治疗(32例)。治疗结束6个月后采用温哥华瘢痕量表(VSS)进行瘢痕评分,以视觉模拟评分法(VAS)进行瘢痕瘙痒及疼痛评分,并记录不良反应发生情况。结果观察组VSS评分显著高于对照组(P<0.05),且瘢痕的瘙痒及疼痛较对照组明显减轻,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组不良反应发生率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论压力治疗联合点阵CO₂激光是一种安全有效的治疗增生性瘢痕的方法。     

Fractional ablative laser therapy for the treatment of severe burn scars: A pilot study of the underlying mechanisms

Ablative fractional resurfacing is clinically an efficient treatment for burn scar management. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the poorly understood mechanisms underlying ablative fractional CO2 laser (AFL-CO2) therapy in relation to biomarkers S100 and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1). S100 stains for Langerhans cells and neuronal cells, potentially representing the pruritus experienced. 11β-HSD1 catalyses the interconversion of cortisol and cortisone in cells, promoting tissue remodelling. Immunohistochemical analysis of S100 and 11β-HSD1 protein expression in the dermis and epidermis of the skin was performed on normal skin, before and after AFL-CO2 therapy. Data assessing outcome parameters was collected concurrently with the skin biopsies. 13 patients were treated with AFL-CO2 therapy. Langerhans cells decreased by 39% after 2nd treatment. Neuronal cells were overexpressed before treatment in the scar tissue by 91% but levels returned to that resembling normal skin. 11β-HSD1 expression in keratinocytes was significantly higher after laser treatment compared to before in scar tissue (p <0.01). No clear correlation was found in dermal fibroblast numbers throughout the treatment course. Whilst the role of the explored mechanisms and their association with clinical outcomes cannot conclusively be stated, this pilot study demonstrates promising trends that encourages investigation into this relationship.     

Preliminary results of argon and carbon dioxide laser treatment of keloid scars

Argon and CO2 lasers have been used to treat 13 patients with well-established keloid scars of the trunk or earlobe. Multiple-bore-hole argon technique and total excision with the CO2 laser were attempted. One patient with an earlobe keloid responded to treatment, all other patients had no improvement.     

增生性瘢痕的激光治疗进展

<正>瘢痕是机体组织受到创伤后异常修复的结果,在愈合过程中组织过度增生,就会形成增生性瘢痕(hypertrophic scar,HS)[1]。增生性瘢痕发生率高,常发生于手术、外伤、烧伤及炎症后,即使技术很熟练的手术和伤口护理也很难避免其发生。在瘢痕成熟和治疗的漫长时间里,数以百万的患者承受着持续的症状和功能障碍,对患者的心理、生理危害很大。既往的治疗方法有瘢痕内注射、压迫疗法、抗肿瘤药物治疗、细胞因子相关治疗、硅树脂凝胶覆盖、     

Topigel in the treatment of hypertrophic scars after burn injuries

The authors present the results of a medium-term study in which they investigated the therapeutic effect of the silicone elastomer TopiGel on developing hypertrophic scars in a group of patients after burn injuries classified as IIb or deeper. The hitherto published results are very encouraging. This medium-term study confirmed the hypothesis that TopiGel has a positive effect on the reduction, stabilization and normalization of hypertrophic scars. In 48 patients (96%) out of a total of 50, stabilization of the scar occurred as well as its functional and cosmetic normalization, although the subjective view of the patients or parents (in case of pediatric patients) differed in some instances. In two children (4%) only a significant reduction of the scar occurred and not normalization, due to incorrect application of the gel by the parents, lack of adherence to basic hygienic principles or the recommended procedure of gel application. In case of repeated complications, treatment was not pursued. In two patients (4%) treatment was discontinued for a short time due to an allergic skin reaction subsequently, treatment was resumed until complete stabilization of the scar was achieved. The study ruled out a positive therapeutic effect of the silicone sheet on the painfulness of a scar and old, mature hypertrophic scars.