The use of a polylactide‐based copolymer as a temporary skin substitute in deep dermal burns: 1‐year follow‐up results of a prospective clinical noninferiority trial

Deep dermal burns can be covered with different kind of materials and techniques; one of them is a polylactide‐based temporary skin substitute. The aim of this study was to intraindividually compare its 1‐year outcome with the results obtained by use of autologous skin grafts in patients suffering from deep dermal burns. A prospective noninferiority trial was designed in order to assess skin quality and scar formation by use of subjective (Vancouver Scar Scale; Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale) and objective (noninvasive cutometry) burn scar assessment tools. All items of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, except vascularity, were found to be noninferior in the areas covered with the temporary skin substitute vs. autologous skin. Results of objective scar evaluation showed comparable viscoelastic parameters without reaching noninferiority. Overall, the outcome of deep dermal burns covered with a polylactide‐based temporary skin substitute revealed satisfactory results in terms of scar formation and skin quality as compared with autologous skin. This paper supports its use in deep dermal burns, where autologous skin donor sites require either to be reserved for coverage of full‐thickness skin defects in severe burns or to be saved for reduction of additional morbidity in selected patient collectives.     

Lower limb functional status and its determinants in moderate/major burns 3–6 months following injury: A two-center observational study

IntroductionSevere complications which may cause impaired physical functionoften develops over time following severe burn to the lower extremities. The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical determinants of lower limb functional status, functional mobility and exercise capacity in moderate/major burns 3–6 months following the injury.MethodsThe study included 42 patients, 12 with moderate injury and 30 with major injury, aged 19–59 years old. Lower Limb Functional Index was used to determine the lower limb functional status. Functional mobility and exercise capacity were evaluated with the Timed Up and Go test and the 6-min walk test, respectively. Scar quality and kinesiophobia were assessed with the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, respectively. Active range of motion (ROM) was measured with a universal goniometer.ResultsSignificant and independent predictors of lower limb functional status, functional mobility and exercise capacity related to POSAS score, kinesiophobia level, gender, burn severity, the number of operations, the presence of burnsinvolving any of the lower limb joints, knee ROM limitations, limitation in any of the lower limb joint ROMs, comorbidities, and truncal burns (p < 0.05).ConclusionsBurn characteristics and clinical evaluations of patients are important determinants of the lower limb functional status, mobility and exercise capacity in burn patients. These predictors should be considered to improve physical functions related to the lower limb when creating a personalized rehabilitation program.     

Patterns and predictors of burn scar outcome in the first 12 months after burn: The patient’s perspective

ObjectiveThis study aimed to provide insight into the patterns and factors that predict burn scar outcomes at 3, 6 and 12 months after burn.MethodsThe Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was used to assess the scar formation of each patient. Structural equation modelling was used. The predictor variables used in this study were sex, three age categories, TBSA, depth of the wound and cause of the burn.ResultsThe POSAS patient total and individual item scores demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the first 12 months after burn, except for the relief item. Male patients had a lower total and items scores (better scar quality) for pain and pruritus compared with female patients. Full thickness burns had a higher scores for pruritus, pliability, thickness and relief compared to the partial-thickness burns. Ages younger than 5 years, higher TBSA values and flame burns were predictors of various POSAS items at 3 and 6 months after burn.ConclusionThe POSAS patient total and individual item scores demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the scar quality in the first 12 months after burn, except for the relief. Sex, age, depth of the wound, the percentage of TBSA and flame burns were predictors of various POSAS patient items at 3, 6 and 12 months after burn.     

Cross‐cultural adaptation,reproducibility and validation of the Italian version of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)

The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) is one of the most robust instruments to assess scar quality, but there is no Italian version, and no other competing instruments are available in Italian. The aim of this study was to translate and validate an Italian version of POSAS (POSAS‐I). POSASv2.0 was culturally adapted in accordance with international standards. The psychometric assessment included acceptability/feasibility, internal consistency, reproducibility, construct validity and sensitivity to change. Cultural equivalence of POSAS‐I with the English version was confirmed. The validation study included 102 subjects with surgical scars. Both subscales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0·72–0·80). Reproducibility of the OSAS‐I (ICCs = 0·93–0·94; SEM = 1·8 points; MDC₉₅ = 5·1 points) was superior to that of PSAS‐I (ICC = 0·65; SEM = 5·7 points; MDC₉₅ = 15·7 points). OSAS‐I showed moderate to good correlations with the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), Global Rating of Change Scale (GRCS) and PSAS‐I. Sensitivity to change was large for PSAS‐I (effect size = 1·08; standardised response mean = 0·96) and moderate to large for OSAS‐I (ES = 0·69; SRM = 0·92). This study confirmed that POSAS‐I can be used to assess patients with surgical scars in the Italian population. OSAS‐I is useful for clinical and research purposes, while PSAS‐I should be better used to capture patients' own opinions and symptoms in clinical settings.     

Epidermal-cell-based therapy as an adjunct to healing second degree burns—A randomized controlled pilot study

BackgroundHealing of partial-thickness (2a and 2b) burns is notoriously unpredictable as far as healing time, scarring and (hypo)pigmentation is concerned. Epidermal blister grafting is an autologous grafting technique involving transfer of epidermal islands without dermal elements. Cellutome™ is an FDA-acknowledged epidermal harvesting device. This proof-of-concept study evaluates whether blister grafting of partial-thickness burns results in improved healing compared to standard acellular treatment.MethodsThis is a randomized controlled trial with 8 patients in which each patient received both treatments randomized to different burn sites. Healing was assessed at regular intervals. Twelve months after treatment, outcomes were measured with the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), photography, spectrometry, Semmes-Weinstein Filaments, cutometry and high-resolution ultrasound.ResultsAreas treated with epidermal blister grafting healed slightly faster than acellular treatment. Epidermal treatment yielded healing with less erythema, closer to that of surrounding normal skin (p = 0.0404). Donor sites were not visible and not measurably different than normal skin.ConclusionsResults favor cellular over acellular technique for the treatment of partial-thickness (2a and 2b) burns. Significant improvement in erythema implies a higher quality healing process. Further studies should look primarily at larger areas of treatment, and larger sample size.     

基于循证医学的产妇手术切口护理对剖宫产切口美观性及情绪状态的影响

目的 探讨基于循证医学的切口护理模式对剖宫产切口美观性及情绪状态的影响。方法 选取 2022年6月-2023年6月南京医科大学附属妇产医院/南京市妇幼保健院行剖宫产的102例初产妇作为研究对 象,随机分为对照组和观察组,每组51例。对照组实施常规护理,观察组则在此基础上予以基于循证医 学的切口护理模式,比较两组患者瘢痕评价量表（PSAS）、观察者瘢痕评价量表（OSAS）、皮肤科生 活质量指数（DLQI）、Zung抑郁自评量表（Zung-SDS）等级以及Zung焦虑自评量表（Zung-SAS）。 结果 观察组PSAS、OSAS、DLQI各维度评分及总分低于对照组（P ＜0.05）;观察组Zung-SDS抑郁等 级、（Zung-SAS）焦虑等级优于对照组（P＜0.05）。结论 基于循证医学的产妇手术切口护理有助于改善 术后切口美观度,提高生活质量,减轻其心理压力,降低抑郁和焦虑的发生率。     

The added value of extending the EQ-5D-5L with an itching item for the assessment of health-related quality of life of burn patients: an explorative study

IntroductionHealth-related quality of life (HRQL) is an important outcome in burn care and research. An advantage of a generic HRQL instrument, like the EQ-5D, is that it enables comparison of outcomes with other conditions and the general population. However, the downside is that it does not include burn specific domains, like scar issues or itching. Adding extra items to a generic instrument might overcome this issue. This study explored the potential and added value of extending the EQ-5D-5L with a burn-specific item, using a itching item as an example.MethodsThe EQ-5D-5L and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was completed by adult patients 5–7 years after injury. A separate POSAS itching item was used to study the added value of an itching item for the EQ-5D-5L. The EQ-5D-5L + Itching was created by adding the POSAS itching item to the EQ-5D-5L. Five psychometric properties were compared between EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D-5L + Itching: distribution (e.g. ceiling), informativity cf. Shannon’s indices, convergent validity, dimension dependency, and explanatory power respectively.ResultsA total of 243 patients were included, of whom 49% reported any itching on the POSAS. Adding an itching item to the EQ-5D-5L decreased the ceiling effect, and resulted in increased absolute informativity (H’ = 4.76 vs. H’ = 3.64) and relative informativity (J’ = 0.34 vs. J’ = 0.31). The extra itching item decreased the convergent validity (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient = ?0.51 vs. ?0.59). Mutual dependency of dimensions existed, showing that all other items were dominant over the itching item. Adding the itching item to the standard EQ-5D-5L barely improved explanatory power (49.3% vs. 49.0%).ConclusionsPThe present study showed adding a burn-specific item to the EQ-5D-5L is possible and has potential. However, 5 to 7 years after injury, adding an itching item to the EQ-5D-5L provides little additional information; the gain in terms of added value is relatively small. Apart from instances where itching information is specifically needed, a strong case is not present for adding an itching item to the EQ-5D-5L for long-term (>5 yr after burns) HRQL assessment in burn patients. In early time periods after burn, the added value might be greater and we recommend exploring this potential in future studies, ideally on multiple timepoints after burn.     

Health related quality of life 5–7 years after minor and severe burn injuries: a multicentre cross-sectional study

IntroductionBurn injury can affect health-related quality of life (HRQL). Knowledge concerning long-term HRQL in burn patients is limited. Therefore our aim was to evaluate long-term HRQL and to study predictors of impaired long-term HRQL.MethodsAll adults with a length of stay (LOS) of ≥1 day (2011–2012) were invited. Also, adults with severe burns, i.e., >20% total body surface area (TBSA) burned or TBSA full thickness>5% (2010–2013) were invited. Participants completed the EuroQol(EQ)-5 D-5L + C and visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) 5–7 years after burns.ResultsThis study included 256 patients (mean %TBSA 10%); 187 patients with minor burns and 69 patients with severe burns. Mean EQ-5D summary was 0.90 and EQ-VAS 83.2 in the minor burn patients, and 0.79 and 78.1 in the severe burn patients. Some problems in at least one dimension were experienced by 81% of patients with severe burns and 45% of those with minor burns. However, a minority reported severe or extreme problems; 15% of those with severe burns and 6% of those with minor burns. Patients with severe burns reported significantly more problems, except for anxiety/depression. In both patient groups most problems were reported on pain/discomfort. Length of hospital stay, gender and age were associated with lower long-term HRQL (EQ-VAS) in multivariate analyses, whereas only length of stay was associated with a lower summary score.ConclusionsThe majority of patients experienced some problems with HRQL 5–7 years post burn. This emphasizes that burns can have a negative impact on an individual’s HRQL, particularly in more severely burned patients, that persists for years. The HRQL dimensions most frequently affected include pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Patients with a prolonged hospital stay, females and older patients are at higher risk of poor HRQL in the long-term.     

Patient‐reported scar quality of adults after burn injuries: A five‐year multicenter follow‐up study

Scar formation is an important adverse consequence of burns. How patients appraise their scar quality is often studied shortly after sustaining the injury, but information in the long‐term is scarce. Our aim was, therefore, to evaluate long‐term patient‐reported quality of burn scars. Adults with a burn center admission of ≥1 day between August 2011 and September 2012 were invited to complete a questionnaire on long‐term consequences of burns. We enriched this sample with patients with severe burns (>20% total body surface area [TBSA] burned or TBSA full thickness >5%) treated between January 2010 and March 2013. Self‐reported scar quality was assessed with the Patient Scale of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Patients completed this scale for their—in their opinion—most severe scar ≥5 years after burns. This study included 251 patients with a mean %TBSA burned of 10%. The vast majority (91.4%) reported at least minor differences with normal skin (POSAS item score ≥2) on one or more scar characteristics and 78.9% of the patients’ overall opinion was that their scar deviated from normal skin. Patients with severe burns had higher POSAS scores, representing worse scar quality, than patients with mild/intermediate burns, except for color, which was high in both groups. A longer hospital stay predicted reduced scar quality (both mean POSAS and mean overall opinion of the scar) in multivariate analyses. In addition, female gender was also associated with a poorer overall opinion of the scar. In conclusion, this study provides new insights in long‐term scar quality. Scars differed from normal skin in a large part of the burn population more than 5 years after burns, especially in those with severe burns. Female gender is associated with a poorer patients’ overall opinion of their scar, which may be an indication of gender differences in perception of scar quality after burns.     

Investigating the intra- and inter-rater reliability of a panel of subjective and objective burn scar measurement tools

BackgroundResearch into the treatment of hypertrophic burn scar is hampered by the variability and subjectivity of existing outcome measures. This study aims to measure the inter- and intra-rater reliability of a panel of subjective and objective burn scar measurement tools.MethodsThree independent assessors evaluated 55 scar and normal skin sites using subjective (modified Vancouver Scar Scale [mVSS] & Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale [POSAS]) and objective tools. The intra-class correlation coefficient was utilised to measure reliability (acceptable when >0.70). Patient satisfaction with the different tools and scar parameter importance were assessed via questionnaires.ResultsThe inter-rater reliabilities of the mVSS and POSAS were below the acceptable limit. For erythema and pigmentation, all of the Scanoskin and DSM II measures (except the b* value) had acceptable to excellent intra and inter-rater reliability. The Dermascan ultrasound (dermal thickness, intensity) had excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability (>0.90). The Cutometer R0 (firmness) had acceptable reliability but not R2 (gross elasticity). All objective measurement tools had good overall satisfaction scores. Patients rated scar related pain and itch as more important compared to appearance although this finding was not sustained when corrected for multiple comparisons.ConclusionThe objective scar measures demonstrated acceptable to excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability and performed better than the subjective scar scales.     

Clinimetric properties of a translated and culturally adapted Norwegian version of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale for use in clinical practice and research

PurposeTo translate and culturally adapt the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, POSAS, to Norwegian and explore its test-retest, intra- and inter-tester reliability.MethodsPOSAS was translated into Norwegian following international guidelines in collaboration with an international translation bureau. Twenty-six adults and 24 children were recruited from a burns outpatient clinic. Three observer-categories: doctor, nurse and physiotherapist, assessed the patients’ scars and scored the Observer scale for estimating inter-tester reliability. Photos of the scars were taken and used to score the Observer scale a second time for examining intra-tester reliability. The patients or parents/next of kin rated their scar on the Patient scale at the clinic and after two days at home for examining test-retest reliability. Intraclass correlation (ICC) and Kappa were used for statistical analysis.ResultsA Norwegian version of POSAS (POSAS-NV) was developed. Inter-tester ICC of the Observer parameters varied between 0.203 and 0.728, and for the total sum score, ICC = 0.528 (0.280–0.708). Intra-tester ICC of the Observer scale ranged between 0.575 and 0.858. The Patient scale demonstrated high test–retest reliability.ConclusionsIntra-tester reliability of the Observer scale and test–retest reliability of the Patient scale of POSAS-NV were found satisfactory, but not inter-tester reliability of the Observer scale.     

Translation of the Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS) to French with cross-cultural adaptation,reliability evaluation and validation

Background

Patient esthetic satisfaction related to scarring after orthopedic surgery was rarely assessed before the development of the Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS). The purpose of our study was to translate and validate the PSAS and assess the psychometric properties of the French version.

Methods

We conducted a staged validation with forward and backward translation and concurrent validation. The validation committee comrpised bilingual experts. The patient validation sample comprised 53 orthopedic surgery patients who were assessed at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. We followed a standardized process for cross-cultural adaptation to develop and assess the French version. First, 2 independent translators completed the forward translation of the PSAS and then met to achieve a consensus version. This consolidated version was then backward translated into English and cross-verified with the original version. A group of orthopedic and plastic surgeons assessed this version for content validity. We assessed the test–retest reliability of the new French scale, which was filled out twice by a cohort of 53 patients, using scale distribution analysis, internal consistency (Chronbach α) and absolute agreement (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC (2,1)]).

Results

The level of agreement on the translation process between the translators initially and then later among the expert panel was high. The reliability of the translated version (PSAS-Fr) and its internal consistency was high (Chronback α 0.87–0.98 for each of the 6 questions), and the test–retest reliability was excellent (ICC 0.96). On the other hand, there was no bias between occasions (retests difference −0.24) and the scores fell within 2 standard deviations of 5. Older patients had higher satisfaction about scar appearance.

Conclusion

The PSAS-Fr was successfully translated from the original English version and demonstrated strong cross-sectional psychometric properties. Further assessment in longitudinal studies is warranted.     

综合护理干预对剖宫产产妇手术切口美观性的影响

目的 分析综合护理干预对剖宫产产妇手术切口美观性的影响。方法 选取我院2023年1月-12月 行择期剖宫产产妇100例作为研究对象,采用随机数字表法将产妇分为对照组和观察组,每组50例。对 照组实施围术期护理干预,观察组在对照组基础上予以综合护理干预,比较两组瘢痕评分[瘢痕评价量表 （PSAS）和观察者瘢痕评价量表（OSAS）]、切口美观性、切口疼痛评分。结果 观察组PSAS各维度评分 及OSAS各维度评分均低于对照组（P ＜0.05）;观察组切口美观性满意率高于对照组（P ＜0.05）;观察组 切口疼痛评分低于对照组（P ＜0.05）。结论 对剖宫产产妇进行综合护理干预能淡化术后切口瘢痕,提升 切口美观性,减轻切口疼痛,值得临床应用。     

The use of Suprathel(®) in deep dermal burns: first results of a prospective study

Introduction

While autologous skin grafting has been the standard for coverage of full-thickness areas, several options for deep-partial-thickness defects exist. With regard to economising donor sites, we compared a copolymer based on dl-lactid acid (Suprathel^®) as temporary wound dressing with autologous skin, and analysed time to healing and scar quality in matched areas of deep-partial-thickness burn.

Methods

We recruited 18 patients with a median age of 45 years (range: 25–83 years), for this prospective, non-blinded controlled non-inferiority study, suffering from deep-partial-thickness burns from November 2009 to July 2010. After early tangential excision, matched deep-partial-thickness areas were covered with 1:1.5 meshed autologous skin grafts and the copolymer for direct intra-individual comparison. Scars were evaluated by means of the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and suction cutometry (MPA 580, Courage and Khazaka Electronic GmbH, Cologne, Germany) on days 30 and 90, postoperatively.

Results

Fifteen days after surgery, complete wound closure was present in 44.4% (8/18) of all areas covered with copolymer and 88.9% (16/18) in the split-thickness skin graft (STSG) area (p = 0.008). Evaluation of the total VSS, POSAS and cutometry satisfied the criterion of non-inferiority for Suprathel^® on day 30. Ninety days after surgery, only the Observer Scar Scale showed that Suprathel is non-inferior to STSG, albeit the mean total VSS and Patient Scar Scale were better in Suprathel^® areas.

Conclusion

Suprathel^® represents a solid, reliable epidermal skin substitute with longer healing times in comparison to skin grafts but comparable results concerning early scar formation. Suprathel^® can serve as a tool in treatment portfolio for adult patients suffering from deep dermal burns. Especially in patients with extensive burns, Suprathel^® can be used to cover the deep dermal burn wounds to save STSGs and its donor sites for the coverage of full-thickness burned areas.     

Patient-reported scar quality of donor-sites following split-skin grafting in burn patients: Long-term results of a prospective cohort study

BackgroundSkin grafting is the current gold standard for treatment of deeper burns. How patients appraise the donor-site scar is poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term patient-reported quality of donor-site scars after split skin grafting and identify possible predictors.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted. Patients were included in a Dutch burn centre during one year. Patient-reported quality of donor-site scars and their worst burn scar was assessed at 12 months using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Mixed model analyses were used to identify predictors of scar quality.ResultsThis study included 115 donor-site scars of 72 patients with a mean TBSA burned of 11.2%. The vast majority of the donor-site scars (84.4%) were rated as having at least minor differences with normal skin (POSAS item score ≥2) on one or more scar characteristics and the overall opinion on 80.9% of the donor-site scars was that they deviated from normal skin 12 months after surgery. The overall opinion on the donor-site scar was 3.2 ± 2.1 vs. 5.1 ± 2.4 on the burn scar. A younger age, female gender, a darker skin type, and location on the lower leg were predictors of reduced donor-site scar quality. In addition, time to re-epithelization was associated with scar quality.ConclusionThis study provided new insights in long-term scar quality of donor-sites. Donor-site scars differed from normal skin in a large part of the population 12 months after surgery. Results of this study can be used to inform patients on the long-term outcomes of their scars and to tailor preventive or therapeutic treatment options.     

Objective quantification of burn scar stiffness using shear-wave elastography: Initial evidence of validity

Shear-wave elastography (SWE) is an ultrasound based technology that can provide reliable measurements (velocity) of scar stiffness. The aim of this research was to evaluate the concurrent validity of using both the measured velocity and the calculated difference in velocity between scars and matched controls, in addition to evaluating potential patient factors that may influence the interpretation of the measurements.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 32 participants, with 48 burn scars and 48 matched contralateral control sites were evaluated with SWE, the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) tactile sub-scores.ResultsSpearman’s rho demonstrated high correlations (r > 0.7) between the measured scar velocity and both the POSAS and VSS pliability sub-scores, whereas moderate correlations (r > 0.6) were found with the calculated difference in velocity. Regression analysis indicated that the association of increased velocity in scars, varied by length of time after burn injury and gender. Body location and Fitzpatrick skin type also demonstrated significant associations with velocity, whereas age did not.ConclusionSWE shows potential as a novel tool to quantify burn scar stiffness, however patient factors need to be considered when interpreting results. Further research is recommended on a larger variety of scars to support the findings.     

The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale: Translation for portuguese language,cultural adaptation,and validation

Evaluating scars is fundamental to analyse the outcome of treatments that include surgical intervention. Scales facilitate this type of assessment, but most of these measuring instruments are in different languages. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) is one of the most robust instruments available in the literature for the evaluation of scars, although there is no validated version in Brazilian Portuguese. The aims of this study were to culturally translate and validate POSAS for the Portuguese language of Brazil and to test its reproducibility, face validity, content, and construct. Following the methodology proposed by Beaton DE, Bombardier C, Guillemin F, Ferraz, MB, Spine 2000, 25, 3186, the questionnaire was translated and adapted to the Brazilian culture. The reproducibility, face, content, and construct validity were then analysed. In all, the scale was applied to 35 patients with postoperative scars (patient version) and 35 hand surgery specialists (version for the observer). The internal consistency was tested by Cronbach's alpha, and construct validation was performed by correlating the translated instrument with the Brazilian Portuguese translation of the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). The cultural adaptation of POSAS Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP) was confirmed. Both subscales showed strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.77‐0.93), demonstrating reliability. The reproducibility was excellent, and the adapted scale demonstrated significant intra‐ and inter‐observer reproducibility (r > 0.9) (P < 0.05). The validity of the construct was significant and showed good sensitivity between POSAS EMP/UNIFESP and the VSS. This study confirmed that POSAS EPM/UNIFESP can be used to evaluate patients with surgical scars in the Brazilian population. It has proven to be useful for clinical and research purposes, lending itself to capturing medical opinions and those of the patients themselves.     

The longitudinal validity,reproducibility and responsiveness of the Brisbane Burn Scar Impact Profile (caregiver report for young children version) for measuring health-related quality of life in children with burn scars

BackgroundThe measurement of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) provides information about the perceived burden of the health condition and treatments from a lived experience. The Brisbane Burn Scar Impact Profile (caregiver report for young children, BBSIP^0–8), developed in 2013, is a proxy-report measure of burn scar-specific HRQoL. The aim of this study was to report its psychometric properties in line with an evaluative purpose.MethodsCaregivers of children up to 8 years of age at risk of burn scarring were recruited into a prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Caregivers completed the BBSIP^0–8, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale at baseline (approximately ≥85% of the total body surface area re-epithelialised), 1–2 weeks after baseline and 1-month after baseline. Psychometric properties measured included internal consistency, test–retest reliability, validity and responsiveness.ResultsEighty-six caregivers of mostly male children (55%), of a median age (IQR) of 1 year, 10 months (2 years, 1 month) and total body surface area burn of 1.5% (3.0%) were recruited. Over one third of participants were grafted and 15% had contractures or skin tightness at baseline. Internal consistency of ten item groups ranged from 0.73 to 0.96. Hypothesised correlations of changes in the BBSIP^0–8 items with changes in criterion measures supported longitudinal validity (ρ ranging from ?0.73 to 0.68). The majority of item groups had acceptable reproducibility (ICC = 0.65–0.83). The responsiveness of five item groups was supported (AUC = 0.71–0.90).ConclusionThe psychometric properties tested support the use of the BBSIP^0–8 as an evaluative measure of burn scar-related health-related quality of life for children aged below eight years in the early post-acute period of rehabilitation. Further investigation at longer time period after burn injury is indicated.     

The effect of incisional negative pressure wound therapy on the improvement of postoperative cosmetic suture wounds and scar hyperplasia

This study aimed to explore the effects of early incisional negative pressure wound therapy (INPWT) on cosmetic suture wounds and postoperative scar hyperplasia. We retrospectively evaluated 120 patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection at the Changhai Hospital between February 2018 and October 2021 and divided them into two groups according to their treatment: the INPWT group (n = 60) and the control group (n = 60). The quality of post-surgical wound healing in the two groups was evaluated. The Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS), the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the surgical incision scar at 1-year follow-up. At this follow-up visit, 115 patients underwent reexamination; five patients were lost to follow-up, including two patients in the INPWT group and three patients in the control group. The INPWT group showed better wound healing than the control group (P < .05). The proportion of patients who received INPWT was significantly higher in the non-surgical site infection (SSI) group than in the SSI group (P < .05). The PSAS, VSS and VAS scores were significantly improved in the INPWT group compared with those in the control group (P < .05). Our results show that INPWT improved the quality of cosmetic suture wounds and reduced the degree of postoperative scar hyperplasia.     

Early physiotherapy experience with a biodegradable polyurethane dermal substitute: Therapy guidelines for use

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate and develop range of motion (ROM) and mobilisation guidelines in adult patients where a newly developed synthetic dermal substitute was applied in our adult burn centre.MethodA retrospective case note audit was conducted on the first 20 acute burn injured patients who had a synthetic dermal substitute applied. Data collected included days to commencement of ROM, days to clearance for mobilisation, and joint ROM achieved after dermal substitute application (prior to delamination) and after split skin grafting (SSG) for the elbow, knee and shoulder joints. Scar assessments were completed at 12 months after injury using two scar assessment scales.ResultsClearance to mobilise occurred at mean 10.4 and 4.9 days after dermal substitute and after skin graft application to lower limbs respectively. ROM commenced at a mean of 9.9 (upper limbs) and 12.7 (lower limbs) days after dermal substitute application. Following skin grafting, ROM commenced at a mean of 6.6 and 6.5 days for upper limbs and lower limbs respectively. Prior to dermal substitute delamination mean flexion at the knee (86.3°), elbow (114.0°) and shoulder (143.4°) was achieved. Mean ROM continued to improve after grafting with knee (133.2°), elbow (126.1°) and shoulder (151.0°) flexion approaching normal ROM in most cases. Mean extension of the elbow (-4.6°) was maintained close to normal levels after skin grafting. There were no recorded instances of knee extension contracture. Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale and Matching Assessment of Photographs of Scars scores indicated good cosmetic outcomes with relatively low levels of itch and minimal pain reported at 12 months after injury.ConclusionA steep learning curve was encountered in providing therapy treatment for patients managed with this relatively new synthetic dermal substitute. Trends indicated that as experience with this new dermal substitute grew, patients progressed toward active therapy earlier. A guideline for therapy treatment has been developed but will continue to be evaluated and adjusted when required.