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Meikle B, Simons M, Mahoney T, Reddan T, Dai B, Kimble RM, Tyack Z. Ultrasound measurement of traumatic scar and skin thickness: a scoping review of evidence across the translational pipeline of research-to-practice. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078361. [PMID: 38594186 PMCID: PMC11015304 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify the ultrasound methods used in the literature to measure traumatic scar thickness, and map gaps in the translation of these methods using evidence across the research-to-practice pipeline. DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES Electronic database searches of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Web of Science. Grey literature searches were conducted in Google. Searches were conducted from inception (date last searched 27 May 2022). DATA EXTRACTION Records using brightness mode (B-mode) ultrasound to measure scar and skin thickness across the research-to-practice pipeline of evidence were included. Data were extracted from included records pertaining to: methods used; reliability and measurement error; clinical, health service, implementation and feasibility outcomes; factors influencing measurement methods; strengths and limitations; and use of measurement guidelines and/or frameworks. RESULTS Of the 9309 records identified, 118 were analysed (n=82 articles, n=36 abstracts) encompassing 5213 participants. Reporting of methods used was poor. B-mode, including high-frequency (ie, >20 MHz) ultrasound was the most common type of ultrasound used (n=72 records; 61% of records), and measurement of the combined epidermal and dermal thickness (n=28; 24%) was more commonly measured than the epidermis or dermis alone (n=7, 6%). Reliability of ultrasound measurement was poorly reported (n=14; 12%). The scar characteristics most commonly reported to be measured were epidermal oedema, dermal fibrosis and hair follicle density. Most records analysed (n=115; 97%) pertained to the early stages of the research-to-practice pipeline, as part of research initiatives. CONCLUSIONS The lack of evaluation of measurement initiatives in routine clinical practice was identified as an evidence gap. Diverse methods used in the literature identified the need for greater standardisation of ultrasound thickness measurements. Findings have been used to develop nine methodological considerations for practitioners to guide methods and reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Meikle
- Centre for Children's Burns and Trauma Research, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Children's Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Megan Simons
- Children's Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Occupational Therapy, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Pegg Leditschke Children's Burns Centre, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tamsin Mahoney
- Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Services (STARS), Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tristan Reddan
- Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bryan Dai
- The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Roy M Kimble
- Centre for Children's Burns and Trauma Research, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Children's Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Pegg Leditschke Children's Burns Centre, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Zephanie Tyack
- Children's Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Centre for Health Service Innovation (AusHI), Centre for Healthcare Transformation, and School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Daigo Y, Daigo E, Fukuoka H, Fukuoka N, Idogaki J, Taniguchi Y, Tsutsumi T, Ishikawa M, Takahashi K. CO 2 Laser for Esthetic Healing of Injuries and Surgical Wounds with Small Parenchymal Defects in Oral Soft Tissues. Diseases 2023; 11:172. [PMID: 38131978 PMCID: PMC10742548 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11040172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of studies have recently demonstrated the effectiveness of CO2 laser irradiation for the repair and regeneration of scar tissue from injuries or surgical wounds. However, such studies of the oral mucosa are highly limited. Previous studies using CO2 laser irradiation have indicated that two factors contribute to esthetic healing, namely, artificial scabs, which are a coagulated and carbonized blood layer formed on the wound surface, and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for suppressing wound scarring and promoting wound healing. This review outlines basic research and clinical studies of esthetic healing with the use of a CO2 laser for both artificial scab formation by high-intensity laser therapy and PBMT in the treatment of injuries and surgical wounds with small parenchymal defects in oral soft tissues. The results showed that the wound surface was covered by an artificial scab, enabling the accumulation of blood and the perfusion necessary for tissue regeneration and repair. Subsequent PBMT also downregulated the expression of transformation growth factor-b1, which is involved in tissue scarring, and decreased the appearance of myofibroblasts. Taken together, artificial scabs and PBMT using CO2 lasers contribute to the suppression of scarring in the tissue repair process, leading to favorable esthetic and functional outcomes of wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Daigo
- Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Osaka Dental University, 2-2-14 Higashitanabe, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 546-0032, Japan; (J.I.); (K.T.)
- Nogami Dental Office, 4-22-18 Nishiimagawa, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 546-0042, Japan;
| | - Erina Daigo
- Nogami Dental Office, 4-22-18 Nishiimagawa, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 546-0042, Japan;
| | - Hiroshi Fukuoka
- Fukuoka Dental Office, 704-4 Torai, Satsuma-gun, Kagoshima 895-1811, Japan; (H.F.); (N.F.)
| | - Nobuko Fukuoka
- Fukuoka Dental Office, 704-4 Torai, Satsuma-gun, Kagoshima 895-1811, Japan; (H.F.); (N.F.)
| | - Jun Idogaki
- Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Osaka Dental University, 2-2-14 Higashitanabe, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 546-0032, Japan; (J.I.); (K.T.)
| | - Yusuke Taniguchi
- Section of Oral Implantology, Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Fukuoka Dental College, 2-15-1 Tamura, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka 814-0193, Japan;
| | - Takashi Tsutsumi
- The Center for Visiting Dental Service, Department of General Dentistry, Fukuoka Dental College, 2-15-1 Tamura, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka 814-0193, Japan;
| | - Masatsugu Ishikawa
- Bees Dental Office, 6-904 Befudanchi, Jyonan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0106, Japan;
| | - Kazuya Takahashi
- Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Osaka Dental University, 2-2-14 Higashitanabe, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 546-0032, Japan; (J.I.); (K.T.)
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Carney BC, Bailey JK, Powell HM, Supp DM, Travis TE. Scar Management and Dyschromia: A Summary Report from the 2021 American Burn Association State of the Science Meeting. J Burn Care Res 2023; 44:535-545. [PMID: 36752791 DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/irad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Burn scars, and in particular, hypertrophic scars, are a challenging yet common outcome for survivors of burn injuries. In 2021, the American Burn Association brought together experts in burn care and research to discuss critical topics related to burns, including burn scars, at its State of the Science conference. Clinicians and researchers with burn scar expertise, as well as burn patients, industry representatives, and other interested stakeholders met to discuss issues related to burn scars and discuss priorities for future burn scar research. The various preventative strategies and treatment modalities currently utilized for burn scars were discussed, including relatively noninvasive therapies such as massage, compression, and silicone sheeting, as well as medical interventions such as corticosteroid injection and laser therapies. A common theme that emerged is that the efficacy of current therapies for specific patient populations is not clear, and further research is needed to improve upon these treatments and develop more effective strategies to suppress scar formation. This will necessitate quantitative analyses of outcomes and would benefit from creation of scar biobanks and shared data resources. In addition, outcomes of importance to patients, such as scar dyschromia, must be given greater attention by clinicians and researchers to improve overall quality of life in burn survivors. Herein we summarize the main topics of discussion from this meeting and offer recommendations for areas where further research and development are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie C Carney
- Firefighters' Burn and Surgical Research Laboratory, MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - John K Bailey
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Heather M Powell
- The Ohio State University, Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH, USA
- Scientific Staff, Shriners Children's Ohio, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Dorothy M Supp
- Scientific Staff, Shriners Children's Ohio, Dayton, OH, USA
- The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Taryn E Travis
- Firefighters' Burn and Surgical Research Laboratory, MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA
- The Burn Center, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
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Xiong J, Li X, Xu G, Wang Y, Wen H. Effectiveness of fractional carbon dioxide laser combined with botulinum toxin type A in a rabbit ear model with the underlying mechanism. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023. [PMID: 36912720 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a common disease in plastic and cosmetic surgery, with limited treatment options, and is a challenge for clinicians. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser combined with botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) in treating HSs in rabbit ears and to provide new strategies for treating HS. METHODS Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits with induced HSs were randomly divided into one control and three treatment groups. After 4 weeks of modeling, BTXA (2.0 U) was injected into the HS of the BTXA and combination groups, whereas a fractional CO2 laser (combo mode, deep energy: 12.5 mJ; super energy: 90 mJ) was used in the fractional CO2 laser and combination groups. The laser treatments were repeated after 2 weeks. The HSs in the rabbit ears were observed and photographed 5 weeks after the first treatment. The scar thickness in each group was measured and compared, and the scar elevation index (SEI) was determined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Collagen content and alignment were observed using Masson's trichrome staining. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to analyze scar-related protein levels. RESULTS Hypertrophic scars were reduced in all treatment groups compared with the control group. The combination group had lower scar thickness, SEI, and expression of scar-related proteins in HSs, with an appearance similar to that of normal rabbit ear skin. Furthermore, the fibroblast content and collagen deposition decreased significantly in the combination group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Fractional CO2 laser combined with BTXA more effectively reduced HSs by inhibiting fibroblast proliferation, decreasing transforming growth factor-β1 and α- smooth muscle actin expression, and causing collagen remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxiang Xiong
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Guizhen Xu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yimei Wang
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huicai Wen
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Dahm S, Lee G, Cleland H, Menezes H, Ng S. The use of carbon dioxide and intense pulsed light laser for the treatment of hypertrophic burn scars: A case series. Scars Burn Heal 2023; 9:20595131231202103. [PMID: 38022893 PMCID: PMC10655654 DOI: 10.1177/20595131231202103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hypertrophic scarring is a common and debilitating consequence of burn scars. While there is limited evidence for current treatment options, laser therapy has been shown to be effective, low risk and minimally invasive. This study assesses the use of carbon dioxide lasers and intense pulsed light devices in the treatment of hypertrophic burn scars. Methods In this case series, patients were recruited from a hypertrophic burn scar waitlist and completed a Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale prior to and six weeks after laser therapy. The Nordlys (intense pulsed light) and CO2RE (carbon dioxide) systems from Candela Medical were used, with a range of settings used depending on the assessment of the burn scar. The differences between scores were calculated for the total Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale score, pain, itch, colour, stiffness, thickness, irregularity and the overall opinion of the scar. Statistical analysis was completed using a paired, two-tailed student T test. Results A total of 31 patients were recruited for this trial with a range of scar locations, surface areas and mechanism of burn injury. The calculated difference in mean showed a significant reduction for the overall Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale score (1.93, p < 0.0001), pain (1.39, p = 0.0002), itch (1.84, p = 0.0002), colour (1.97, p < 0.0001), stiffness (2.47, p < 0.0001), thickness (2.1, p < 0.0001), irregularity (1.89, p < 0.0001) and overall opinion (1.58, p = 0.0003). Conclusion Current management options for hypertrophic scarring have limited evidence. Laser therapy presents a minimally invasive procedure that can be completed under topical anaesthetic and has shown to be effective following a single treatment of combined carbon dioxide laser and intense pulsed light device therapy. Lay Summary Many people will suffer a burn injury throughout their life and up to almost 3 out of 4 people with burn injuries will suffer from hypertrophic scars (a thickened, red and itchy scar). These scars cause distress both due to their appearance and their reduction of function, particularly over a joint or muscle. Laser therapy, in which different wave lengths of light (pulsed light) or gas (carbon dioxide) target the scar, has been found to be effective and have minimal side effects in the management of hypertrophic scars. While individual lasers have been assessed and found to be effective and low risk, the combined use of multiple lasers on the same scar has not been extensively studied. We studied the effectiveness of both light and gas laser therapies on hypertrophic scars. Patients with hypertrophic scars completed a questionnaire that focused on their perspective of their scar (pain, itch, stiffness, thickness, irregularity, overall opinion) prior to the treatment. The patients then underwent laser therapy (with local anaesthetic gel) with either pulsed light and/or carbon dioxide (gas) laser. The type of laser used was decided by the clinician performing the therapy depending on scar location and thickness. Patients then re-completed the subjective survey six weeks following the laser therapy, and the results compared. We learnt that laser therapy (both light, gas and a combination of both) are effective (and low risk) in reducing the subjective burden of the scar for the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Dahm
- Victorian Adult Burns Service, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Lee
- Victorian Adult Burns Service, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Heather Cleland
- Victorian Adult Burns Service, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hana Menezes
- Victorian Adult Burns Service, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sally Ng
- Victorian Adult Burns Service, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
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Analysis of the Utility of CO2 and Pulse-Dye Lasers Together and Separately in the Treatment of Hypertrophic Burn Scars. Ann Plast Surg 2022; 89:166-172. [PMID: 35943226 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hypertrophic burn scars (HTBSs) remain a significant source of morbidity. Contemporary treatment has evolved to use CO2 lasers and/or pulse-dye lasers (PDLs) to reduce scar thickness (ST) and erythema. This study seeks to compare treatment efficacy with CO2 or PDL individually and in combination. METHODS Patients undergoing laser treatments for HTBSs were enrolled. Three 3 × 3 cm squares of HTBSs were randomized to receive treatment with CO2 laser, PDL or CO2 + PDL. Patients underwent 3 treatments, 4 to 6 weeks apart and were followed up over 3 to 6 months. Scar assessments occurred at each visit before treatment and consisted of photographs, ultrasound, colorimetry, and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Score. RESULTS Twenty-five patients were enrolled. Twenty completed 2 treatments (80%) and 11 completed all 3 treatments (44%). Median initial ST was 0.3 cm. Median time since injury was 8 months. Hypertrophic burn scars treated with CO2 or PDL showed a significant decrease in Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale score from visit 1 to 3 (P = 0.01 and 0.01, respectively). When separated by ST, thick scars (≥0.3 cm) showed a significant decrease in thickness between visit 1 and 2 using all laser modalities (CO2 + PDL, P = 0.01; CO2, P = 0.02; PDL, P = 0.03). Thin scars (<0.3 cm) showed a reduction in thickness by visit 3 after CO2 + PDL or PDL alone (P = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). Separating scars by age, younger scars (<9 months) showed a significant reduction in thickness between visit 1 and 2 for CO2 treatment (P = 0.04), and between visit 2 and 3 for CO2 + PDL treatment (P = 0.04). Hypertrophic burn scars treated with PDL did not demonstrate a significant reduction in thickness until visit 3 (P = 0.002). Older scars (≥9 months) showed a significant reduction in thickness between visit 1 and 2 only after CO2 + PDL (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Hypertrophic burn scars of varying ages, etiologies, and thicknesses were examined in this study with greater degree of early reduction seen in thicker scars using all laser modalities of CO2, PDL or in combination. However, there was no clinically meaningful benefit found with combination as compared with individual treatment. These data support the use of laser to improve HTBS but does not support one modality or combination of modalities over another.
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