Evaluation of scar outcomes after treatment of burn scars with fractionated CO2 ablative laser

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Hypertrophic scar; Burn scar; Burn scar contracture; Burn scar cosmesis; Skin - Other skin conditions; Injuries and Accidents - Burns

• Registration Number: ACTRN12620001071910
• Lead Sponsor: Dr Marcus Wagstaff

Brief Summary

Patients who attended Royal Adelaide Hospital Burns Unit for a reconstruction review and went on to undergo CO2 laser to their scars were invited to participate in this study. 13 participants were included, some of which had repeat laser procedure to their scars and still had measurements taken. The outcomes that were rated by the patients themselves showed improvements in the treated scars with scores reaching a similar score to that given to the control scars which were not lasered. As part of the ratings completed by the patients, itch was also rated and also showed a decline after the laser procedures. Ratings completed by the investigator did not show any significant change in scar outcomes. The instruments used to measure depth (ultrasound), colour, water loss, and elasticity did not show any significant difference between lasered and non-lasered scars. There was a trend for some improvement of lasered scars up until 6 months affter the procedure but then a return to baseline at 12months. We were unable to establish a protocol for laser following a table outlining laser settings according to scar thickness due to other clinical factors impacting upon the surgeons choice of settings.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Results First Posted: 1900-01-01
• Study Start: 2020-10-19
• Study Completion: 2023-03-14
• Last Update Posted: 4 March 2024

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 13

Inclusion Criteria

Patients who consent to laser treatment
18 years – 80 years
Burns scars with functional (e.g. itch, pain, contracture, limiting range of motion) and/or cosmetic impairment (e.g. pigmentation)
Patients whose scars have been assessed by a clinician as appropriate for laser management to improve scar outcome.

Exclusion Criteria

Inability to provide consent – psychiatric or medical comorbidity
Active infections
Previous radiation treatment to the laser treatment area (i.e. Radiotherapy)
Pregnancy or lactation
Patients who are taking part in any other trial that may affect the outcome
Complex locations e.g. eyelids; ears; lips; genitals (difficulties with scar Ax)
Lumenis® CO2 laser is contraindicated where a patient has taken Accutane (Isotretinoin) within the past 6-12 months,
Has a history of keloid formation and demonstrate excessive or unusually prolonged erythema.

Study & Design

• Study Type: Interventional
• Study Design: Not specified