The presence of scarring and associated morbidity in the burn model system national database

Model System:

Burn

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J81232

Journal:

Annals of Plastic Surgery

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2019 , 82, , S162-S168

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined the frequency of scar-related morbidity for up to 2 years after injury and analyzed the impact of hypertrophic scarring (HTS) on long-term functional, psychosocial, and reintegration outcomes. Analysis was conducted on data collected between January 2006 and May 2014 from 960 patients (2,440 anatomic burn sites) using the Burn Model System database. Medical and demographic data were analyzed and odds ratios for the development of raised or thick scarring were determined. Regression analyses were used to evaluate the impact of HTS on psychosocial outcomes, including the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), distress, and the Short Form 12 (SF-12). Symptoms associated with scarring were analyzed at discharge and 6, 12, and 24 months after burn using a set of questions on scarring developed by the BMS. Mixed-effect modeling was used to determine linear change over time and the significance of symptoms. The study population was primarily white (65.0 percent) and male (71.8 percent), with a mean age of 44 years and mean total body surface area burned of 19.6 percent. The incidence of raised or thick scars increased from 65 percent to 80 percent over the 2-year follow-up period. The presence of scarring was not associated with CIQ, SWLS, or SF-12 scores. Most patients reported symptoms associated with scarring at 2 years after burn, including dry or fragile skin, scars that restrict range of motion at a joint, issues with hand function, and scar pain and itch. The findings demonstrate a need for the continued support of burn survivors to address scar-related morbidity.

Author(s):