Pathological Analysis of Post-Burn Hypertrophic Scars according to Various Scar Ages.
- Author:
Mi Young LEE
1
;
Hyunchul KIM
;
Eun SHIN
;
In Suk KWAK
;
Younghee CHOI
Author Information
1. Department of Pathology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Burns;
Cicatrix;
Hypertrophic;
Pathology
- MeSH:
Burns;
Cicatrix*;
Cicatrix, Hypertrophic*;
Collagen;
Pathology;
Retrospective Studies;
Skin;
Transplants
- From:Journal of Korean Burn Society
2018;21(1):22-30
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: This study investigated the morphological characteristics of hypertrophic scars of various ages. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. Tissue samples from 170 normal skin (control) and 126 scar tissue after undergoing conservative treatment (CT) (n=62) or split thickness skin graft (STSG) (n=64) were obtained. Time from injury (CT) or surgery (STSG) was grouped into periods as follows: first 6 months (period 1), 7~12 months (period 2), 13~24 months (period 3), 25~120 months (period 4), >120 months (period 5). Epidermal thickness (ET), dermal thickness (DT), and dermal collagen fiber thickness and length (CFT, CFL) were measured using an image analyzer. RESULTS: Scar tissue ET was significantly thicker compared to normal skin (P<0.05) and was greatest at period 1. Scar tissue DT was significantly thicker compared to normal skin (P<0.05), which increased until period 3 but then decreased afterwards. Scar tissue CFT was significantly thinner compared to normal skin (P<0.05) except for period 5. Scar tissue CFL was significantly longer compared to normal skin (P<0.05). Significant differences were observed especially in younger scar ET, DT, CFT, and CFL. CONCLUSION: These findings may assist to increase the understanding of the pathohistological changes in burn scar tissues over time and provide guidance in receiving burn treatment.
