J Korean Burn Soc.  2018 Jun;21(1):22-30. 10.0000/jkbs.2018.21.1.22.

Pathological Analysis of Post-Burn Hypertrophic Scars according to Various Scar Ages

• Lee MY
• Kim H
• Shin E
• Kwak IS
• Choi Y

• KMID: 2413357
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/jkbs.2018.21.1.22

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.

Keyword

Burns; Cicatrix; Hypertrophic; Pathology

MeSH Terms

Burns
Cicatrix*
Cicatrix, Hypertrophic*
Collagen
Pathology
Retrospective Studies
Skin
Transplants
Collagen