Inflammatory and infectious complications of laser therapy in treatment of hypertrophic burn scars: Correlations in literature review & case reports

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertrophic burn scars contribute to morbidity through secondary symptoms of pain, pruritus, and scar contracture. Traditional treatment methods are now augmented by the use of monochromatic light therapies, which are generally accepted as safe and effective. However, little literature is available regarding the complications of laser treatments of hypertrophic burn scars and even less regarding inflammatory and infectious complications.

Methods: A literature search using PubMed was performed to identify literature pertaining to infectious and inflammatory complications of cutaneous laser treatments. Additionally, we reviewed cases of inflammatory and infectious complications occurring at our institution after laser treatment of hypertrophic burn scars.

Results: We identified 1 publication related to complications of laser therapy in the treatment of burn scars. In this series of 163 laser sessions, the reported incidence of adverse events was 25.1%, of which 6 cases 3.7% were related to inflammatory and infectious processes. In the 391 laser sessions performed at our institution (December, 2015 and July, 2016) 9 cases of inflammatory and infectious complications were noted yielding an incidence of 2.3%. Cases included 3 each of cellulitis, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), and complicated SIRS.

Conclusion: We found the most common inflammatory complication was SIRS with MSSA positive wound cultures. Three cases underwent hospitalization along with fluids and vasopressors, despite negative blood cultures. In light of the high prevalence of MSSA in the natural skin flora and negative blood cultures, the inability to establish a true source of infection lead to declaring these cases "complicated SIRS" and not sepsis. Correlative factors that may have led to complications reported in our cases were: preoperative evidence of infection, no preoperative antibiotics administered, no postoperative antibiotic dressings, combined procedures, and large treatment areas. The true mechanism of inflammatory and infectious complication is yet to be determined, but we postulate that these factors place a greater challenge on an already burdened immune system. Determining whether this is a true causal mechanism, leading to an aggravated inflammatory response, benefits from further investigation.

Applicability of research to practice: We urge institutions preforming such procedures to advise patients on preoperative wound preparation. We recommend that each individual with a preexisting history of infection and/or preoperative culture evidence of infection receive antibiotics, particularly when undergoing combined procedures or procedures involving higher surface areas. Although complications are rare, the benefits of these precautionary measures outweigh the risks when it comes to prevention and management.

Keywords: Burns; Hypertrophic scars; Infection; Inflammation; Laser therapy.