Comorbidities of scars in China: a national study based on hospitalized cases

Abstract

Background Scar comorbidities seriously affect the physical and mental health of patients, but few studies have reported the exact epidemiological characteristics of scar comorbidities in China. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of scar comorbidities in China. Methods The data of 177,586 scar cases between 2013 and 2018 were obtained from the Hospital Quality Monitoring System based on the 10th edition of the International Classification of Diseases coding system. The total distribution of scar comorbidities and their relationship with age, aetiology and body regions were analysed. Results Six comorbidities (contracture, malformation, ocular complications, adhesion, infection and others) were the main focus. In general, male patients outnumbered females and urban areas outnumbered rural areas. The proportion of contractures was the highest at 59,028 (33.24%). Students, workers and farmers made up the majority of the occupation. Han Chinese accounted for the majority of the ethnic. The highest proportion of scar contracture occurred at 1–1.9 years of age (58.97%), after which a significant downward trend was observed. However, starting from 50 years of age, ocular complications increased gradually and significantly, eventually reaching a peak of 34.49% in those aged >80 years. Scar contracture was the most common comorbidity according to aetiology, and the highest proportion was observed in patients who were scalded (29.33%). Contractures were also the most frequent comorbidity in hands (10.30%), lower limbs (6.97%), feet (6.80%) and upper limbs (6.02%). The mean and median hospitalization durations were 12.85 and 8 days, respectively. Conclusions Contractures were the most common comorbidities, and different comorbidities tended to occur at different ages and with different causative factors.

Influence of scar age, laser type and laser treatment intervals on adult burn scars: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Though the molecular and cellular mechanisms of scar formation for example through major involvement of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors are well known, their effect and functions are not completely understood when they are induced by laser therapy. It is perhaps this lack of understanding that has led to several trials focussing on laser type, duration and optimal timing being conducted in an endeavour to minimise heterogeneity in outcomes [ 33 , 34 ]. This meta-analysis aimed to address this heterogeneity by considering variables such as timing of treatment after injury, laser type, optimal spacing for laser intervention and complications.…”

Meta-analysis of the effectiveness of fat grafting in treating patients with skin scarring

“…The results of this study showed that fat grafting can effectively reduce the degree of scar itching and pain of patients and improve their comfort. Itchy and painful scars are the most common clinical symptoms that not only affect the quality of life of patients but also damage their psychological health [21,22] . When caring for such patients, clinical nurses should actively assess the level of itching and pain and intervene as early as possible.…”