Ultrasonographic findings of re-epithelialized skin after partial-thickness burns

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the difference between ultrasonographic findings of normal skin and those of re-epithelialized skin after partial-thickness burns and to evaluate the relationship between these findings and clinical outcomes.MethodsThis study retrospectively analysed the ultrasound images of re-epithelialized skin after partial-thickness burns and contralateral normal skin from January 2016 to December 2016. A total of 155 lesions from 148 patients were analysed with ultrasound images, and healing time was documented. The scar status of each lesion was evaluated through medical records and photographs. We analysed the difference in ultrasonographic findings between normal skin and re-epithelialized skin after partial-thickness burns and statistically analysed the relationship between healing time, scar status and ultrasonographic findings.ResultsThe re-epithelialized skin after partial-thickness burns was significantly thicker than the contralateral normal skin, and the echogenicity was significantly lower. The ultrasound images of the re-epithelialized skin after partial-thickness burns showed the characteristic findings of low-echogenic bands (LEB), and the proportion of LEB thickness is strongly correlated with healing time. In the multivariate analysis of scar status, only the proportion of LEB thickness was statistically significant.ConclusionIn this study, we found that there were ultrasonographic differences between re-epithelialized skin after partial-thickness burns and normal skin and that an LEB of varying thickness was formed after re-epithelialization. The thickness of the LEB in re-epithelialized skin after partial-thickness burns increased with healing time and was related to scar status.

Effect of Apple (Malus domestica) Stem Cells on UVB-Induced Damage Skin with Anti-Inflammatory Properties: An In Vivo Study

“…Additionally, cutaneous photodamage is scored clinically. Kim et al found the ultrasonographic differences between reepithelialization of skin after normal skin and partialthickness burns [33]. In addition, UVB exposure to the skin could reveal an enhancement of thickness, density, and wrinkling of the skin.…”

Ultrasound measurement of traumatic scar and skin thickness: a scoping review of evidence across the translational pipeline of research-to-practice

“…Modern brightness mode (B-mode) ultrasound, particularly high-frequency (ie, ≥20 MHz) or ultra-high-frequency (30–100 MHz)25 ultrasonography, allows differentiation between the epidermis and dermis, which permits quantification of skin layer-specific scar characteristics. This differentiation may allow assessors to observe and understand the pathological mechanisms of individual scars and adjust treatment protocols accordingly 24 26–31. Additionally, B-mode ultrasound is commonly used as the basis for other imaging methods, such as colour Doppler ultrasound or elastography, which can allow quantification of additional scar characteristics, such as their elastic properties 26–29 32 33…”

“…This differentiation may allow assessors to observe and understand the pathological mechanisms of individual scars and adjust treatment protocols accordingly 24 26–31. Additionally, B-mode ultrasound is commonly used as the basis for other imaging methods, such as colour Doppler ultrasound or elastography, which can allow quantification of additional scar characteristics, such as their elastic properties 26–29 32 33…”

Platelet distribution width associated with short‐term prognosis and cost in paediatrics with partial‐thickness thermal burns: A retrospective comparative study

“…Burns are a major traumatic pathology characterised by tissue destruction and cellular degradation resulted from energy transfer and mainly affected skin, which serve as a significant cause of paediatric morbidity and mortality 1,2 . Partial thickness burns, a major constitution of thermal burns, mainly involve all epidermal and partial dermal layers and leave behind dermal appendages including sweat glands, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands 3,4 . Currently, conservative therapy remains the primary treatment approach of partial thickness burns, such as wound dressings, systemic and topical medications 5 .…”

“… 1 , 2 Partial thickness burns, a major constitution of thermal burns, mainly involve all epidermal and partial dermal layers and leave behind dermal appendages including sweat glands, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands. 3 , 4 Currently, conservative therapy remains the primary treatment approach of partial thickness burns, such as wound dressings, systemic and topical medications. 5 However, the wound healing of partial thickness burns may be delayed in setting of infection, destroyed epithelial island and granuloma, thereby requiring surgical skin grafting.…”