Laser Doppler flowmetry for the early detection of hypertrophic burn scars.

In this preliminary study it was hypothesized that patients with hypertrophic scars have increased microcirculatory perfusion in the areas of scarring. Sixteen former patients whose burn injuries involved less than 30% TBSA and who required autologous skin grafting were evaluated using laser Doppler flowmetry. Data grouped at three-week intervals showed higher flow values in patients with hypertrophic scarring than in those with non-hypertrophic scars. These initial data suggest that hypertrophic scars may be associated with increased microcirculatory blood flow. These values are elevated early and could possibly serve as an early indicator for the occurrence of hypertrophic scarring.