Fractional CO Laser for Pediatric Hypertrophic Scars: Lessons Learned from a Prematurely Terminated Split-Scar Trial.

BACKGROUND

Assessing hypertrophic scar (HTS) interventions is challenging because scars continue to undergo dynamic changes. A split-scar design can distinguish treatment effects from natural HTS evolution. Despite promising reports of ablative fractional CO lasers (AFCOLs) for HTS, split-scar evidence, particularly in pediatric scars, remains limited.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the feasibility of a split-scar design in assessing AFCOL's impact on pediatric HTS and to identify potential trends in treatment outcomes.

METHODS

Initially designed as a prospective single-center split-scar randomized controlled trial, our study transitioned to a feasibility trial due to recruitment challenges. Pediatric patients aged 1-17 years with HTS suitable for split-scar evaluation received three AFCOL treatments at 6-8-week intervals, with outcomes assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), SCAR-Q, and Cutometer.

RESULTS

Recruitment was limited by COVID-19 restrictions, concerns about general anesthesia for split-scar treatment, and low interest in divided-scar interventions, resulting in only 6 participants with 9 scars enrolled, far below the target sample size of 44. This small heterogeneous sample precluded meaningful clinical outcome analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our feasibility trial highlights challenges in conducting rigorous pediatric HTS studies and the need for careful interpretation of evidence due to potential publication bias. Future trials should focus on tailored recruitment and comprehensive reporting to improve feasibility and reliability.