Fractional CO₂ Laser for Pediatric Hypertrophic Scars: Lessons Learned from a Prematurely Terminated Split-Scar Trial.

ABSTRACT:

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 CO₂ lasers (AFCO₂Ls) for HTS, split-scar evidence, particularly in pediatric scars, remains limited.

Objective

To explore the feasibility of a split-scar design in assessing AFCO₂L'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 suitabl

SUBMITTER: Sinha S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11941394 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature