Effects of combined Pulsed Dye Laser and Fractional CO2 Laser treatment of burn scars and correlation with plasma levels of collagen type I, MMP-2 and TIMP-1

Abstract Overgrown burn scars remain a significant burden for patients and a challenge for clinicians. The aim Assessement of the efficacy of combined Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) and Ablative Fractional CO2 Laser (AFCL) therapy on hyperthophic scars and correlation with plasma levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen. Patients and methods Twenty five pediatric patients were enrolled into the study. Control group consisted of age-matched subjects admitted for surgical repair of inguinal hernia. For the assessment of the results of laser treatment we used the Vancouver scar scale (VSS), and Patient-Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). We also correlated clinical results with plasma levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen. Results All patients reported that the laser treatment resulted in improvement and were somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with their experience. No adverse events were reported. The levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen in our patients with scars before laser threatment were higher in comparison to controls. We also found statistically significant decrease in the levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen after laser treatment of burn scars Conclusions Our study clearly shows that combined CO2-AFL treatment for burn scars improve texture, colour, function and alleviate pruritus. We believe that decrease in the levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen after laser treatment of burn scars, reflects reduced dynamic of scar.