Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hypertrophic Scarring of Split Thickness Autograft Donor Sites in a Pediatric Burn Population

Abstract Title Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hypertrophic Scarring of Split Thickness Autograft Donor Sites in a Pediatric Burn Population. Objective The split-thickness autograft remains a fundamental treatment for burn injuries; however, donor sites may remain hypersensitive, hyperemic, less pliable, and develop hypertrophic scarring. This study sought to assess the long-term scarring of donor sites after pediatric burns. Methods A retrospective review of pediatric burn patients treated at a single institution (2010–2016) was performed. Primary outcomes were prevalence of donor site hypertrophic scarring, scarring time course, and risk factor assessment. Results 237 pediatric burn patients were identified. Mean age at burn was 7 yrs., mean %TBSA was 26% with 17% being Full Thickness. Mean follow-up was 2.4 yrs. Hypertrophic scarring was observed in 152 (64%) patients with 81 (34%) patients having persistent hypertrophic scarring through long-term follow-up. Patient-specific risk factors for hypertrophic scarring were Hispanic ethnicity (P = 0.03), increased %TBSA (P = 0.03), %Full Thickness burn (P = 0.02) and total autograft amount (P = 0.03). Donor site factors for hypertrophic scarring were longer time to epithelialization (P  Conclusions Hypertrophic scarring is a prominent burden in donor site wounds of pediatric burn patients. Knowledge of pertinent risk factors can assist with guiding management and expectations.