Clinical Research Directory

Microneedling for Burn Hypertrophic Scars

Approximately 33 to 91% of severe burn victims will develop hypertrophic scars. Hypertrophic scars are defined as erythematous (red), raised and rigid scars that can cause pain and itching, among other things. They cause psychological distress and affect the quality of life of burn victims. Microneedling is a technique that uses an electrical device to create hundreds of microchannels that penetrate the skin layers. This study is interested in determining the effectiveness of microneedling in improving the pliability, thickness and erythema of hypertrophic scars. Each scar will receive up to 5 ACS-pen treatments followed by the application of cortisone (triamcinolone acetonide). Knowing that microneedling increases the absorption of products applied to the skin by about 80%, it is logical to think that creating these channels to the dermis and applying cortisone afterwards would have a beneficial effect on the hypertrophic scars of these patients.

Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Pruritus in Burn Scars

This study will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in pruritus in patients with burn scars.

Remimazolam vs Propofol in Laser Burn Cases

This randomized, single-blind, crossover study compares remimazolam and propofol for monitored anesthetic care during fractional ablative CO₂ laser therapy for burn scars. The primary aim is to assess incidence of respiratory depression, defined as a need for advanced airway maneuvers (jaw thrust/chin lift, insertion of oral or nasal airway, or bag mask ventilation), and hypopnea (respiratory rate \< 8).

Post-Operative Use of FS2 to Mitigate Scarring in Burn Patients

The goal of this study is to see how an ingredient called kynurenic acid (which we named "FS2") affects scar formation in people with burn injuries that need skin graft surgery. A cream with FS2 will be used on both the area where the skin graft was placed and the area where the skin was taken (donor site). The cream will be applied after the skin has healed. This study will help us understand if FS2 is safe and effective for mitigating skin scar formation in burn patients.

Novel Strategies for Reducing Burn Scar Itch

The purpose of the study is to see whether using diphenhydramine (Benadryl), famotidine (Pepcid), and cromolyn sodium will decrease burn scar itch.

CO2 Laser Revision for Burn Related Donor Site Scars

Scarring from burn wounds remains a chronic and often severe sequela of burn injury. Burn wounds may be left to heal by secondary intention or treated with surgical skin grafting; in both circumstances, significant scars likely result. When surgical skin grafting is employed, skin graft harvest sites ("donor sites") likewise result in clinically significant scars. This study will have interventional and observational components. Patients will receive the standard fractional ablative CO2 treatments to their scars resulting from burn wounds allowed to heal by secondary intention and/or those treated with skin grafts. These will be prospectively observed for the duration of the study as well as adjacent normal skin. In addition, a donor site that meets inclusion criteria that would not have otherwise received LSR will be identified as a treatment site. Patients with have one half of their donor sites randomized to standard of care (SOC) treatment, which consists of wound dressings, compression therapy, physical and occupational therapies and the other half randomized to SOC + ablative fractional CO2 laser therapy (LSR).

Efficacy of Preconditioned Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Fat Grafting

The aim of this study is to evaluate the comparison of therapeutic potential of curcumin preconditioned adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) enrichment fat grafting, naïve ASCs enrichment fat grafting and conventional fat grafting to correct facial contour deformities that cause aesthetic complications in patients.

The Role of Pulsed Dye Laser Therapy in the Management of Burn Scars

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects (good or bad) of pulsed dye laser treatment in burn scar height, texture, redness and pliability in acute burn injury.

The Role of Fractional Vascular Laser Therapy in the Management of Burn Scars

While the literature tends to support the use of laser therapy in the management of burn scars, there is a definite lack of appropriately powered, randomized controlled trials. Laser therapy can be quite expensive when compared to other treatment modalities for burn scars, and while promising, its true usefulness has yet to be conclusively demonstrated. For this reason, our assessing the effects of fractional vascular lasers on burn scars. It has been hypothesized that the fractional vascular lasers work on mature scars to decrease scar formation, and the fractional laser works on scar that is quiescent to promote remodelling. The retexturing/ resurfacing of the laser theoretically can decrease the visibility of the mesh pattern created by meshed split thickness skin graft). Objective: To determine the benefit of fractional vascular laser treatment in improving burn scar height, texture, vascularity and pliability in late burn scars.

Treatment of Hypopigmented Scars With Bimatoprost

Patients who have hypo-pigmented burn scar will have two scars chosen and randomized to treated scar and control scar. The subject will then have both scars treated with fractional ablative CO2 laser (FLSR). The treated scar will have bimatoprost delivered through the laser channels, while the control will have the vehicle (normal saline) only delivered. The treatment will continue for 14 days with twice daily application. The scars will then be monitored at a 2-week follow-up visit where levels of melanin will be evaluated. Tissue punch biopsies will also be used to evaluate the mechanism of action of bimatoprost. Treatment will occur for 6 sessions at 4-6 week intervals including follow- up visits and evaluations.