The efficacy and safety of fractional CO2 laser therapy in the treatment of burn scars: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Although we have numerous publications about the effect of fractional CO₂ laser therapy for burn scars, quantitative data about its efficacy and safety are sparse. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of fractional CO₂ laser therapy for the treatment of burn scars. Pertinent studies were identified by a search of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science up to 20 September 2020. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was conducted to combine the results, and a random-effect model was used to pool the results. Publication bias was estimated using Begg and Egger's regression asymmetry test. Twenty articles were included. Our pooled results suggested that fractional CO₂ laser therapy significantly improved the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score (WMD = -3.24, 95%CI: -4.30, -2.18; P < 0.001). Moreover, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-patient (WMD = -14.05, 95%CI: -22.44, -5.65; P = 0.001) and Observer (WMD = -6.31, 95%CI: -8.48, -4.15; P < 0.001) also showed significant improvements with the treatment of fractional CO₂ laser therapy. Fractional CO₂ laser significantly reduced scar thickness measured with ultrasonography (WMD = -0.54, 95%CI: -0.97, -0.10; P < 0.001). For other outcomes, including pigmentation, vascularity, pliability, and height of scar, vascularity and relief, laser therapy was associated with significant improvements. However, only the cutometer measure R2 (scar elasticity) (WMD = -0.06, 95%CI: -0.10, -0.01; P = 0.023) was significantly improved with the laser therapy, but cutometer measures R0 (scar firmness) (WMD = 0.03, 95%CI: -0.04, 0.09; P = 0.482) was not. Side effects and complications induced by fractional CO₂ laser were mild and tolerable. Fractional CO₂ laser therapy significantly improved both the signs and symptoms of burn scars. Considering potential limitations, more large-scale, well-designed RCTs are needed to verify our findings.

Keywords: Burn scars; Fractional CO(2) laser therapy; Meta-analysis.