Laser doppler line scan burn imager (LDLS-BI): sideways move or a step ahead?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of a Laser Doppler Line Scanner (LDLS) in predicting burn wound healing in children compared to conventional Laser Doppler Imaging (LDI).

METHODS: A prospective study comparing a LDLS with a conventional LDI to assess burn wound Healing Potential (HP) was performed in 50 paediatric patients presenting to our institution between February 2010 and March 2011, as part of a multi-centre, international trial. Inclusion criteria were superficial to deep dermal burns that were able to be scanned between 42 h and 5 days of the burn.

RESULTS: Of the 50 patients enrolled, one was excluded from subsequent analysis as they were unable to present for wound reviews at 14 and 21 days. Ninety scans were performed of 59 burn wounds in the remaining 49 patients. The mean age was 4 years and 9 months (range 8 months to 16 years) and the mean Total Body Surface Area burnt was 8.3% (range 0.1-15%). The most common mechanism of injury was a scald, followed by contact and flame burns. A limb was the most common site of injury. Overall accuracy of the scanners was 94.5% (LDI) and 95% (LDLS), with accuracy lowest for indeterminate burns that healed within 14-21 days.

CONCLUSION: The LDLS was found to be as accurate as the LDI in predicting burn wound HP in children. Whilst the LDLS scan resolution was lower, with more scans of larger burns required, its smaller size and greater scan speed proved valuable in children.