European Burn Journal
Blue-Light Photobiomodulation in Pediatric Burns: Inflammation, Healing, and Early Scar Outcomes in a Retrospective Historical Cohort
Von Biagio Nicolosi, Emanuele Buccione, Lorenzo Drago und 7 weiteren.
Inhalt auf Englisch
Abstract
Background
Blue-light photobiomodulation (PBM) may support burn wound repair through modulation of early inflammatory responses, but comparative evidence in children remains limited. We examined associations between adjunctive PBM, early local inflammation, wound healing, and early scar quality in pediatric burns.
Methods
This single-center retrospective historical cohort study included 84 children treated in 2024: 50 historical controls receiving standard care and 34 patients receiving standard care plus blue-light PBM after its introduction into routine practice. The primary outcome was the exploratory composite inflammation score at 72 h, adjusted for the pre-exposure 24 h score and clinical covariates. Secondary outcomes included time to complete re-epithelialization, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score approximately three months after complete re-epithelialization, unplanned dressing changes, and autologous skin grafting. Documented PBM-related adverse events were also reviewed.