To compare the therapeutic effect of fractional carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser + topical triamcinolone (TA) with intralesional TA on keloids. Twenty-two participants were randomised into two groups: group A, treated with fractional CO 2 laser + topical TA, and group B, treated with intralesional TA. The interventions were performed at every 4-week interval until the keloids were resolved or at the completion of 1 year. At each session, the scar volume, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) were assessed. Recurrence was observed for 1 year. The mean scar volumes and VSS scores were not significantly different between the two groups. After 1 year, the scar volume change in group B was greater than group A (86.5% vs 59.1%, P-value = .016). The mean VSS scores were significantly decreased in group A (8.0 ± 1.5 to 4.8 ± 1.6, P-value <.001) and group B (8.4 ± 0.8 to 4.8 ± 1.6, P-value <.001). The keloids were completely resolved in 63.6% and 72.7% of the patients, and recurrence was observed in 9.1% and 18.2% of the patients in groups A and B, respectively. The combination of fractional CO 2 laser with topical TA was an alternative option for the treatment of keloids.

Sternal clefts are rare congenital chest-wall deformities, which can be complete or incomplete; therefore, reconstruction with autologous tissue is essential to protect the heart and prevent respiratory infection. In this report, we present the case of a 16-month-old baby girl from a preterm, twin pregnancy with a partial superior sternal cleft. A moist dressing for promoting wound healing was used until cutaneous layer complete epithelialization at which time we performed reconstruction with autologous tissue. After surgery the patient recovered with close-to-natural chest wall contour and adequate heart and lung function.

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