The time factor in the LDI (Laser Doppler Imaging) diagnosis of burns

Abstract

LDI is a useful method for wound healing prediction and an indication of the necessity of surgery. We have demonstrated that the diagnosis of the healing capacity of LDI needs to take into account the factor of time.

Development of a Consistent and Reproducible Porcine Scald Burn Model

“…It is well documented in human studies that the reliability of LDI scanning in the immediate (early) post-burn period is questionable [ 51 , 52 ]. Studies by Stetinsky et al .…”

“…Studies by Stetinsky et al . [ 51 ] report that the perfusion status of both superficial partial thickness and deep partial thickness burns were similarly low in the acute post-burn period (48 hours). They suggested that localised oedema may compress the vascular supply to the area and thus low perfusion reflects disruption rather than actual destruction of the microvasculature.…”

Microvascular blood flow in scalds in children and its relation to duration of wound healing: A study using laser speckle contrast imaging

“…Hoeksema et al measured the perfusion on different days after injury, [8] and found that the best interval to assess the depth using this method is between 3 and 5 days. Štětinský et al found that outcome could not be predicted accurately by LDI until the 3 rd day [9].…”

Laser doppler imaging – the role of poor burn perfusion in predicting healing time and guiding operative management

“…Stetinsky et al demonstrated that duration between burn injury and scan should be used to determine cut-off perfusion scores for decision to operate. This is due to the dynamic nature of burn wounds, and linear healing that occurs with time [20]. We scanned patients at an average of 2.68 days post burn injury, as early excision and closure of deep wounds has been associated with reduced morbidity and mortality [21,22].…”