Laser Doppler Analysis of Blood Perfusion in Burn Wounds

Abstract

Objective: Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) is a non-invasive tool for immediate measurement of cutaneous circulation which has been satisfactory applied in burn wound depth assessment. With variety of LDF models and assessment methodology, the standardization of LDF and criteria of burn wound depth diagnosis remain an inconclusive topic. Our study aimed to provide analytical data of LDF in burn wound assessment. This protocol was approved by the Institution Ethics Committee (Certificate of approval no. Si 017/2006).
Methods: From January 2006 to May 2007, cutaneous perfusion measurement with LDF model LASERFLO BPM2® (Vasamedics, USA) in day 1,3,5 and 7 were recorded and analysed. The data were analysed with a one-way ANOVA test.
Results: The data included 53 burn areas in 6 patients. The patientsû mean age was 26.5 (range 2-48) years. There were 22 areas of superficial second degree burn, 20 areas of deep second degree burn and 11 areas of third degree burn. The LDF at the burn area revealed 100% sensitivity, 87.5% specificity, 92.5% PPV and LDF ratio demonstrated 92.0% sensitivity, 50.0% specificity, 73.0% PPV whilst early clinical assessment at first post burn day had 67.0% sensitivity, 87.5% specificity, 89.0% PPV.
Conclusion: The laser doppler flowmetry is a reliable device in determining burn wound severity. With high correlation in measurement of LDF perfusion data at burn area and LDF ratio to clinical diagnosis, this method helps as an adjunctive procedure to diagnose the degree of burn in early post burn day. The more accurate burn wound assessment can facilitate the optimal wound management and fluid resuscitation for burn patients.Â