109 Near Infrared Spectroscopy of Partial Thickness Burns

Abstract

Introduction: This study examines the capacity of near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) to differentiate partial thickness burns. Methods: Adult burn patients (n = 19) presenting within 72 hours of injury and body surface area < 20% were studied. An independent observer classified the burn injuries as either superficial (SPT, n = 5) or deep partial (DPT, n = 14) thickness. NIR data, oxygen saturation and total hemoglobin, were collected from the burn site and adjacent nonburned control site. NIR data for burn sites were compared to respective control sites to adjust for between subject variability. Skin biopsies for histologic analysis were performed at the time of surgery. Results: NIR spectroscopy was able to detect a slight increase (3.65%, p < 0.05) in oxygen saturation with SPT burns when compared to control sites. In contrast, DPT burns displayed a drop in oxygen saturation (17.65%, p < 0.05) in comparison to the control site. An increase in total hemoglobin was observed for both the SPT (15.83%, p < 0.05) and DPT (5.07%, p < 0.05) injuries in comparison to control sites. SPT and DPT burns are discernible (p < 0.01) based on oxygen saturation values but not total hemoglobin (p > 0.4). Histologic and clinical correlation with the NIR spectroscopic data will be presented at the conference. Conclusions: NIR spectroscopy can distinguish between superficial and deep partial thickness burn injuries in the first 3 days post burn injury. PSI grant