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Effects of compressive vests on pulmonary function of infants with thoracic burn scars

Amélie Bourget1, Jennifer Dolmagian, Guy Lapierre

  • 1Division of Plastic Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, Canada.

Burns : Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
|November 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Compressive vests significantly impact infant pulmonary function in treating thoracic burn scars, but clinical significance varies. Routine pulmonary function testing is recommended for these infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Burn Care
  • Pulmonary Function Testing
  • Thoracic Surgery

Background:

  • Infants with thoracic burn scars often require interventions to manage pulmonary complications.
  • Compressive garments are utilized to treat burn scars, but their direct impact on pulmonary function requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively assess the effects of compressive vests on the pulmonary function of infants with thoracic burn scars.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving infants (≤2 years, or 2-3 years with pulmonary pathology) requiring compressive vests for thoracic burn scars.
  • Comparative pulmonary function tests were conducted under sedation with the vest in both closed and open states.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences were observed in oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, tidal volume/kg, respiratory compliance, and peak tidal expiratory flow/tidal volume with and without vest compression.
  • Nineteen out of 23 infants completed the study, providing sufficient data for analysis.

Conclusions:

  • Compressive vests demonstrate statistically significant effects on infant pulmonary function, though not always clinically significant.
  • The observed effects may become clinically relevant in cases of pulmonary comorbidity or severe burns.
  • Routine pulmonary function testing prior to vest compression may benefit infants with thoracic burn scars.
Abstract

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