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The scalp as a donor site: revisited
1University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550.
The Journal of Trauma
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Using scalp donor sites for skin grafts in pediatric burn patients can lead to alopecia, especially with larger burns or frequent harvests. Careful donor site management is crucial for minimizing hair loss.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Plastic Surgery
- Pediatric Burn Care
Background:
- The scalp is a common donor site for split-thickness skin grafts in pediatric burn patients.
- Potential complications, such as alopecia, require careful consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and factors associated with alopecia after using the scalp as a donor site for split-thickness skin grafts in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 2,620 charts identified 194 pediatric patients who underwent scalp grafting.
- Alopecia incidence was analyzed in relation to burn size, scalp use frequency, and harvest intervals.
Main Results:
- Overall alopecia incidence was 32%.
- In unburned scalps, alopecia was 13%, associated with larger burn areas and more frequent/shorter interval harvests (p<0.05).
- Alopecia incidence was 61% in patients with concomitant scalp burns.
Conclusions:
- Scalp donor sites in pediatric burn patients are associated with a significant risk of alopecia.
- Factors like burn severity and harvest parameters influence alopecia risk.
- Meticulous donor site care is essential, particularly when the scalp is burned.