Vitamin D Deficiency as a Risk Factor for Hypertrophic Scarring and Reconstructive Surgeries After Burns.

Area of Science:

• Burn injury research
• Nutritional science
• Dermatology

Background:

• Vitamin D is crucial for immune function, collagen remodeling, and wound healing.
• Deficiency is linked to poor wound repair and fibrosis in the general population.
• Evidence on vitamin D's role in burn patient scarring is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of pre-existing vitamin D deficiency on hypertrophic scarring.
• To assess the association between vitamin D deficiency and scar-related healthcare utilization in burn patients.

Main Methods:

• A multi-institutional cohort of burn patients (2010-2023) was analyzed using the TriNetX Research Network.
• Patients with vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) were propensity score matched 1:1 with non-deficient controls.
• Hypertrophic scarring and interventions (Z-plasty, corticosteroid injections) were assessed at 3, 12, and 24 months.

Main Results:

• Vitamin D deficiency was associated with significantly higher rates of hypertrophic scarring at 3, 12, and 24 months post-burn.
• Deficient patients showed increased need for reconstructive procedures like Z-plasty and corticosteroid injections.
• Hazard ratios indicated a 2.09-3.56 increased risk for scarring and interventions in deficient patients.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D deficiency is strongly linked to increased hypertrophic scarring and greater need for reconstructive procedures post-burn.
• Micronutrient status may play a significant role in long-term burn recovery.
• Further research is needed to confirm if correcting vitamin D deficiency can mitigate scarring and healthcare utilization.