Carbon Dioxide Laser, Cicatrix
Conditions
Keywords
Scar, Carbon Dioxide Laser, Laser Ablation
Brief summary
This study evaluates the effect of a fractionated carbon dioxide laser on surgical scars of the face and neck over 12 months. Anyone with a surgical scar on the face and neck who has not had laser therapy may be eligible to participate. The visits occur every three months for up to 12 months. Subjects will be randomly assigned to receive a higher energy treatment or a lower energy treatment during the study. Subjects and raters will be blinded to which therapy level the patient receives. At each visit, the scars will be photographed and the subject will complete a questionnaire to rate the scar prior to treatment. Three physicians will evaluate the scar at each visit. One rater will evaluate the scars in person during the visit, while the other two raters will evaluate the scars using photographs after each visit. During the first three study visits, subjects will receive their assigned treatment, obtain post-treatment instructions, and a diary to record redness, swelling, pain, itching, or other skin changes after treatment. At the third study visit, subjects will have the option to receive additional treatments or terminate their participation in the study. The fourth visit for those who continue will be a treatment visit for one group and the fifth visit will be for data collection, with no treatment offered.
Detailed description
In dermatology, the use of Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (laser) has revolutionized the management of various conditions including angiomas, vitiligo, wrinkles, and scars. (Omi, 2014 and Chapas, 2008) Scars result from sub-optimal collagen production during wound healing leading to topographical irregularities. To effectively modify these defects, any treatment must be capable of penetrating the epidermis and eliciting dermal remodeling at a depth of at least 1 mm. The 10,600 nm carbon dioxide (CO2) laser utilizes high energy at short durations to vaporize intra- and extra-cellular water, resulting in tissue ablation causing a substantial thermal injury to the dermis, reducing the likelihood of additional scarring. The CO2 laser can stimulate collagen production and theoretically improve scar thickness, pliability, and texture. This study is a prospective, randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of fractionated carbon dioxide laser in improving surgical scars on the head and neck over 3-5 study visits for a duration of 12.5 months. Scar assessments will be based on objective changes identified on pictures taken with the Canfield Vectra M3 3D Imaging System and subjective changes identified with the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), a validated scar scale. As a secondary objective, the study will evaluate the tolerability of the laser, by assessing the severity and duration of known side effects of laser therapy such as erythema, edema, burning sensation, post-inflammatory pigment changes, infection, scarring, xerosis, pruritus, bronzing, and any other adverse events that arise following treatment. Subjects will be given a diary after each treatment to document this information.
Interventions
DEVICESyneron-Candela CO2RE Laser
This fractionated ablative laser will administer energy at either a high intensity setting or a low intensity setting to subjects randomized into a particular treatment group. It will be operated by the principle investigator, who has extensive experience with laser therapy.
Sponsors
St. Louis University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Intervention model description
This is a crossover study where subjects are randomized into two arms. Subjects in the sham arm are allowed to crossover at the end of their initial intervention period.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Surgical scar present in the head or neck region for at least 8 weeks. * Capable of providing informed consent * Available for study appointments * Follows directions of post-treatment instructions
Exclusion criteria
* Individuals under the age of 18 * Prior laser treatment to the head or neck * History of keloid formation * Isotretinoin use in the last 6 months prior to study enrollment * Allergy to topical lidocaine * Pregnant women
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Blinded Photo Observer Score on POSAS V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group | 6 months (months 0-6 for the original randomized group, months 6-12 for the crossover group) | Utilizing the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) (a scar assessment scale), the study will evaluate features of color change, thickness, width, the texture of the scar, pain associated with the scar, and itching associated with the scar by blinded clinical evaluators. Scale is scored from 1-10 with higher scores indicating a worse scar. A change in the total score is being reported. |
| Change in Vectra Measured Length V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | 3 months (month 0-3 for original randomized group, month 6-9 for crossover group) | Utilizing the Vectra microtopographic imaging system, the study team will measure changes in the length of the scar after laser therapy. |
| In Person Blinded Observer POSAS Change V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | 3 months (month 0-3 for original randomized group, month 6-9 for crossover group) | Utilizing the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) (a scar assessment scale), the study will evaluate features of color change, thickness, width, the texture of the scar, pain associated with the scar, and itching associated with the scar by blinded clinical evaluators. Scale is scored from 1-10 with higher scores indicating a worse scar. A change in the total score is being reported. |
| Change in Vectra Measured Width V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | 3 months (months 0-3 for the original randomized group, months 6-9 for the crossover group) | Utilizing the Vectra microtopographic imaging system, the study team will measure changes in the width of the scar after laser therapy. |
| Change in Vectra Measured Surface Area V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | 3 months (months 0-3 for the original randomized group, months 6-9 for the crossover group) | Utilizing the Vectra microtopographic imaging system, the study team will measure changes in the surface area of the scar after laser therapy. |
| Change in Vectra Measured Length V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group | 6 months (months 0-6 for the original randomized group, months 6-12 for the crossover group) | Utilizing the Vectra microtopographic imaging system, the study team will measure changes in the length of the scar after laser therapy. |
| Change in Vectra Measured Width V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group | 6 months (months 0-6 for the original randomized group, months 6-12 for the crossover group) | Utilizing the Vectra microtopographic imaging system, the study team will measure changes in the width of the scar after laser therapy. |
| Change in Vectra Measured Surface Area V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group | 6 months (months 0-6 for the original randomized group, months 6-12 for the crossover group) | Utilizing the Vectra microtopographic imaging system, the study team will measure changes in the suface area of the scar after laser therapy. |
| In-person Blinded Observer Change POSAS V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group | 6 months (months 0-6 for the original randomized group, months 6-12 for the crossover group) | Utilizing the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) (a scar assessment scale), the study will evaluate features of color change, thickness, width, the texture of the scar, pain associated with the scar, and itching associated with the scar by blinded clinical evaluators. Scale is scored from 1-10 with higher scores indicating a worse scar. A change in the total score is being reported. |
| Change in Blinded Photo Observer Score POSAS V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | 3 months (months 0-3 for the original randomized group, months 6-9 for the crossover group) | Utilizing the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) (a scar assessment scale), the study will evaluate features of color change, thickness, width, the texture of the scar, pain associated with the scar, and itching associated with the scar by the blinded clinical evaluators. Scale is scored from 1-10 with higher scores indicating a worse scar. A change in the total score is being reported. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | V1 (month 0) and V2 (month 3) for the original group; visit 3 (month 6) and visit 4 (month 9) for crossover group | Participants will be given a diary to record the severity and duration of symptoms for the day of treatment and then daily for seven days after each laser treatment: redness, scaling/flaking, pustules, swelling, pain, itching, burning, color changes (darkening and/or lightning), infection, and any other adverse events that arise following treatment. Subjects score each of the symptom severity on a scale of 0-4 (0=none, 1= mild, 2= moderate, 3= intense, 4= intolerable). The average weekly score for each group is reported below. |
Countries
United States
Participant flow
Pre-assignment details
51 patients enrolled in the study. One subject withdrew from the study prior to treatment. A total of 50 subjects received treatment in the study. There were 10 subjects who crossed-over from low-energy treatment to high-energy treatment after completing the low-energy portion of the study.
Participants by arm
| Arm | Count |
|---|---|
| High Energy Treatment Group Subjects in this group received one or two Syneron-Candela CO2RE laser treatments set at either the Mid mode or the Deep mode of the laser at visits three months apart. Thereafter, individuals in this group were offered a third optional treatment at one of these settings.
Syneron-Candela CO2RE Laser: This fractionated ablative laser administered energy at either a high-intensity setting or a low intensity setting to subjects randomized into a particular treatment group. It was operated by the principal investigator, who has extensive experience with laser therapy. | 25 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group Subjects in this group were offered two optional high-energy treatments subsequent to receiving the two light-energy treatments. Syneron-Candela CO2RE laser treatments set at the Light mode of the laser at visits three months apart. The Light mode is a low-energy setting that superficially cleanses the skin, and would not affect the scar, which is deeper in the skin. Individuals in this group will be offered two optional high-energy treatments subsequent to receiving the two light-energy treatments.
Syneron-Candela CO2RE Laser: This fractionated ablative laser administered energy at either a high-intensity setting or a low intensity setting to subjects randomized into a particular treatment group. It was operated by the principal investigator, who has extensive experience with laser therapy. | 26 |
| Total | 51 |
Withdrawals & dropouts
| Period | Reason | FG000 | FG001 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Randomization | Withdrawal by Subject | 0 | 1 |
Baseline characteristics
| Characteristic | Total | Low Energy Placebo Group | High Energy Treatment Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age, Continuous | 58.2 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.1 | 56.3 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.7 | 59.6 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.7 |
| Baseline Scar Length | 33.5044 mm STANDARD_DEVIATION 22.13543 | 36.8 mm STANDARD_DEVIATION 27.25163 | 31.0 mm STANDARD_DEVIATION 17.42809 |
| Baseline Scar Surface Area | 3.41 cm^2 STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.74 | 4.4 cm^2 STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.72 | 2.7 cm^2 STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.37 |
| Baseline Scar Width | 11.08 mm STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.05 | 11.6 mm STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.95 | 10.7 mm STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.25 |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Hispanic or Latino | 3 Participants | 1 Participants | 2 Participants |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Not Hispanic or Latino | 45 Participants | 24 Participants | 21 Participants |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Unknown or Not Reported | 3 Participants | 1 Participants | 2 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) American Indian or Alaska Native | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Asian | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Black or African American | 2 Participants | 1 Participants | 1 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) More than one race | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Unknown or Not Reported | 2 Participants | 1 Participants | 1 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) White | 47 Participants | 24 Participants | 23 Participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Female | 37 Participants | 19 Participants | 18 Participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Male | 14 Participants | 7 Participants | 7 Participants |
Adverse events
| Event type | EG000 affected / at risk | EG001 affected / at risk |
|---|---|---|
| deaths Total, all-cause mortality | 0 / 35 | 0 / 26 |
| other Total, other adverse events | 7 / 35 | 7 / 26 |
| serious Total, serious adverse events | 0 / 35 | 0 / 26 |
Outcome results
Primary
Change in Blinded Photo Observer Score on POSAS V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group
Utilizing the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) (a scar assessment scale), the study will evaluate features of color change, thickness, width, the texture of the scar, pain associated with the scar, and itching associated with the scar by blinded clinical evaluators. Scale is scored from 1-10 with higher scores indicating a worse scar. A change in the total score is being reported.
Time frame: 6 months (months 0-6 for the original randomized group, months 6-12 for the crossover group)
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Energy Treatment Group | Change in Blinded Photo Observer Score on POSAS V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group | -4.18 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.38 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Change in Blinded Photo Observer Score on POSAS V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group | -4.28 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.4 |
Primary
Change in Blinded Photo Observer Score POSAS V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group
Utilizing the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) (a scar assessment scale), the study will evaluate features of color change, thickness, width, the texture of the scar, pain associated with the scar, and itching associated with the scar by the blinded clinical evaluators. Scale is scored from 1-10 with higher scores indicating a worse scar. A change in the total score is being reported.
Time frame: 3 months (months 0-3 for the original randomized group, months 6-9 for the crossover group)
Population: The high-energy treatment group includes the 25 participants originally randomized to high-energy treatment and the 10 crossover subjects. The low-energy placebo group includes the 25 subjects who did not withdraw from the study (26 were originally randomized, and one withdrew).
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Energy Treatment Group | Change in Blinded Photo Observer Score POSAS V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | -2.36 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.51 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Change in Blinded Photo Observer Score POSAS V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | -2.73 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 2.81 |
Primary
Change in Vectra Measured Length V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group
Utilizing the Vectra microtopographic imaging system, the study team will measure changes in the length of the scar after laser therapy.
Time frame: 3 months (month 0-3 for original randomized group, month 6-9 for crossover group)
Population: The high-energy treatment group includes the 25 participants originally randomized to high-energy treatment and the 10 crossover subjects. The low-energy placebo group includes the 25 subjects who did not withdraw from the study (26 were originally randomized, and one withdrew).
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Energy Treatment Group | Change in Vectra Measured Length V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | 0.10 mm | Standard Deviation 0.78 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Change in Vectra Measured Length V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | 0.03 mm | Standard Deviation 0.26 |
Primary
Change in Vectra Measured Length V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group
Utilizing the Vectra microtopographic imaging system, the study team will measure changes in the length of the scar after laser therapy.
Time frame: 6 months (months 0-6 for the original randomized group, months 6-12 for the crossover group)
Population: The high-energy treatment group includes the 25 participants originally randomized to high-energy treatment and the 10 crossover subjects. The low-energy placebo group includes the 25 subjects who did not withdraw from the study (26 were originally randomized, and one withdrew).
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Energy Treatment Group | Change in Vectra Measured Length V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group | 0.42 mm | Standard Deviation 1.18 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Change in Vectra Measured Length V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group | -0.23 mm | Standard Deviation 0.96 |
Primary
Change in Vectra Measured Surface Area V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group
Utilizing the Vectra microtopographic imaging system, the study team will measure changes in the surface area of the scar after laser therapy.
Time frame: 3 months (months 0-3 for the original randomized group, months 6-9 for the crossover group)
Population: The high-energy treatment group includes the 25 participants originally randomized to high-energy treatment and the 10 crossover subjects. The low-energy placebo group includes the 25 subjects who did not withdraw from the study (26 were originally randomized, and one withdrew).
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Energy Treatment Group | Change in Vectra Measured Surface Area V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | 0.01 cm^2 | Standard Deviation 0.11 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Change in Vectra Measured Surface Area V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | -0.04 cm^2 | Standard Deviation 0.15 |
Primary
Change in Vectra Measured Surface Area V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group
Utilizing the Vectra microtopographic imaging system, the study team will measure changes in the suface area of the scar after laser therapy.
Time frame: 6 months (months 0-6 for the original randomized group, months 6-12 for the crossover group)
Population: The high-energy treatment group includes the 25 participants originally randomized to high-energy treatment and the 10 crossover subjects. The low-energy placebo group includes the 25 subjects who did not withdraw from the study (26 were originally randomized, and one withdrew).
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Energy Treatment Group | Change in Vectra Measured Surface Area V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group | 0.08 cm^2 | Standard Deviation 0.18 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Change in Vectra Measured Surface Area V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group | -0.05 cm^2 | Standard Deviation 0.16 |
Primary
Change in Vectra Measured Width V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group
Utilizing the Vectra microtopographic imaging system, the study team will measure changes in the width of the scar after laser therapy.
Time frame: 3 months (months 0-3 for the original randomized group, months 6-9 for the crossover group)
Population: The high-energy treatment group includes the 25 participants originally randomized to high-energy treatment and the 10 crossover subjects. The low-energy placebo group includes the 25 subjects who did not withdraw from the study (26 were originally randomized, and one withdrew).
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Energy Treatment Group | Change in Vectra Measured Width V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | 0.06 mm | Standard Deviation 0.34 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Change in Vectra Measured Width V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | -0.08 mm | Standard Deviation 0.39 |
Primary
Change in Vectra Measured Width V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group
Utilizing the Vectra microtopographic imaging system, the study team will measure changes in the width of the scar after laser therapy.
Time frame: 6 months (months 0-6 for the original randomized group, months 6-12 for the crossover group)
Population: The high-energy treatment group includes the 25 participants originally randomized to high-energy treatment and the 10 crossover subjects. The low-energy placebo group includes the 25 subjects who did not withdraw from the study (26 were originally randomized, and one withdrew).
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Energy Treatment Group | Change in Vectra Measured Width V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group | 0.19 mm | Standard Deviation 0.83 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Change in Vectra Measured Width V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group | -1.37 mm | Standard Deviation 4.62 |
Primary
In-person Blinded Observer Change POSAS V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group
Utilizing the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) (a scar assessment scale), the study will evaluate features of color change, thickness, width, the texture of the scar, pain associated with the scar, and itching associated with the scar by blinded clinical evaluators. Scale is scored from 1-10 with higher scores indicating a worse scar. A change in the total score is being reported.
Time frame: 6 months (months 0-6 for the original randomized group, months 6-12 for the crossover group)
Population: The high-energy treatment group includes the 25 participants originally randomized to high-energy treatment and the 10 crossover subjects. The low-energy placebo group includes the 25 subjects who did not withdraw from the study (26 were originally randomized, and one withdrew).
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Energy Treatment Group | In-person Blinded Observer Change POSAS V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group | -4.95 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 2.98 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | In-person Blinded Observer Change POSAS V1 (Month 0)-V3 (Month 6) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 5 (Month 12) for Crossover Group | -5.16 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 5.29 |
Primary
In Person Blinded Observer POSAS Change V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group
Utilizing the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) (a scar assessment scale), the study will evaluate features of color change, thickness, width, the texture of the scar, pain associated with the scar, and itching associated with the scar by blinded clinical evaluators. Scale is scored from 1-10 with higher scores indicating a worse scar. A change in the total score is being reported.
Time frame: 3 months (month 0-3 for original randomized group, month 6-9 for crossover group)
Population: The high-energy treatment group includes the 25 participants originally randomized to high-energy treatment and the 10 crossover subjects. The low-energy placebo group includes the 25 subjects who did not withdraw from the study (26 were originally randomized, and one withdrew).
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Energy Treatment Group | In Person Blinded Observer POSAS Change V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | -3.29 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.95 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | In Person Blinded Observer POSAS Change V1 (Month 0)-V2 (Month 3) for Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) to Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | -3.30 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.76 |
Secondary
Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group
Participants will be given a diary to record the severity and duration of symptoms for the day of treatment and then daily for seven days after each laser treatment: redness, scaling/flaking, pustules, swelling, pain, itching, burning, color changes (darkening and/or lightning), infection, and any other adverse events that arise following treatment. Subjects score each of the symptom severity on a scale of 0-4 (0=none, 1= mild, 2= moderate, 3= intense, 4= intolerable). The average weekly score for each group is reported below.
Time frame: V1 (month 0) and V2 (month 3) for the original group; visit 3 (month 6) and visit 4 (month 9) for crossover group
Population: The high-energy treatment group includes the 25 participants originally randomized to high-energy treatment and the 10 crossover subjects. The low-energy placebo group includes the 25 subjects who did not withdraw from the study (26 were originally randomized, and one withdrew).
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Color After Visit 1 | 0.69 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.9 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Pustules After Visit 1 | 0.41 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.67 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Itch After Visit 1 | 0.63 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.59 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Infection After Visit 1 | 0.06 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.19 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Swelling After Visit 2 | 1.17 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.9 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Redness After Visit 2 | 1.78 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.77 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Pain After Visit 1 | 0.45 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.54 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Scaling After Visit 2 | 0.83 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.7 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Pustules After Visit 2 | 0.38 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.67 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Burn After Visit 1 | 0.36 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.44 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Pain After Visit 2 | 0.58 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.74 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Itch After Visit 2 | 0.56 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.5 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Burn After Visit 2 | 0.49 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.66 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Redness After Visit 1 | 1.91 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.73 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Color After Visit 2 | 0.96 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.81 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Swelling After Visit 1 | 1.03 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.9 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Infection After Visit 2 | 0.01 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.06 |
| High Energy Treatment Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Scaling After Visit 1 | 0.58 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.62 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Infection After Visit 2 | 0.0 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Swelling After Visit 1 | 0.99 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.92 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Pain After Visit 1 | 0.62 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.6 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Itch After Visit 1 | 0.64 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.73 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Burn After Visit 1 | 0.59 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.44 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Scaling After Visit 2 | 0.95 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.64 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Swelling After Visit 2 | 1.04 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.89 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Pain After Visit 2 | 0.66 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.74 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Redness After Visit 1 | 1.98 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.63 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Scaling After Visit 1 | 0.70 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.53 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Color After Visit 1 | 0.95 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.96 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Infection After Visit 1 | 0.0 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Redness After Visit 2 | 2.00 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.62 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Pustules After Visit 2 | 0.58 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.75 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Itch After Visit 2 | 1.23 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.02 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Burn After Visit 2 | 0.65 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.68 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Color After Visit 2 | 0.64 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.96 |
| Low Energy Placebo Group | Tolerability Associated With the Laser Treatment at V1 (Month 0) and V2 (Month 3) for the Original Group; Visit 3 (Month 6) and Visit 4 (Month 9) for Crossover Group | Patient Diary Pustules After Visit 1 | 0.29 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.48 |