Blood Levels Of Hormones, Cytokines And Leukocyte Content Versus Hypertrophic Scar Laser Treatment Outcome

Abstract

The goal was to identify the changes in blood levels of hormones, cytokines, and the number of leukocytes associated with the success of laser treatment of hypertrophic scars. Material and Methods — The lipid, hormonal, cytokine and leukocyte composition of blood was studied in 15 women with normotrophic scars (Group 1) and 30 women with hypertrophic scars (Group 2). Blood was taken before treatment on days 5-7 of the menstrual cycle, followed by laser treatment. The clinical parameters of scars were assessed before treatment and 3 months after it, and two subgroups were identified: with a successful treatment outcome (2a) and with an unsuccessful outcome (2b). A retrospective analysis of blood composition was performed in each subgroup. The data were processed using the methods of nonparametric statistics. The differences were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. Results — At a successful treatment outcome, the clinical parameters of scars were associated with low estradiol level, high progesterone content and high number of segmented neutrophils. These changes create conditions for scar hypertrophy, but retain the body’s capability of responding to the treatment by inflammatory process with normotrophic scarring. At an unsuccessful treatment outcome, the scar hypertrophy was restored under conditions of low blood content of luteinizing hormone, and high levels of growth hormone and transforming growth factor β. Conclusion — Features of changes in the blood levels of hormones, cytokines, and leukocyte content are associated with the success of laser treatment of hypertrophic scars.