Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Jan 2009
Review Meta AnalysisThe effectiveness of pressure garment therapy for the prevention of abnormal scarring after burn injury: a meta-analysis.
This study had three objectives. First, to conduct a systematic review to identify the available evidence for the use of pressure garment therapy (PGT); second, to assess the quality of the available evidence; and third, to conduct a meta-analysis to quantify the effectiveness of PGT for the prevention of abnormal scarring after burn injury. ⋯ PGT does not appear to alter global scar scores. It does appear to improve scar height, although this difference is small and of questionable clinical importance. The beneficial effects of PGT remain unproven, while the potential morbidity and cost are not insignificant. Given current evidence, additional research is required to examine the effectiveness, risks and costs of PGT.