🔥 Does Timing Matter in Burn Wound Grafting? Evidence from a Meta-Analysis
Burn injuries remain a major global health burden, with more than 265 million cases annually worldwide. Surgical skin grafting is a cornerstone in burn management, yet the optimal timing of grafting, whether early or delayed continues to be debated, especially in settings with limited resources.
This systematic review and meta-analysis published in Jurnal Rekonstruksi dan Estetik (JRE) evaluates the clinical and functional outcomes of early versus delayed wound grafting in burn patients.
📄 Article Title:
Comparative Outcomes of Early Versus Delayed Wound Grafting in Burn Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
🔗 DOI: https://doi.org/10.20473/jre.v10i2.75022
📌 Why This Study Matters
Early excision and grafting,traditionally performed within 48 hours to 7 days is believed to:
Reduce infection risk
Shorten hospital stay
Improve functional recovery
Lower morbidity and mortality
However, factors such as hemodynamic instability, inadequate resuscitation, and limited surgical resources often delay intervention, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study provides evidence-based guidance to support clinical decision-making.
🔍 Methods at a Glance
Study design: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Search period: July 2024 – January 2025
Study types included:
Randomized controlled trials
Cohort studies
Observational studies
Comparison groups:
Early grafting (within 3–7 days)
Delayed grafting (after 7 days)
Outcomes assessed:
Length of hospital stay
Infection rates
Blood loss
Limb and hand function (TAM & grip strength)
📊 Key Results
250 studies identified, 7 studies met inclusion criteria
Hospital stay:
Early grafting significantly reduced hospitalization by
8.89 days
(95% CI: −12.88 to −4.89)
Functional outcomes:
Early grafting showed significantly better Total Active Movement (TAM)
MD: 22.10 (95% CI: 17.95 to 26.24)
Other outcomes:
No statistically significant differences between early and delayed grafting in:
Blood loss
Infection rates
Post-operative grip strength
🧠 Clinical Interpretation
✅ Early wound grafting offers clear benefits in:
Faster recovery
Shorter hospital stay
Improved postoperative limb mobility
⚠️ However, early grafting did not significantly outperform delayed grafting in terms of infection rates or blood loss, highlighting the importance of patient condition and surgical readiness rather than timing alone.
🎯 Key Takeaways
Early grafting improves functional recovery and hospitalization outcomes
Timing should be balanced with patient stability and resource availability
Supports early intervention when clinically feasible
Calls for further high-quality studies to refine timing protocols
📚 Published in: Jurnal Rekonstruksi dan Estetik
✍️ Authors: Rafeni Bunga, Beta Subakti Nata’admaja
🏥 Affiliations:
Mayapada Hospital Surabaya
Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya
🔗 Read the full article:
https://doi.org/10.20473/jre.v10i2.75022
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#WoundCare #HospitalStay #ClinicalDecisionMaking #JRE #JREUnair
