Severe obstructive sleep apnoea secondary to pressure garments used in the treatment of hypertrophic burn scars

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) secondary to pressure garments used to treat hypertrophic scarring of burns has never been reported. The present study describes two children who presented with OSA following introduction of such garments for management of hypertrophic scars following severe facial and upper body burns. Complex sleep polysomnography confirmed severe OSA with desaturations sufficient to result in physiological dysfunction that significantly improved on removal of the garments. As there is little evidence to suggest that the use of such garments alters the end result, the potentially serious side effect of obstructive sleep apnoea should be considered before their use is advised.