The Effect of the Coexistence of Hair Follicle and Perforator Artery Density on Length of Hospital Stay in Burns.

Whilst total body surface area, burn depth and age are established determinants of hospital stay, the independent influence of the anatomical region's biological microenvironment remains unexamined. This study evaluates the association between regional perforator artery density, hair follicle density and LOS in patients with second-degree burns. A single-centre retrospective cohort study was conducted on 1593 patients with second-degree burns. An isolated single-region subgroup (n = 352) was analysed independently. Regional perforator and hair follicle density data were compiled from published anatomical references. Scald burns were the most common aetiology (78.3%), with a predominantly paediatric population (71.0% under 18 years). In the isolated burn subgroup, LOS differed significantly between anatomical regions. The lower extremity had the longest LOS (4.71 ± 4.35 days), whilst the perineum had the shortest (2.00 ± 1.73 days). Perforator density showed a strong negative correlation with LOS (Spearman rs = -0.900; p = 0.037), and hair follicle density demonstrated a strong trend. The head-neck region, with the highest combined density, had the shortest LOS (2.72 days); the lower extremity, with the lowest combined density, had the longest (4.71 days; post hoc p = 0.004). Regional perforator and hair follicle density are significant biological determinants of LOS in second-degree burns, independent of TBSA.