Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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A prospective study of 352 patients in an Asian National Burn Centre has been used to develop statistical predictive models for mortality and hospitalization time. The patients are largely of Asian origin. Total burn surface area (% TBSA) and presence of respiratory burns are significant independent predictors of mortality in the multiple logistic regression analysis with an accuracy of 98.3 per cent. ⋯ These models have to be tested against a future set of patients. After confirmation they will aid in patient management, clinical audit, patient and family counselling. They will also serve as baseline standards for evaluation of new therapies, assist us in the allocation of resources and identifying the at-risk population for improvements in therapy.
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Scalds are common in South Africa and accounted for 21.6 per cent of the admissions to the Burns Unit of the University of Cape Town. Two hundred and forty adult patients (160 males, 80 females) with a mean age of 34.2 years were admitted for treatment of scalds between 1985 and June 1992. One hundred and thirteen sustained their scalds accidentally while 127 patients were assaulted with hot water. ⋯ In 19 per cent of these patients a weekly course of penicillin and erythromycin did not eradicate the streptococcus and clindamycin was required. Accidental scalds usually affect the lower body and limbs whereas assault with hot water commonly involves the head and neck. Streptococcus is a common organism in the Burns Unit and is becoming more difficult to eradicate.
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The objectives of this research were to study the epidemiological characteristics and home-based treatment of childhood burns in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Children aged 0-5 years with a burn history were identified through a community-based, multisite survey. A standard questionnaire was administered to mothers of 630 of these children to elicit information on their sociodemographic characteristics and the circumstances of the burn event. ⋯ Otherwise, treatment with a traditional preparation was the most popular first-aid choice. Since a considerable proportion of burns happened between meals when children 'play with fire' in the house yard, the provision of alternative play activities and community play areas may reduce the incidence of burns to these children. Secondly, we recommend that education on first-aid management of burns be intensified, with special emphasis on alternatives to the use of traditional preparations.
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During the New Year 1991-92, a total of 17 patients with burns caused by fireworks (an unprecedentedly high number) were admitted to the two Danish burns units. They were all males and all had carried the causative firework in their clothes; 88 per cent were minors, and 87 per cent of these had bought their fireworks themselves in ordinary shops. Fireworks described as 'whistles' were responsible in 88 per cent of the cases. ⋯ Furthermore, the patients were all younger than the age group targeted by the school campaign. The following New Year 1993-94, only three children were admitted with minor burns caused by fireworks, confirming the effect of the prophylactic actions. We conclude that the prophylactic actions were effective enough to reduce the number and severity of burn injuries caused by fireworks.