Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
-
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of parenteral glutamine(GLN) supplementation combined with enteral nutrition (EN) on heat shock protein 90(Hsp90) expression, apoptosis of lymphoid organs and circulating lymphocytes, immunological function and survival in severely burned rats. ⋯ The results of this study show that parenteral GLN supplementation combined with EN may increase the GLN concentrations of plasma and tissues, up-regulate the expression of Hsp90, attenuate apoptosis in lymphoid organ and circulating lymphocyte, enhance the immunological function and improve survival in severely burned rats. Clinically, therapeutic efforts at the modulation of the immune dysfunction may contribute to a favorable outcome in severely burned patients.
-
Although the use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) has increased in burn patient treatment, little is known about the subjective experiences of these patients with PICCs. These experiences may be similar to those of other patients, particularly cancer patients receiving long term care but it is not clear if this is the case. Burn patients' exposure to skin injury may result in pain and apprehension similar but different from that felt by cancer patients. The aim of this study was to explore the subjective experiences of PICC insertion procedures among burn patients treated and managed in a burn center in South Korea. ⋯ The major findings from our focus group interviews were that frequent venipunctures are a significant sources of distress for burn patients. However, most participants reported that PICC provided a very convenient route for venous infiltration and for that they were generally positive about the procedure. This knowledge may enable clinicians to better the needs of their patients when undergoing PICC insertion and management.
-
To describe patterns in thermal injury incidence and hospitalisations by age, gender, calendar year and socioeconomic status among 0-4 year olds in England for the period 1998-2013. ⋯ Incidence of all thermal injuries and those hospitalised for ≥72h reduced over time. Steep socioeconomic gradients support continued targeting of preventative interventions to those living in the most deprived areas.
-
Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is a physiological characteristic to measure the efficiency of the skin barrier. The aim was to investigate the reliability of the Tewameter TM300 for the assessment of TEWL (g/m(2)/h) in burn scars. Also the relation between TEWL scar values and scar quality parameters was investigated. ⋯ Significant correlations were found between TEWL hypertrophic scar values and erythema (r=0.60, p=0.001) and a negative correlation for weeks after burn (r=-0.61, p=0.001). TEWL values were significantly different between 3 and 6 months and 3 and 12 months old scars (respectively p=0.021 and p=0.002). To evaluate the skin barrier function over time as a measure for scar maturation, Tewameter TM300 measurements have to be performed according to strict and standardized protocols.