Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Review Case Reports
Facial burns from exploding microwaved foods: Case series and review.
Microwave ovens allow for quick and simple cooking. However, the importance of adequate food preparation, prior to microwave cooking, and the consequences of inadequate preparation are not well-known. ⋯ Microwave ovens have become ubiquitous. The authors recognise the need for improved public awareness of safe microwave cooking. Burns resulting from microwave-cooked foods may have life-changing consequences.
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The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of burn size estimation using the computer-assisted software BurnCase 3D (RISC Software GmbH, Hagenberg, Austria) with that using a 2D scan, considered to be the actual burn size. ⋯ BurnCase 3D is a valid and reliable tool for the determination of total body surface area burned in standard models. Further clinical studies including different pediatric and overweight adult mannequins are warranted.
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Older people are disproportionately at risk of burn and have a high risk of dementia; however the impact of dementia on risk of burn is unknown. ⋯ Burns in people with dementia are significant injuries, which have not decreased over the past ten years despite prevention efforts to reduce burns in older people. Targeted prevention education in the home and residential aged care facilities is warranted.
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The provision and practice of burn care changed dramatically during the latter half of the 20th century. Historically, indicators of outcomes that were employed were survival and length of hospital stay, but these have now been expanded with increased data capture. ⋯ The multiple domains covered by the term "patient outcome" aim to optimize the acute and long-term management of burn patients and have shifted the focus onto lifelong outcomes, rather than short-term gains. This review will investigate the current outcome measures employed in burn care in the UK, how this leads to commissioning and regulation of a burn service, and influences the future direction of travel.
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The use of negative-pressure-wound-therapy (NPWT) is associated with improved outcomes in smaller burns. We report our experience using extra-large (XL) NPWT dressings to treat ≥15% total body surface area (TBSA) burned and describe our technique and early outcomes. We also provide NPWT exudate volume for predictive fluid resuscitation in these critically ill patients. ⋯ The use of XL-NPWT to treat extensive burns is feasible with attention to application technique. NPWT dressings appear to improve graft take, and to decrease risk of infection, LOS, and pain and anxiety associated with wound care. Measured fluid losses can improve patient care in future applications of NPWT to large burn wounds.