Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
-
Burns and subsequent contractures are common in developing nations. Contracture release is performed to treat such patients with functional limitations. The aim of this study is to evaluate post-operative functional and psychosocial outcomes following contracture release in a mission setting. ⋯ Patients SF-36 and WPI scores improved following burn contracture release, confirming both functional and psychologic improvement following surgery. During the acute post-operative period, this study suggests that contracture release in a mission setting is of benefit to patients.
-
This research explored the gender differences in resilience and psychological distress of patients with burns. In Pakistan, psychological states of patients with burns have not been widely studied, women making up as the neglected section of society lag far behind in availing the needful health facilities. It was hypothesized that there would be significant gender differences in resilience and psychological distress of patients with burns. ⋯ Independent sample t-test was conducted to find gender differences in resilience and psychological distress. The findings from the current research revealed that there were significant gender differences in resilience and psychological distress of patients with burns. The insightful findings from the current research carry strong implications for the clinicians, psychologists and policy makers who can help to develop and implement the rehabilitation programs for the affected population and can launch resilience promoting programs that would help them in coping with burns in effective manner.
-
In the severely burned patient, coverage of exposed bone in the dorsal ulnar wrist can be a difficult problem. This is especially challenging in patients with a high percentage total body surface area (TBSA) where donor flaps can be scarce. The use of previously burned and/or recently grafted skin as flaps is an option. It has been postulated that use of previously burned skin can result in higher rates of local or distant flap failures. The reverse posterior interosseous flap (PIF) is an axial flap, based on the retrograde posterior interosseous artery, to provide coverage of the hand. Here we describe utilization of the PIF, using previously burned and/or recently grafted skin for coverage of dorsal ulnar wrist defects. ⋯ Defects of the distal ulnar wrist after deep and extensive burns can be problematic. Use of the reverse PIF using previously burned skin, even those that has just been recently grafted is a viable option for this difficult patient population. However, it may not be possible in all patients. Vigilance and early intervention for post-operative venous congestion are important.
-
Acute kidney injury (AKI) commonly complicates burn. Recently, AKI has been suggested to be causally related to chronic end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but controversial data also exist. Our aim was to study the risk of ESRD after burn in a nationwide analysis. ⋯ In conclusion, a significantly increased risk of ESRD was recorded after a severe burn. Our results do not support increased incidence of ESRD solely as a consequence of AKI due to burn, but burn may increase the risk of ESRD in patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease.
-
Observational Study
Variation of surface temperatures of different ground materials on hot days: Burn risk for the neuropathic foot.
The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between ambient temperature and surface temperatures of commonly used building/ground materials, in order to estimate the risk of contact thermal injury. It is an observational study where the air ambient temperature and the surface temperatures of slate, metal, cement, sand, brick and bitumen, were measured, in shaded and unshaded conditions, on cloudy and cloudless days in summer in Adelaide, South Australia. All unshaded surfaces reached temperatures capable of causing significant sole of foot burns given requisite exposure time in both clear and overcast conditions, even with a relatively low ambient temperature. ⋯ Although surface temperatures were reduced in overcast conditions, the temperatures recorded were still capable of causing thermal injury. Peripheral neuropathy prolongs heat exposure times, often resulting in significant and complex injury, requiring lengthy treatment and generating potentially poor functional outcomes. This study provides a reference point for the enactment of preventative measures for at risk population groups such a diabetics.