Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Early excision of burns reduces the incidence of local and systemic infections caused by colonising microorganisms, and reduces mortality and length of hospital stay. Appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis can reduce the risk of postoperative wound infections and skin graft loss. Antibiotic selection should be based on likely pathogens. However, there are few studies that have investigated the early pathogenic colonisers of acute burn wounds. ⋯ Increased colonisation of acute burn wounds with pathogenic gram-negative bacteria was associated with increased size of burn.
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Burn is associated with a considerable burden of morbidity worldwide. Early excision of burned tissue and skin grafting of the resultant wound has been established as a mainstay of modern burn therapy. However, in large burns, donor sites for autologous skin may be limited. ⋯ Comparison was also made between fresh and cryopreserved grafts. No statistically significant difference was identified between GalT-KO and allogeneic skin grafts in any of the assessed parameters, and graft take and function was not adversely effected by the freeze-thaw process. These data demonstrate that GalT-KO porcine grafts are functionally comparable to allogeneic skin grafts for temporary closure of full thickness wounds, and support their consideration as an alternative to cadaver allogeneic skin in the emergency management of large burns.