Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Burns of the first commissure of the hand can evolve into an adduction contracture of the thumb. We decided to conduct a review of the existing literature on the treatment of full-thickness burns of the first commissure in order to develop a treatment algorithm that integrates the various currently available procedures. ⋯ A therapeutic algorithm for full-thickness burns of the first commissure of the hand was developed. With this algorithm we sought to relate each degree and stage of the burn with a treatment.
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Peripheral neuropathy is the most frequent disabling neuromuscular complication of burns. However, the insidious and progressive onset of burn neuropathy makes it often undiagnosed or overlooked. In our study, we reviewed the current studies on the burn-related peripheral neuropathy to summarize the morbidity, mechanism, detecting method and management of peripheral neuropathy in burn patients. ⋯ Surgical procedures, especially nerve decompression, showed good effect on functional recovery of both acute and delayed peripheral neuropathy in burn patients. It is noteworthy that, for early detection and prevention of peripheral neuropathy, electrodiagnostic examinations should be performed on burn patients independent of symptoms. Still, the underlying mechanisms of burn-related peripheral neuropathy remain to be clarified.
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The World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a universal classification system of health and health-related domains. The ICF has been successfully applied to a wide range of health conditions and diseases; however, its application in the field of burn recovery has been minimal. ⋯ Of the studies conducted, few examined the same subtopics or used similar measurements. This suggests a need for more robust studies in this area in order to inform and improve burn rehabilitation practices to meet the potential needs of burn patients beyond an acute care setting.
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Since the introduction of e-cigarettes to the UK market in 2007 their popularity amongst young adults has significantly increased. These lithium-ion powered devices remain unregulated by the Standards Agency and as a result burns centres across the world have seen an increasing number of patients presenting with significant burns, resulting from poor quality batteries that appear to be liable to explode when over-heated, over-charged or incorrectly stored. ⋯ The import and sale of e-cigarettes remains unrestricted. This increases the risk of devices being available in the UK market that do not meet the British Standard Specification, potentially increasing their risk of causing fire and exploding. Consumers should be made aware of this risk, and advised of adequate charging and storage procedures. In case lithium ion compounds leak following a breach in the battery, first aid with mineral oil use is advocated to avoid a further chemical reaction.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of different duration exercise programs in children with severe burns.
Burns lead to persistent and detrimental muscle breakdown and weakness. Standard treatment at our institution includes a voluntary 12-week rehabilitative exercise program to limit and reverse the effects of increased muscle catabolism. In the present work, we investigated if different durations of exercise, 6 or 12 weeks, produce comparable improvements in muscle strength, body composition, and cardiopulmonary fitness. ⋯ These data suggest that a 6-week rehabilitative exercise program is sufficient for improving muscle strength, body composition, and cardiopulmonary fitness in pediatric burn patients. However, continuation of at- or near-home cardiopulmonary training following the 6 weeks of at-hospital rehabilitation may be useful.