Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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The error rates of forensic techniques need to be evaluated. The charred body scale is a method for quantifying the level of decomposition in burned remains. 51 files containing photographs of burned pigs at different stages of decomposition were scored by nine participants. Each pig in the photographs was uniformly burned to a different level (Crow Glassman Scale levels 1 to 3). ⋯ Interobserver error, hence reliability, of the scores was tested using individual and average absolute agreement interclass correlations. The charred body scale is reliable for remains burned to a Crow Glassman Scale level 1 but not in higher burn levels. It is suggested that a universal scoring method be developed that accounts for multiple burn levels in a single case.
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Self-immolation is one of the most painful methods of suicide which is widespread among women in Kurdish regions of Iran. The present study aimed to explore the causes and sociocultural groundwork of choosing self-immolation methods by women in Kurdish regions of Iran. This present study was conducted using a qualitative approach and conventional content analysis. ⋯ From the analysis of the data obtained in this study, the 8 sub-themes related to cause of suicide attempt from the participants' viewpoints including unbridled coherence, lack of supportive social and environmental structures, economic pressure, aggravation of violence, humiliated ego, dominance of modern values over the local and indigenous ones, incoherent family, and giving up on changing conditions as well as 6 sub themes based on the cause of choosing the method of self-immolation including protesting, frightening the family, catching more attention, championing and showing courage, inducing more guilty feelings in the family and society, fashion or imitation, and easy access were revealed. Self-immolation is one of the most important problems in the Kurdish regions of Iran, which is rooted in various economic, social, psychological and cultural causes. To reduce this social harm, there is a need for comprehensive programs that cover all dimensions.
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Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is an autoimmune condition with significant morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Etanercept can be considered in the treatment of SJS/TEN patients in addition to IVIg, and supportive care in a burn unit.
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The objective of this study was the adaptation of the Burn Specific Health Scale-Revised (BSHS-R) into the Portuguese context. The authors of the original version of BSHS-R with 31 items are Blalock, Bunker and DeVellis and it was developed to evaluate the health status of burns victims. The Brazilian version of the BSHS-R was translated from Portuguese (Brazil) to Portuguese (Portugal), through a semantic adaptation process, by independent Portuguese-Brazilian specialists, followed by a verbal comprehension assessment of all items, with a heterogeneous group of people, in terms of age, education and occupation. ⋯ The results analysis allowed to assess and identify the validity of the construct through the factorial exploratory analysis, which confirmed the same previous factorial structure identified in the original language and in the Brazilian version. The BSHS-R also presented good internal consistency indicators (global α = .921; affect and body image α = .874; heat sensitivity α = .830; simple functional abilities α = .893; treatment regimens α = .772; work α = .876; interpersonal relationships α = .804). The Portuguese (Portugal) adapted version has revealed useful, valid and reliable for the quality of life assessment related to the health of people that suffered burn injuries.
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Several studies have analyzed single or combinations of variables for impact on length of stay (LOS) in thermally-injured patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate a multitude of established variables and potentially identify novel variables associated with LOS in a single study. ⋯ There are multiple factors associated with the increased LOS seen in patients with thermal and inhalation injury. This study confirmed and identified novel factors not previously discussed in the literature that were significantly associated with LOS. Expansion of the data submitted to the National Burn Repository and the Burn Quality Improvement Program may be warranted. This study confirms claims from previous studies on inadequacy of current data submitted for benchmarking and under-reimbursement for the care of such a complex population.