Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Human cadaveric skin (allograft) is used in treating major burns both as temporizing wound coverage and a means of testing wound bed viability following burn excision. There is limited information on outcomes, and clinicians disagree on indications for application in intermediate-sized burns. This study aims to improve understanding of allograft use in 20-50% total body surface burns by assessing current utilization and evaluating inpatient outcomes. ⋯ Allograft use in major burns 20-50% TBSA was associated with a significant increase in inpatient mortality. There was a notable correlation with increased inpatient complications, longer length of stay, more burn operations, and greater total charges. Better studies are needed to justify the use of this costly and limited resource in the intermediate sized major burn population.
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Severe burns cause hypermetabolic responses and prolonged hospitalization, resulting in loss of body mass and muscle strength. This study aimed to determine whether long-term gains in lean body mass (LBM) after structured exercise programs are functionally meaningful and related to greater muscle strength in severely burned children. ⋯ In severely burned children participating in a rehabilitative exercise program, gains in LBM over time are related to increases in muscle strength, suggesting that gained muscle mass is functional. Measurement of muscle strength at an angular velocity of 120°/s best reflects gains in LBM and should be considered for reliable measure of strength in future studies.