Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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In Spain, the number of aged persons is increasing. By the year 2066, it is expected that 34.6% of the Spanish population will be over 65 years of age. Elderly people present a higher burning risk owing in part to impaired balance and decreased physical strength, lower cognitive abilities, or socioeconomic context. ⋯ As opposed to what could be expected, in this study, there were no significant differences between surviving patients in both age groups in terms of perceived QoL. Nevertheless, mortality after a burn in the upper side of the body was significantly higher in elderly people than in younger people. The present study results do not support the use of different rehabilitation approaches in elderly patients.
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This was a methodological study whose objective was to culturally adapt the 5-D itch scale for Brazilian Portuguese and verify its practicability, acceptability and reliability for burn survivors. This study followed the five internationally recommended steps for the adaptation process: translation, synthesis, back translation, assessment by an expert committee and pretesting process; besides, an evaluation of its practicability, acceptability and reliability was conducted. The pretest was carried out with thirty burn survivors - hospitalized or on outpatient follow-up - from two public hospitals in the state of São Paulo. ⋯ The Brazilian version had semantic and idiomatic, conceptual and cultural equivalences, with a satisfactory content validity index for each item (CVI-I). Mean application time was 3.5minutes, acceptability was good, and there was evidence of reliability for the total score (0.793). The Brazilian version of the 5-D itch scale showed equivalence and evidence of reliability for assessing pruritus and its impact in burn survivors.
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Patients with major burns covering a large total body surface area (%TBSA) fulfill all the criteria of Virchow's triad, as a sequela of their injury. This places these patients at increased risk for developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, data regarding the incidence of DVT in burn patients are minimal, especially in the pediatric age group. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the incidence of DVT in pediatric burn patients, identify possible risk factors for developing DVT, and explore the need for prophylactic treatment. ⋯ Burns are a major risk factor for DVT, especially when covering large surface areas (≥40% TBSA) and combined with other factors (i.e., prolonged hospitalization and central lines). Thus, investigations for DVT and prophylactic anticoagulation should be considered for pediatric burn patients with these risk factors, even if they are asymptomatic.