Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Studies describing the epidemiology of severe burns (>20% total body surface area) in adults are limited despite the extensive associated morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of severe burn injuries admitted to burn centres in Australia and New Zealand. ⋯ This study describes the demographics, burn injury characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of severe burn injuries in adults whilst also identifying key predictors of inpatient mortality. Key findings included the over-representation of young males, intentional self-harm injuries and flame as a cause of burns and highlights high risk groups to help aid in the development of targeted prevention strategies.
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To review and discuss the existing research on the pathophysiology, impact and management of inhalational injury on the larynx and lower respiratory tract. ⋯ With advances in acute medical and surgical management of burn and inhalational injury, airway injury is an important secondary outcome with lasting impact. Awareness of these potential complications and early involvement of medical and allied health team are important steps in improving patient care. A multi-disciplinary approach to management will optimise the short and long-term morbidity management and ultimately our patients' quality of life.
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Unintentional and intentional burn injuries vary across age groups, gender, income, and global region. In high-income countries, the trend over the last several years has been a reduction in burn incidence, burn severity, length of hospital stay, and mortality rate. However, there is a lack of data on predictors of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of major burn survivors extending beyond a follow-up period of 10 years. ⋯ Ten years after the burn incident, the quality of life was on average comparable to the one in the general population. Multiple variables seem to influence the physical and mental long-term outcome. Herein presented data may support in adapting and designing follow-up strategies tailored to a patient's burn-specific circumstances.
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A history of psychiatric disorders is more common among patients who have had burns than in the general population. To try and find out the scale of the problem we have assessed self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression after a burn. ⋯ Seen as a group, people who have had burns report anxiety and depression the same range as a reference group. Some patients, however, express more anxiety and depression, and concomitantly poorer HRQoL. These patients should be identified, and offered additional support.
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Vascularity is an important parameter closely associated with the scar maturation. Reliable and accurate measurement of vascularity helps to monitor the scar change and adopt targeted interventions to prevent excessive scarring and achieve promising outcomes. However, there is no consensus on the assessment tools for the vascularity measurement in scars. This systematic review presents evidence on the available vascularity measurement tools. ⋯ Subjective scales are easy to use and have acceptable reliability to give a preliminary impression of the scar vascularity. Three types of objective devices are not equivalent and are mainly based on the blood flow and angiogenesis to quantify the scar vascularity.