Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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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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The delivery of antimicrobial agents to surface wounds has been shown to be of central importance to the wound healing process. In this work, we prepared film forming wound care formulations containing 3 polymers (FTP) that provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection for prolonged periods. FTP formulations comprises of a smart gel matrix comprising of pH-degradable and temperature responsive polyacetals (smart polymer) which allow for the FTP films to be hydrophobic at room temperature, preventing accidental rubbing off, and hydrophilic at lower temperatures, allowing for easy removal. ⋯ FTP-NP films showed significantly improved antimicrobial activity for a minimum of 3 days for all pathogens tested. Moreover, when tested ex vivo in porcine skin, FTP-AgSD and FTP-NP showed average improvements of 0.89 log10 and 1.66 log10 respectively over standard cream counterparts. Dermal toxicity studies were carried out in a rat skin excision model which showed a similar wound healing pattern to that in rats treated with standard cream formulations as represented by reduction in wound size, and increase in wound healing markers.
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Compression garments are a widely used intervention for the management of hypertrophic scar and recent research demonstrates the varied experiences of patients wearing compression garments. However, the patient and therapist perspective on how to improve the experience of wearing compression garments remains unexplored. ⋯ The reported patient and therapist perspectives highlight the need for further research into service improvement to enhance the patient experience of wearing compression garments after burns.
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Compression garments are widely used for the management of hypertrophic scars, however, the patient experience of wearing compression garments remains minimally explored. ⋯ The results highlighted a variety of influences that affected the individual experience of garment wear, highlighting the need for a patient centred approach by burn service providers.