Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Burn scar outcome at six and 12 months after injury in children with partial thickness scalds: Effects of dressing treatment.
In line with other researchers in the field of burns' care, we think that research investigating the long-term outcome of scars is largely lacking. As scarring is of the utmost importance to the patient, clinicians who treat burns must aim to find treatments that lead to a good end result. The aim of this study was to study scar outcomes at six and 12 months after injury. It is an extension of a previous randomised controlled trial (RCT) in which two dressings (porcine xenograft and silver foam dressing) were examined with respect to their ability to help heal partial thickness scalds. ⋯ This study compared burn scarring after two different treatments for burns in children with partial-thickness scalds and the data suggested that neither dressing had a more favourable impact on scar outcome. The conclusion is, however, tempered by the non-return of all the patients to the follow up. However, as anticipated, regardless of the dressing used, longer healing times were associated with higher scar scores (more scarring) and hypertrophic scarring.
-
Multicenter Study
Epidemiology and outcome analysis of facial burns: A retrospective multicentre study 2011-2015.
The head and neck regions are frequent sites of burns, but few studies have analysed and reported the epidemiology of facial burns. As the face is the centre of one's identity and persona, facial injuries often result in physical and psychological morbidity. The aim of this article is to describe the epidemiology and outcome of facial burns in China and to suggest future preventive strategies. ⋯ Facial burns benefit not only the healing of wound, but also the prevention of their incidence and PTSD symptom. This study may contribute to the elaboration of strategies to prevent facial burns and the establishment of a nationwide burn database in China.
-
In sub-Saharan Africa, burn and scald injuries occur more commonly in children aged less than five years, than in any other age group, and carry a high lifetime morbidity. The optimal first aid at the time of injury includes the use of cool running water, which can reduce pain, scarring, and skin grafting. Data on the types of first aid used in Malawi is lacking, as is an in-depth understanding of the underlying factors which may influence this health behaviour. This study sought to: (a) document the types of first aid after paediatric burn and scald injuries in Southern Malawi; and (b) explore factors affecting the choice of first aid used. ⋯ This study provides the largest description of first aid use in sub-Saharan Africa, strengthening the evidence that remedies aside from water are commonly used and that higher parental education levels do not translate to increased use of water, but rather use of alternative treatments. Our qualitative findings allow improved understanding of how first aid for paediatric burns is perceived in rural Malawi communities, providing insight as to why certain first aid choices are made and the possible barriers and facilitators to the adoption of water as a first aid treatment.
-
Patients with thermal burns become zinc deficient due to exudative losses, increased urinary excretion, and reduction of carrier proteins which results in impaired immunity, wound healing and glucose control. Previous trials have demonstrated improved wound healing utilizing fixed zinc supplementation, but none have assessed the potential benefits associated with normalizing serum zinc concentrations. The objective of this study was to compare the impact of zinc normalization on clinical outcomes in patients with severe thermal burns. ⋯ This was the first study, to our knowledge, to assess the clinical impact of normalizing serum zinc levels in patients with severe burns. Our results suggest the normalization of serum zinc levels through individualized zinc supplementation is not associated with improvement in clinical outcomes during hospitalization and therefore fixed-dose zinc supplementation without acquisition of serum zinc measurements should be considered.
-
A rise in the current trend of corrosive substance attacks have been reported in the UK, causing devastating effects on victims. The optimal management of these patients requires the specialist skills of the burn multidisciplinary team (MDT) to address the resulting physical and psychological trauma experienced. However, burn care must commence in the pre-hospital setting. ⋯ These challenges also encompass better education of the public and allied health professionals, as well as planning strategies to reduce the incidence of acid attacks. Prevention is always better than cure. This paper discusses the broadening of the MDT to improve outcomes in acid attacks by exploring the wider roles of the public, media, emergency services, police, legislation and better education.