Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Patients with burns commonly present to Emergency Departments (EDs), in addition to burn centers. Patients at burn centers typically have more severe burns than those at EDs, and previous studies have analyzed burn center databases. To update the overall burn epidemiology in the United States (US), we analyzed burn injury trends and sources across all age groups using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which collects all injuries reported to US EDs. ⋯ The most common injured region was the hand for all age groups (34.44%). Although most burn injuries were potentially preventable, the overall burn rate did not decrease 2000-2018. Therefore, we offer guidance on prevention strategies for high-risk sources and age groups.
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Worldwide, different strategies have been chosen to face the COVID-19-patient surge, often affecting access to health care for other patients. This observational study aimed to investigate whether the standard of burn care changed globally during the pandemic, and whether country´s income, geographical location, COVID-19-transmission pattern, and levels of specialization of the burn units affected reallocation of resources and access to burn care. ⋯ During the pandemic, most burn units were open, although availability of standard resources diminished worldwide. The use of telemedicine increased, suggesting the implementation of new strategies to manage burns. Low income was independently associated with reduced access to burn care.
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Cyanide poisoning can occur due to exposure to smoke in closed-space fires. With no point of care cyanide test at the scene of a fire, first responders and clinicians base decisions to treat with cyanide antidote on patient history, clinical signs, and other indirect data points that have not been proven to correspond with actual systemic levels of cyanide. The aim of this exploratory study was to determine the economic implications of treating patients with known or suspected cyanide poisoning due to smoke inhalation with hydroxocobalamin. ⋯ Use of hydroxocobalamin in patients with known or suspected cyanide poisoning from closed-space fire smoke inhalation may decrease hospital costs and contribute to more efficient healthcare resource utilization.
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Burn care in India is limited by multiple constraints. The COVID-19 pandemic and the containment measures restricted access to non-COVID emergency conditions, including burns. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the pandemic on burn care in India. ⋯ The ongoing pandemic has compounded the challenges for burns care in India. Urgent action is required to prioritise targeted prevention, emergency transport, decentralise service delivery, and harnessing technology for ensuring resilience in burns services.
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Physical changes to appearance caused by burn injuries can have significant psychological consequences. Medical tattooing is an intervention aimed at restoring appearance but little is known about the experiences of patients or the psychological impact of medical tattooing following burns. This study aimed to explore burn patients' psychological experiences of medical tattooing. ⋯ Medical tattooing may be a potentially valuable intervention psychologically, although support and information seem important and further research is required.