Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Blood transfusions are essential to treating anaemia of burn injuries. It has recently been observed that patients with non-major burns < 20%TBSA may also develop anaemia requiring transfusion of blood products. Due to the morbidity and mortality rate associated with blood transfusions better understanding of risk factors may guide clinical practices to improve patient care. ⋯ Patient related comorbidities correlate with higher transfusion rates in non-major burn injuries. Due to the risk associated with the use of blood products decision to transfuse should adhere to current guideline practices and be tailored to specific patient requirements.
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In lieu of limited studies on the timing of burn wound eschar excision for burns, a more comprehensive analysis is indicated to determine the effects of early wound excision following burns. This study aims to address the outcomes of early wound excision in burn patients. ⋯ Burn wound excision within 3 days of injury is beneficial when comparing to later treatment between 4 and 14 days, which results in a significantly lowered risk of mortality and infection in burn patient.
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An increasing aging population alongside a potentially increasing injury risk emphasizes a critical need for evidence-based burn care regarding preventive and therapeutic strategies tailored to the unique needs of older adults. However, we note a critical gap in understanding geriatric burn trends on a global scale and the care capacity across settings. Thus, this study sought to ascertain the global trend of geriatric burns with a focus on patient demographics, injury characteristics, capacities of care, and injury outcomes. ⋯ Burn injuries in older adults remain a public health issue. On the preventive aspect, the results demonstrate a need to intensify safety in the home or domestic setting, and during festive seasons. Therapeutically, the findings underscore a need to consider the inclusion of more specialist geriatric and palliative care services in the burn management process. Additionally, we identified a need to strengthen burn care capacity in the AFRO and SEARO regions.
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The resorption stage is an important period involving early anti-shock treatment for severe burn patients. We aimed to investigate the quantitative variability in fluid balance during the resorption stage in severe burn patients, and to study its effect on patient outcomes. ⋯ This study suggested that greater fluid output in the resorption stage of severe burn patients was closely related to better outcomes, in addition, a gradually decreasing, lower positive net fluid balance may contribute to the improvement of functional outcomes, which will provide useful information for early fluid management and further prospective clinical study of severe burns.
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Frostbite is an insidious disease that normally affects people of cold climates. Winter Storm Uri, which occurred from February 12-20, 2021, created unique metrological conditions for Texas. It caused prolonged sub-freezing temperatures and led to rolling blackouts, affecting 2.8 million Texans including 300,000 people in San Antonio. We report 13 frostbite patients admitted to one burn center during this event. ⋯ In a region unaccustomed and perhaps unprepared to deal with winter storms, the population is particularly vulnerable to frostbite. Lack of awareness of frostbite injuries likely led to the delay in the presentation of patients, which prevented the timely use of tPA. Increasing public awareness may increase readiness.