Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Burn wound healing can be significantly delayed by infection leading to increased morbidity and hypertrophic scarring. An optimal antimicrobial agent would have the ability to kill bacteria without negatively affecting the host skin cells that are required for healing. Currently available products provide antimicrobial coverage, but may also cause reductions in cell proliferation and migration. ⋯ It is likely that ACP can be used to mitigate the risk of bacterial infection during the phase of acute burn injury while patients await surgery for definitive closure. It may also be useful in treating wounds with delayed re-epithelialization that are at risk for infection and hypertrophic scarring. A handheld cold plasma device will be useful in treating all manner of wounds and surgical sites in order to decrease bacterial burden in an efficient and highly effective manner without compromising wound healing.
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Review
Neuropathic pain in burn patients - A common problem with little literature: A systematic review.
The prevalence of neuropathic pain (NP) in burn patients is reported in the literature to be as high as 80%1. Given the complexity of NP in burn patients and the wide range of treatments available, a systematic review of the literature is warranted to summarize our current understanding of management and treatment of NP in this population. ⋯ Despite NP afflicting the majority of burn patients long after their injury, this systematic review demonstrates insufficient evidence on the pathophysiology, outcomes, and risk factors in NP, as well as the efficacy of various therapies. Future prospective and randomized studies evaluating the etiology of these factors can substantially improve our treatment strategies. This can allow for the development of well-delineated and evidence-based protocols in NP management in hopes of improving quality of life and both psychological and physical function in burn patients.
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Diabetes mellitus is a growing chronic form of diabetes, with lengthy health implications. It is predicted as poor diabetic wound recovery affects roughly 25% of all diabetes mellitus patients, frequently resulting in lower traumatic injury and severe external factors and emotional expenses. The insulin-resistant condition increases biofilm development, making diabetic wounds harder to treat. ⋯ With a greater comprehension of the etiology of diabetic wounds, numerous functionalized topical insulins have been described and shown good outcomes in recent years, which has improved some diabetic injuries. The healing of wounds is a physiological phenomenon that restores skin integrity and heals damaged tissues. Insulin, a powerful wound-healing factor, is also used in several experimental and clinical studies accelerate healing of diverse injuries.
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Understanding the national epidemiology of burns is necessary for effective planning of prevention and treatment services. However, epidemiological studies of burns have often focused on short-term and retrospective investigations of a specific group of burned patients in Iran. Therefore, we conduct a comprehensive study from August 2016 to October 2017, in the Burn Research Center of Iran University of Medical Sciences on approximately 1700 hospitalized burn patients at Motahari Hospital to identify the underlying causes of burns. In this study, an open-ended question was asked about how the burn occurred in the patients. The current study was designed and conducted for the qualitatively analyzing of the responses to this question, using the content analysis method, in order to maximize its use in policymaking and prevention. ⋯ The focus of prevention programs on educating and increasing awareness of individuals, preferably women, is suggested. Educational programs, tailored to occupational standards and workplace and household equipment, are recommended for men in work environments.
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The current standard management of full-thickness or deep dermal burns is early tangential excision and skin grafting. A conservative approach to deep burns without the option of skin grafting results in delayed wound healing, possibly leading to wound infection and is associated with hypertrophic scarring and increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to improve the understanding of the management and availability to perform skin grafting for burns on the African continent. It also sought to identify challenges and perceived improvements. ⋯ Skin grafting is not performed in a significant number of hospitals treating burns. The majority of the staff believe that more skin grafting would lead to a better outcome. Advocacy and improved infrastructure, human resources coupled with introduction to well-structured health coverage for all in African countries could help to better access and affordability in burn care.