Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Twenty patients with cement burns presenting to Stoke Mandeville Hospital Burns Unit between 1981 and 1989 are described. They represent 1.8 per cent of the total adult patients treated at this unit. ⋯ A questionnaire sent to all the accident and emergency officers employed within the catchment area of the Burns Unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital showed important gaps in their knowledge of the subject. It is suggested that further publicity be given to this uncommon but potentially serious injury.
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Burn patients often complain of restricted mobility following application of elasticized nylon anti-burn-scar supports. This study was designed to analyse the influence of this type of pressure garment on joint range of motion (ROM). Data were compiled from 80 burn-affected joints of 17 burn patients placed in a support for the first time. ⋯ Patients were also asked if movement felt any different after the support was applied. Their varied comments, such as movement felt easier or more difficult, were consistent with the actual ROM data. It appears that there is no predictably detrimental change in joint ROM due to the application of pressure garments.
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Case Reports
Clinical studies on postburn multiple organ failure: its aetiological factors and monitoring.
This study demonstrated that multiple organ failure (MOF) developed in 16 of 57 severely burned patients (28.1 per cent). When expressed as a percentage of the 590 patients admitted during the same period, the incidence became 2.7 per cent. Fifteen of the 16 MOF cases died, with a mortality of 93.8 per cent. ⋯ However the values of the myocardial enzyme spectrum (MES) remained at significantly higher levels, indicating significant and continuous increases of microaggregate formation and the continuous existence of visceral and tissue ischaemia and cellular destruction. Changes of CPAR and MES in MOF patients were directly related to the development of MOF. It is advisable to use CPAR and MES to monitor the possible development of postburn MOF.