Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Ablative fractional resurfacing is clinically an efficient treatment for burn scar management. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the poorly understood mechanisms underlying ablative fractional CO2 laser (AFL-CO2) therapy in relation to biomarkers S100 and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1). S100 stains for Langerhans cells and neuronal cells, potentially representing the pruritus experienced. 11β-HSD1 catalyses the interconversion of cortisol and cortisone in cells, promoting tissue remodelling. ⋯ Neuronal cells were overexpressed before treatment in the scar tissue by 91% but levels returned to that resembling normal skin. 11β-HSD1 expression in keratinocytes was significantly higher after laser treatment compared to before in scar tissue (p <0.01). No clear correlation was found in dermal fibroblast numbers throughout the treatment course. Whilst the role of the explored mechanisms and their association with clinical outcomes cannot conclusively be stated, this pilot study demonstrates promising trends that encourages investigation into this relationship.
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Early mental health care and psychosocial support after burn injury provided by a variety of specialists and non-mental health professionals is instrumental in prevention of long-term mental health sequalae such as post-traumatic stress, depressive or substance use disorders. Diversity of mental health supports available to burn survivors vary across geography, resulting in variation of long-term mental health outcomes following burn injury. ⋯ Identification of burn care practices and resources across Canada provides the opportunity to compare, unify and improve gaps in care that exist across the Canadian burn network.
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Autologous skin cell suspension (ASCS) is a treatment for acute thermal burn injuries associated with significantly lower donor skin requirements than conventional split-thickness skin grafts (STSG). Projections using the BEACON model suggest that among patients with small burns (total body surface area [TBSA]<20 %), use of ASCS± STSG leads to a shorter length of stay (LOS) in hospital and cost savings compared with use of STSG alone. This study evaluated whether data from real-world clinical practice corroborate these findings. ⋯ Analysis of real-world data shows that treatment of small burn injuries with ASCS± STSG provides reduced LOS and substantial cost savings compared with STSG, supporting the validity of the BEACON model projections.
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Burn is one of the highly occurring injuries worldwide. In case of an acid attack, survivors are considered an embarrassing element for the family. In other words, survivors' dignity is judged by the scars on their faces and bodies. Burn survivors experience physical pain of wounds, along with unseen psychological agony. Here, resilience is the most captivating phenomenon that can lead the survivor to normalcy in life after experiencing such traumas. The current study is aimed to explore the role of resilience in the psychological distress of burn survivors. ⋯ The findings of current study would be helpful for the medical professionals, mental healthcare providers, and policymakers who can help to develop and implement rehabilitation programs and mental health demands for the said population and can initiate and plan resilience promoting programs that would help promote adaptive coping to deal with trauma.
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This study evaluated the frequency and types of medication errors and the role of clinical pharmacist in the reduction of medication errors in a burn unit. ⋯ Medication errors were not rare in the burn unit. Providing clinical pharmacy services to burn patients to reduce the incidence of medication errors is highly recommended.