Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Burn injuries are one of the most devastating injuries. Saving the zone of stasis decreases burn size, morbidity, and mortality. Tarantula cubensis (TC) increases epithelization of wounds, and increases wound contraction. In this study, we investigated the effects of TC on the stasis zone. ⋯ TC increases stasis zone viability macroscopically, increases epithelial layer thickness histopathologically, thus it promotes wound healing in burn wounds. This increase in stasis zone viability was also established with thermal imaging.
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Burn areas are susceptible to bacterial growth and infections, particularly in cases with lengthy periods of hospital stay. Burn wound healing, which involves various molecular and cellular mechanisms, continues to be a significant problem. ⋯ In order to clarify the effects of kefir in the wound healing process, the macroscopic changes in kefir-applied scar tissue as well as wound depth and width were examined and IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α, VEGF, TGF-β protein levels were determined using the qRT-PCR method. The findings of the present study show that kefir has a positive impact on the factors playing a role in wound healing and accelerates the healing process.
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Electricians frequently experience low-voltage electrical accidents. Some such accidents involve long-term negative health consequences. Early identification of victims at risk for long-term injury may improve acute medical treatment and long-term follow-up. This study aimed to determine acute exposure, health effects and treatment associated with general health ≥ 2 years after low-voltage electrical accidents. ⋯ The acute reactions negatively associated with general health ≥ 2 years after low-voltage electrical accidents should alert the clinician in the acute phase after an electrical accident to the risk of developing negative long-term health effects. Future studies should specify long-term health beyond the concept of general health.
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Previous analyses of tracheostomy in paediatric burns was hindered by a lack of multi-institution or nationwide analysis. This study aims to explore the effects of tracheostomy in paediatric burn patients in such an analysis. De-identified data was obtained from the TriNetX Research Network database. ⋯ The potential benefits of tracheostomy in paediatric burn patients should be weighed against these outcomes.
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The mainstay of non-invasive scar management, consists of pressure therapy with customized pressure garments often combined with inlays, hydration by means of silicones and/or moisturizers as well as UV protection. It is generally accepted that scar dehydration resulting from impaired barrier function of the stratum corneum and expressed by raised trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) values, can lead to increased fibroblast activity and thereby hypertrophic scar formation. However, we have reached no consensus on exactly what optimal scar hydration is nor on barrier function repair: by means of silicone sheets, liquid silicone gels or moisturizers. Occlusive silicone sheets almost completely prevent TEWL and have been shown to be effective. Nevertheless, many important disadvantages due to excessive occlusion such as difficulties in applying the sheets exceeding 10-12 h, pruritus, irritation, and maceration of the skin are limiting factors for its use. To avoid these complications and to facilitate the application, liquid silicone gels were developed. Despite a reduced occlusion, various studies have shown that the effects are comparable to these of the silicone sheets. However, major limiting factors for general use are the long drying time, the shiny aspect after application, and the high cost especially when used for larger scars. Based on excellent clinical results after using three specific moisturizers for scar treatment in our patients, we wanted to investigate whether these moisturizers induce comparable occlusion and hydration compared to both each other and the widely recognized liquid silicone gels. We wanted to provide a more scientific basis for the kind of moisturizers that can be used as a full-fledged and cost-effective alternative to silicone gel. ⋯ Based on the results of both our previous research and this study it is clearly demonstrated that the occlusive and hydrative effect of fluid silicone gel is inferior to the moisturizers used in our center. Lipikar hydrates well but is less suitable for scar treatment due to the lack of occlusion. A well-balanced occlusion and hydration, in this study only provided by Alhydran and DermaCress, suggests that moisturizers can be used as a scar hydration therapy that replaces silicone products, is more cost-effective and has a more patient-friendly application.