Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Pregnant women are a vulnerable subgroup of burn patients, due to altered physiological state and possible adverse effect on the fetus. The aim of this study was to develop a guideline for a tailored treatment of pregnant patients with burns to optimally treat both mother and fetus. This study consists of two parts: the first part contains a systematic review that presents a comprehensive overview of the literature on the management and outcome of pregnant women who sustain severe burn injuries and based on the results of this review, a guideline on the general, obstetric and burn management was developed and presented in the second part. ⋯ Early surgery may lead to a higher chance of survival of mother and fetus. A comprehensive guideline on the general management of pregnant patients with burns, obstetric management and specific burn management is provided. We encourage international burn organizations and guideline committees to use and evaluate the presented guideline.
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Review Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Glutamine relieves the hypermetabolic response and reduces organ damage in severe burn patients: A multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial.
Severe burns can cause a hypermetabolic response and organ damage. Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid with various pharmacological effects. In this study, whether glutamine could alleviate the hypermetabolic response and maintain organ function after burn injury was analyzed. ⋯ Glutamine moderately alleviates the hypermetabolic response and reduces organ damage after severe burns. Therefore, the early application of glutamine, which is effective and safe, should be used as an active intervention as early as possible.
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Chemical burns can cause deep injury and subsequently significant scarring to the skin. The mechanism and pathophysiology of chemical burns is distinct to thermal burns, and recommended first aid approaches are consequently different. Twenty minutes of cool running water is an effective first aid measure to improve outcomes after thermal burn. ⋯ Ocular chemical burns were not included in this review. The review suggests some evidence to support that the early application of cool water irrigation may reduce length of hospital stay and the extent of scarring. Community education should emphasize that water irrigation is recommended and that the earlier this happens, the better.