Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Tranexamic acid reduced blood transfusions in acute burn surgery: A retrospective case-controlled trial.
Early excision and grafting of burn wounds are key for reducing prevalence of infection and sepsis. However, it is associated with massive blood loss and patients frequently require large numbers of blood transfusions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) on blood transfusion requirements in acute burn surgery. ⋯ This study shows that necessity for blood transfusions in acute burn surgery may be reduced significantly by administration of TXA perioperatively. Randomized-controlled trials are needed to prove these findings.
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Review Meta Analysis
The use of fluid silicone gels in the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Silicone products, either as a sheet or in fluid form, are universally considered as the first line therapy in the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. However, the study results have been questioned by different authors and there has never been a large systematic synopsis published on the efficacy of fluid silicone gels. This systematic review aims to elucidate the available evidence of the results obtained by fluid silicone gels and present a complete and comprehensive overview of the available literature as well as a meta-analysis of the pooled data. ⋯ Studies on the effects of liquid silicone gels on hypertrophic scars are numerous and this systematic review shows that the use of liquid silicone gels is associated with both a prophylactic and a curative effect on scars. However, a considerable amount of the available 'high evidence' trials are at a high risk for bias and it is uncertain whether or not the effects of silicone gels are comparable to silicone sheets and if the additional components present in many silicone gels are partially responsible for their scar improving capacity.
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National guidance in the UK advises that psychosocial screening is completed for all inpatients admitted to burns services for over 24 h. Acceptable methods of psychosocial screening have been nationally agreed. However, little is known about how different services conduct psychosocial screening. ⋯ Results highlight the value and cost-effectiveness of a tiered approach to psychosocial screening and in guiding subsequent intervention. Future study is needed in relation to inpatient psychosocial screening and its validity and reliability. Investigating the predictive value of screening methods in identifying those with longer-term psychological difficulties would also be important clinically.
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Child abuse and neglect in paediatric burns: The majority is caused by neglect and thus preventable.
It is complex to distinguish negligent burns from inflicted and non-intentional burns, especially since no deliberate action caused the burn. Its recognition is important to create a safe life without (future) burns for our loved-ones who cannot take care of themselves (yet). Our aim was to investigate the incidence and associated characteristics of negligent burns are among children treated at a burn center. ⋯ This study shows that neglect is a major factor in the occurrence of burns in young children, therefore we conclude that the majority of paediatric burns are preventable. Educational programs creating awareness and focussing on prevention of these burns should be aimed at households, since the majority of negligent as cause of preventable burns occur at home.