Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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The aim of this study was to assess the development of burn scar contractures and their impact on joint function, disability and quality of life in a low-income country. ⋯ The prevalence of burn scar contractures was high in a low-income country. The joints with burn scar contracture were frequently limited in function. Patients who developed a contracture reported significantly more disability and lower QoL. To limit the development of burn scar contractures, timely access to safe burn care should be improved in low-income countries.
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Facial burns account for persistent differences in psychosocial functioning in adult burn survivors. Although adolescent burn survivors experience myriad chronic sequelae, little is known about the effect of facial injuries. This study examines differences in long-term outcomes with and without head and neck involvement. ⋯ Adolescents with H&N burn status showed significantly worse satisfaction with appearance at 12-months after injury. Future research should examine interventions to help improve body image and coping for adolescent burn survivors with head and neck burns.
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Laryngeal inhalation injury carries a significant increase in mortality rate and often indicates immediate airway evaluation. This may be difficult in the setting of clinical deterioration necessitating immediate intubation, which itself can synergistically cause mucosal damage. Prior studies do not encompass predictive factors or long-term outcomes for the laryngotracheal complex. ⋯ All studies reported a closed space setting for those patients in whom airway intervention preceded laryngeal evaluation. Laryngeal inhalational injuries are a distinct subset that can have a variety of minor to severe laryngotracheal delayed sequelae, particularly for thermal injuries occurring within enclosed spaces. Given these findings, early otolaryngology referral may mitigate or treat these effects.
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Burn injury survivors usually experience multiple psychosocial problems, which occur commonly in low and middle-income countries. However, the previous literature provides limited information about the unique roles of coping strategies, social support, and mindfulness in improving the psychological well-being of burn survivors. Therefore, this study identified the role of coping strategies, social support, and mindfulness in improving the psychological well-being of burn survivors. ⋯ Therefore, confrontive coping, social support, and mindfulness-based supportive interventions could be helpful in providing enhanced support to burn survivors.