Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Hypertrophic scars are usually evaluated based on scar assessment scales such as Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) which are difficult in recording small changes in the scar conditions over time. This study adopts a simple method to quantify the size of hypertrophic scars on hands by using a camera and tripod set-up for image capturing and a free software, ImageJ, for analysis. The ability to record the changes in scars condition and healing progress of this method were investigated. ⋯ No significant within-subject effect of the repeat of measurements (p>0.05) and between-subject effect of the three operators (p>0.05) were found on the scar area measurements and the proportion of the scars on hands but significant differences were found between different time-points of the image capturing (p<0.05). The image analysis method is more sensitive to the change of scars conditions over time than the VSS record. This is an economical and relatively easy method to quantify the changes in the hypertrophic scars which could be useful for monitoring the progress of therapy and encourage treatment compliance.
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Burn injuries are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in therapeutic strategies for the management of patients with severe burns, the sequelae are pathophysiologically profound, up to the systemic and metabolic levels. Management of patients with a severe burn injury is a long-term, complex process, with treatment dependent on the degree and location of the burn and total body surface area (TBSA) affected. In adverse conditions with limited resources, efficient triage, stabilisation, and rapid transfer to a specialised intensive care burn centre is necessary to provide optimal outcomes. This initial lag time and the form of primary treatment initiated, from injury to specialist care, is crucial for the burn patient. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of a novel visco-elastic burn dressing with a proprietary bio-stimulatory marine mineral complex (MXC) as a primary care treatment to initiate a healthy healing process prior to specialist care. ⋯ Utilisation of this EBD + MXC as a primary treatment is an effective and easily applicable treatment in cases of burn injury, proving both a cooling and hydrating environment for the wound. It regulates inflammation and promotes healing in preparation for specialised secondary burn wound management. Moreover, it promotes a healthy remodelling phenotype that may potentially mitigate scarring. Based on our findings, this EBD + MXC is ideal for use in all pre-hospital, pre-surgical and resource limited settings.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of a topical surfactant and a topical antibiotic in the rat comb burn model.
Burn injury progression in the secondary zone of ischemia is common leading to delayed healing and increased scarring. We hypothesized that a topical surfactant, would reduce burn injury progression in a validated rat comb burn model compared with topical antibiotic ointment. ⋯ A topical surfactant did not reduce injury progression in the rat comb burn model when compared with antibiotic ointment. The surfactant was more durable than the antibiotic ointment.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of the efficacy of silver-based antimicrobial burn dressings in a porcine model of burn wounds.
A variety of silver-based antimicrobial dressings are available on the market and are commonly used to prevent infection. Such prophylaxis is particularly important in treating burns, yet there is a paucity of evidence confirming the efficacy of commercially available dressingsin vivo. We describe here an in vivo porcine model of burns, which we use to test the antimicrobial efficacy of three common wound dressings and a control. ⋯ Nanocrystalline silver-based wound dressings generally outperformed silver-plated nylon and high-oxidation silver salts in thisin vivo model of burn wounds. Relative to prophylactic use, it may be advisable to change the dressings more frequently when treating an infected wound.