Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Scalds are the leading cause of burns in children younger than 5 years of age with most being related to food preparation and consumption. Hot substances causing scalds have different degrees of viscosity varying from low (liquid substances, such as water), to high (semi-solids or solids, such as oils or grease). It is still underknown whether heat substances with different viscosities are associated with varying risks of developing burn wound infections (BWI). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between heat sources of different viscosities and development of BWI within the first week after injury in children with scalds. ⋯ Our results indicate that the viscosity of the heat source does not affect the risk of wound infection in children with scalds; only the size of the area burned was an independent factor for BWI.
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Timely admission to the burn unit is crucial. Ideal burn care requires prompt interventions such as wound and body temperature management, infection control, and fluid resuscitation to prevent complications like burn progression and infection. In this study, we identify specific factors and outcomes associated with delayed admission to a regional burn center. ⋯ Sociodemographic variables such as homelessness, lack of social support, and substance abuse are associated with delayed burn unit admission. Knowledge of these factors can inform future interventions to improve outcomes for vulnerable patients, promoting better recovery and long-term outcomes after burn injury.
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While there is no consensus on the best surgical procedure for post-burn axillary contractures, it is crucial to consider the elongation rate along the scar axis as a useful measurement index for determining the optimal surgical approach. The square flap and five flap z-plasty techniques are commonly employed scar lengthening procedures to address scar contractures in the axilla. These approaches successfully disrupt the linear scar, leading to significant elongation while reducing transverse tension. Our study aims to compare the increase in band length and functional results of these two approaches for treating post-burn contractures in the axilla. ⋯ The square flap technique is considered a better alternative to the commonly used 5-flap Z-plasty method because it can achieve higher elongation in the contracture band, restore joint function, and create optimal shape when dealing with single linear band contractures over the axilla.
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Burn injuries may cause gastrointestinal dysfunction leading to intestinal barrier dysfunction, abdominal compartment syndrome, and acute mesenteric ischemia. In the absence of major vascular occlusion, non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) often occurs in critically ill intensive-care burn patients. ⋯ NOMI represents a potentially fatal condition for the burn patient. The current lack of sensitive biomarkers and accurate diagnostic tools for the early detection of NOMI onset is a major factor behind the overall poor prognosis. We propose the intra-arterial administration of alprostadil as a novel approach to targeted treatment for NOMI.
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There are an estimated 10 million hot water bottles (HWB) currently in use within the United Kingdom (UK), and HWB related burn injuries represent a significant resource burden to UK Burns Services. These injuries can be caused through a variety of mechanisms including scalds sustained when filling the bottle or scalds from leaking or rupture. The fuel poverty crisis started in February 2022 leading to an estimated six-fold increase in alternative sources of heating, in particular hot water bottles. In this study, we wish to understand the impact that this may have had upon burn injuries sustained by these products. ⋯ Our epidemiological study on hot water bottle (HWB)-related burn injuries within the United Kingdom has shown that the dramatic rise in fuel prices, which sparked the fuel poverty crises, has coincided with a 43.4 % increase in HWB burns incidence on the health service in that year alone. This alarming rise in HWB-related injuries highlights the continued need for targeted public awareness campaigns to ensure a safe and proper use of these devices.