Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Scar contracture is a well-known sequela of burns that is specifically relevant as it may limit function. Reports regarding the course of scar contractures, however, are scarce and, moreover, not focussed on function. This study describes the course of prevalence of scar contractures that limit function in children and adolescents after burns. ⋯ The majority of children and adolescents (13/17) still had scar contractures limiting function six months after discharge (T3). Substantial longitudinal studies over a longer period of time are needed to increase our knowledge on the course of these scar contractures in order to support improvements in burn care.
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The measurement of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) provides information about the perceived burden of the health condition and treatments from a lived experience. The Brisbane Burn Scar Impact Profile (caregiver report for young children, BBSIP0-8), developed in 2013, is a proxy-report measure of burn scar-specific HRQoL. The aim of this study was to report its psychometric properties in line with an evaluative purpose. ⋯ The psychometric properties tested support the use of the BBSIP0-8 as an evaluative measure of burn scar-related health-related quality of life for children aged below eight years in the early post-acute period of rehabilitation. Further investigation at longer time period after burn injury is indicated.
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Animal studies indicate treating burn injuries with running water (first aid) for 20 min up to 3 h after burn reduces healing time and scarring. We have previously demonstrated the benefits of first aid in minor burn injuries with respect to a reduction in wound depth, faster healing, and decreased skin grafting utilisation. The purpose of this cohort study was to assess the effect of first aid on clinical outcomes in large body surface area burn injuries (≥20%). ⋯ Adequate first aid with 20 min of running water is associated with improved outcomes in large burn injuries. Significant benefits are seen in a reduction in TBSA, proportion of the burn wound that is full thickness, as well as decreased re-grafting. This has significant patient and health system benefits and adds to the body of evidence supporting 20 min of cooling in burns care.
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Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) has only recently been described in patients with burn injuries. We report the incidence and type of infections in critically ill burn and non-burn patients receiving ECMO. ⋯ This is the first study to describe the incidence of infection in burn injury patients who are undergoing ECMO. We observed an increase in infections in burn patients on ECMO compared to non-burn patients. ECMO remains a viable option for critically ill patients with burn injuries.
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Opioid overuse is a growing patient safety issue but continue to be integral to burn pain management. This study aims to characterize opioid use in discharged patients and factors for predictive of long term use. ⋯ Whereas opioids are widely prescribed upon discharge, most patients no longer use them 30 days later. Higher opiate utilization at discharge increases risk of long term use, as does pre-injury drug and alcohol use, but only temporarily.