Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is an emerging technique for the assessment of burns in humans and interobserver differences have not been studied. The aim of this study was to compare assessments of perfusion images by different professional groups regarding (i) perfusion values and (ii) burn depth assessment. ⋯ Observers can reliably identify the same ROI, which results in observer-independent perfusion measurements, irrespective of burn experience. Extensive burn experience did not further improve burn depth assessment. The LSCI recommendation was more accurate in all professional groups. Introducing LSCI measurements would be likely improve early assessment of burns.
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The elderly experience higher mortality rates and poorer outcomes compared to younger burn survivors with similar injuries. ⋯ This study identified key factors that impact mortality and demonstrated a large decrease in mortality in the elderly patients over the study period.
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Compression garments are a widely used intervention for the management of hypertrophic scar and recent research demonstrates the varied experiences of patients wearing compression garments. However, the patient and therapist perspective on how to improve the experience of wearing compression garments remains unexplored. ⋯ The reported patient and therapist perspectives highlight the need for further research into service improvement to enhance the patient experience of wearing compression garments after burns.
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Compression garments are widely used for the management of hypertrophic scars, however, the patient experience of wearing compression garments remains minimally explored. ⋯ The results highlighted a variety of influences that affected the individual experience of garment wear, highlighting the need for a patient centred approach by burn service providers.
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This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate whether adipose tissue loss and reduced vitamin D levels following severe burn injury are associated with pathologic scar formation and biomechanical scar properties. ⋯ Adipose tissue loss and decreased 25(OH) vitamin D levels following burn injury were related to scar rigidity and slow interstitial fluid shifting in hypertrophic scars.