Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Burns are physically debilitating and potentially fatal injuries. The standard-of-care for burn wounds is the coverage with gauze dressings designed to minimize trauma to the regenerating epidermis and dermis during dressing changes. However, deep partial- and full-thickness burns always heal slowly when standard wound care alone is performed. We have previously reported that peptide amphiphile (PA) gels, pH-induced self-assembling nanostructured fibrous scaffolds, promote cell proliferation and have great potential in regenerative medicine for rapid repair of tissues. In this study, we hypothesized that the PA gels are capable of accelerating wound healing in burn injury. ⋯ This biomaterial represents a new therapeutic strategy to overcome current clinical challenges in the treatment of injuries resulting from burns.
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There is limited understanding of how burn injuries at different ages are associated with normal growth and development as well as the burn recovery process. This study provides new useful insights by comparing social participation outcomes among burn survivors injured in childhood compared with injuries sustained in middle age, and older adulthood. ⋯ Burn survivors who sustained injuries as a child fared at least as well as those burned as adults in a broad range of long-term social participation outcomes. The impact on long-term social participation outcomes of burn survivors was not significantly different between individuals with burns sustained during important developmental stages at young ages and those injured later in life.
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Mortality in burn intensive care unit (ICU) has been decreasing and treatment appears to be changing. The aims of this study: (1) examine outcome in burn patients, (2) examine changes in ICU indication and (3) explore the influence of a changing case-mix. ⋯ After correction for case-mix, survival improved, mainly in the major burn group. Case-mix shifted towards inhalation injury and watchful waiting. Growth of the watchful waiting group is not necessarily harmful. However, the increase of mechanical ventilation could be. We suggest raising awareness for risks and consequences of mechanical ventilation.
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The objective evaluation of scar quality plays a crucial role in improving burn surgery and scar rehabilitation. Suction-based skin measurements were proposed as a method to objectively determine the mechanical properties of scars, yet their use is limited, in particular for paediatric burn care. A new device was developed which provides essential advantages for scar assessment. The aim of this study was to assess its reliability, intra- and interobserver variability. ⋯ The new device enables reliable and safe measurement of the stiffness of scars. Measurements are less susceptible to patient non-compliance and observer dependency. The Nimble might therefore constitute an easy to use tool for the systematic assessment of scars, thus supporting decision-making in paediatric burn care.