Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Tissue expanders (TE) are frequently used worldwide. In this study we surveyed outcome of our patients retrospectively during 15 years. ⋯ Our patients were satisfied with the results. In 12% cases we have done re-expansion. Re-expansion is possible as long as you have enough thickness of dermis in the skin. More than 50% of our patients were optimistic for 2nd or 3rd session of re-expansion.
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To provide an insight into the challenges faced by the closest hospital to the Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion (FFCDE) disaster scene, and to examine how the hospital staff adapted to cope with the mass burn casualty (MBC) in their overcrowded emergency department (ED) after the disaster. ⋯ In the hospital closest to the FFCDE disaster scene, it caused an overwhelming demand in an already crowded, beyond-nominal-capacity ED. This study describes how the hospital mobilized and reconfigured response capacity to cope with overload, uncertainty, and time pressure. These findings support improving disaster planning and preparedness for all healthcare entities through organizational support for adaptation and routine practice coping with unexpected scenarios.
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Individuals with visible differences can experience appearance anxiety that is distressing and disruptive to daily functioning. Understanding psychological factors that maintain appearance anxiety related to scarring is important in developing theoretical understanding of adjustment to injury, and in identifying targets for psychological therapies. This study aimed to investigate whether psychological flexibility, a key element underpinning acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), was associated with appearance anxiety. It was hypothesised that reduced psychological flexibility (lower acceptance, cognitive defusion, mindfulness, and committed action) would be related to increased appearance anxiety. The role of psychological flexibility in the maintenance of appearance anxiety was investigated using a cross-sectional quantitative questionnaire study. ⋯ Individuals experiencing appearance anxiety associated with a burn injury may struggle with accepting difficult emotions, stepping back from distressing thoughts, being mindful and engaging in valued action. These findings suggest that ACT may be useful in treating appearance related anxiety and concerns associated with conditions causing a visible difference.
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Multicenter Study
The prevalence and development of burn scar contractures: A prospective multicenter cohort study.
The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and development of after burn joint limitation by scar contracture. ⋯ Persistent joint limitations at 12 months were exclusively present in joints that needed skin grafting for rapid wound closure. The upper part of the body was more prone to contracture formation than the lower part, from which the shoulder was most often involved. More than half of the limited range of motion seen in the acute phase, resolved in the long term. The need for reconstructive surgery was less than expected.
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Electronic cigarettes (EC) have been reported to be associated with burns secondary to explosions of the device or battery, or contact from overheating, resulting in flame, contact or chemical burns. In addition to this, there have also been reported cases of soft tissue and bony trauma with or without associated burns. Using collective evidence, this review aims to summarise all reported burns associated with ECs, and its implications on immediate management with a particular focus on surgical treatment. ⋯ EC-associated burn injury results in combined thermal and chemical burns, which should be managed in tandem. Explosion injuries sustained whilst using the device may result in both facial trauma or inhalation injury and therefore should be reviewed with a high index of clinical suspicion. It is noted that there is no agreed standard for management for such burns by specialist bodies in the UK. We suggested a treatment algorithm to provide guidance for the burn injuries associated with ECs.