Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
-
Recently, many studies have demonstrated pleotropic effects of vitamin D, including immune modulation and cardiovascular system activity. Sufficient vitamin D concentrations and supplementation of vitamin D may be of benefit in burn-injured patients. ⋯ The preferred vitamin D dose, formulation, and route of administration remain unknown, and there is limited data on the impact of vitamin D status on clinical outcomes. Further research should focus on determining optimal monitoring strategies, supplementation regimens and clinical outcomes like mortality, length of stay and incidence of sepsis.
-
Comparative Study
Comparison of military and civilian burn patients admitted to a single center during 12 years of war.
The current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan resulted in an increased incidence of burn injury in the military population. We sought to compare the characteristics and outcomes of this population to a civilian cohort cared for at the same burn center over the same time-period. ⋯ Military patients exhibited improved survival and functional recovery over their civilian counterparts. However, mortality did not differ between civilian and military patients after controlling for known covariates. Further studies are needed to improve functional outcomes in civilian patients, who may not have the inherent advantages of younger age and healthier physical status found in military patients.
-
Following a severe burn injury, significant hematologic changes occur that are reflected in complete blood count (CBC) measurements. Our aim for this study was to examine trend in the components of the CBC in severely burned patients over the first week after injury and compare differences in CBC components between survivors and non-survivors. ⋯ Burn-injury specific trends in CBC measurements can be used as references to determine expected clinical course of burn patients. Non-survivors have early hematologic differences compared to survivors.
-
Current consensus for the ideal pressure range at the pressure garment to scar interface is 15-25mmHg. Interface pressure variability has been reported at new pressure garment fitting in children. Pressure reductions up to 25% have been recorded over one month in adults. ⋯ Interface pressure variability was recorded over time during children's wear of the first pressure garment after burn. Further investigation of factors contributing to pressure changes, subsequent impact on adherence and the effect of sub-optimal pressure application on burn scar outcomes is indicated.