Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Stevens Johnson Syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are rare, potentially fatal desquamative disorders characterised by large areas of partial thickness skin and mucosal loss. The degree of epidermal detachment that occurs has led to SJS/TEN being described as a burn-like condition. These patients benefit from judicious critical care, early debridement and meticulous wound care. This is best undertaken within a multidisciplinary setting led by clinicians experienced in the management of massive skin loss and its sequelae. In this study, we examined the clinical outcomes of SJS/TEN overlap & TEN patients managed by our regional burns service over a 12-year period. We present our treatment model for other burn centres treating SJS/TEN patients. ⋯ Management in our burns service with an aggressive wound care protocol involving debridement of blistered epidermis and wound closure with synthetic and biological dressings seems to have produced benefits in mortality when compared to predicted outcomes.
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Journal clubs allow discussion of the quality and findings of recent publications. However, journal clubs have not historically been multidisciplinary. Burn care is recognized as a true collaborative care model, including regular multidisciplinary rounds. Since 2011 we have offered a multidisciplinary burn journal club at our institution. We present an evaluation of the factors that have made the sessions successful to facilitate others to commence their own club. ⋯ The success of the journal club has been possible through the engagement of the entire burn team. Champions within each discipline, facilitated discussion and evaluation tools have helped nurture a nonthreatening team based learning environment.
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In the developed world, pre-existing malnutrition in the burn population influences operative outcomes. However, studies on pre-existing malnutrition and operative outcomes of burn patients in the developing world are lacking. We therefore sought to characterize the burn injury outcomes following operative intervention based on nutritional status. ⋯ Poor nutrition is an important risk factor for post-operative mortality in burned patients in resource-poor settings. Screening for malnutrition and designing effective interventions to optimize nutritional status may improve surgical outcomes in LMIC burn patients.
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To analyse the epidemiology of burns in Finland, a comprehensive study was conducted among all hospitalized burn patients between 1980 and 2010. All patients with burn injury as the main diagnosis, 36305 cases in total, treated in the public and private sectors, were included. Patient data were obtained from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register (FHDR). ⋯ Injuries were most common during the summer months. This study of all hospitalized burn injuries of one entire country shows similar tendency of diminishing numbers and rising age of burn victims as in other western countries. The FHDR is a reliable source of data in epidemiological studies but precise recording of E- and N-codes in the registry would enable the accurate analysis of types and extent of injury.
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Introduction With more than 10 million of daily users, e-cigarettes encountered a great success. But in the past few years, the number of medical reports of injuries caused by the explosion of e-cigarettes has significantly increased. This article aims at reporting our series and reviewing the literature to propose a new classification based on the mechanisms of injuries related to e-cigarettes that can guide non-specialists and specialists in the management of these patients. ⋯ These different mechanisms suggest specific surgical and non-surgical management. Conclusion Management of injuries sustained from e-cigarettes' explosions should be approached from the standpoint of mechanisms. Different mechanisms could be associated and should be considered in specific management.