Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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New technologies in the field of burn wound and scar assessment are continually being evaluated. Accurate estimation of total body surface area (TBSA) burn wound is of paramount importance in fluid resuscitation to prevent complications which are associated with morbidity and mortality. Estimating the TBSA is performed by a multitude of different methods, however a gold standard would be ideal. The aim of this study was to compare the estimation of burned TBSA% between 3D photography by Panasonic FZ-M1 Toughpad in conjunction with WoundCare Lite software and expert opinion volunteered by burns doctors. ⋯ This study has demonstrated that the wound mapping software WoundCare Lite in conjunction with the Panasonic FZ-M1 Toughpad 3D camera compares well with expert opinion in determining burn surface area on a mannequin. Further research is needed to establish whether this is the case in burns on patients in an acute setting.
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Various types of psychological screening are currently used in the UK to identify burn patients who are experiencing psychological distress and may need additional support and intervention during their hospital admission. This audit compared two types of psychological screening in 40 burn inpatients. One screening method was an unpublished questionnaire designed to explore multiple areas of potential distress for those who have experienced burns. ⋯ However, both screening methods identified patients who were in need of psychological input when the other did not. This suggests that psychological screening of burns inpatients, and the psychological difficulties that they can present with, is complex. The advantages and disadvantages of both methods of screening are discussed.
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Split thickness skin grafting is a commonly used technique in burn surgery for resurfacing wounds that are unlikely to heal without scarring. Meshing and expanding skin grafts allow for reconstruction of larger wounds with smaller donor sites. ⋯ A larger burn size is the major influencing factor for the use of higher skin graft meshing ratios by Canadian burn surgeons. Furthermore, burn location determines the choice of donor and recipient sites in these cases.
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Corneal alkali burns are a severe disease and commonly encountered in the emergent clinic. A rapid medical treatment for the burn is very important. Gly-thymosin β4 (Gly-Tβ4) is a biomimic derivative of natural thymosin β4. The aim of this study is to evaluate the corneal recovery effects of Gly-Tβ4 topical therapy on alkali burns in rabbit corneas. ⋯ Gly-Tβ4 solutions are a promising formulation for topical treatment of corneal alkali burns.
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Burn is associated with a considerable burden of morbidity worldwide. Early excision of burned tissue and skin grafting of the resultant wound has been established as a mainstay of modern burn therapy. However, in large burns, donor sites for autologous skin may be limited. ⋯ Comparison was also made between fresh and cryopreserved grafts. No statistically significant difference was identified between GalT-KO and allogeneic skin grafts in any of the assessed parameters, and graft take and function was not adversely effected by the freeze-thaw process. These data demonstrate that GalT-KO porcine grafts are functionally comparable to allogeneic skin grafts for temporary closure of full thickness wounds, and support their consideration as an alternative to cadaver allogeneic skin in the emergency management of large burns.