Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
-
The aim of this study was to investigate the reproducibility and validity of measuring scar height in children using ultrasound and 3D camera. ⋯ The ultrasound is capable of detecting smaller changes or differences in scar thickness than the 3D camera, in children with burn scars. However agreement as part of reproducibility was lower than expected between raters for the ultrasound. Improving the accuracy of scar relocation may go some way to address agreement.
-
Considering the role of H2S in critical illness, the aim of this study was to compare the outcome of burn in wild-type mice and in mice deficient in CSE, one of the principal mammalian H2S-generating enzymes. Animals were subjected to scald burn. Outcome variables included indices of organ injury, clinical chemistry parameters and plasma levels of inflammatory mediators. ⋯ CSE deficient mice, compared to wild-type mice, showed a significant attenuation of the burn-induced elevation in circulating alkaline aminotransferase and blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, indicative of protective effects of CSE deficiency against burn-induced hepatic, and renal functional impairment. Multiple burn-induced inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12) were significantly lower in the plasma of CSE-/- animals after burn than in the plasma of wild-type controls subjected to burns. In conclusion, CSE deficiency improves organ function and attenuates the inflammatory response in a murine model of burn.
-
tPA and anticoagulation for treatment of severe frostbite have been reported suggesting differences in imaging techniques, route of tPA administration and management of patients after tPA infusion. This is a report of our results following a protocol of Tc-99m scanning, intravenous tPA administration, followed by either systemic anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. ⋯ The use of intra-arterial or intravenous tPA along with angiography or Tc-99m scanning followed by systemic anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy may be beneficial to patients suffering frostbite.
-
Burn-related immunosuppression can promote human herpesviridae infections. However, the effect of these infections on morbidity and mortality after pediatric burn injuries is unclear. ⋯ Viral infections occur more commonly in patients suffering from larger burns, and HSV infections can contribute to mortality.