Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Many burn centers utilize propranolol in both adult and pediatric burn patients to attenuate the hypermetabolic response related to thermal injury despite the relative paucity of data in adults compared to children. The purpose of this study was to identify practice patterns related to propranolol, for which groups it is being used, length of use, and the intended benefit. ⋯ The majority of centers use propranolol for both adult and pediatric patients despise the lack of randomized studies in adult populations. A wide variation of practice patterns highlights the need for further study in regard to patient outcomes, duration of therapy, and dosing to drive consensus guidelines.
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The diffuse epidermal exfoliation seen in Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is similar to skin loss in second degree burns, and many of these patients are referred for treatment at burn centers. Treatment can differ markedly from center to center, and mortality can range from 25% to 70%, including a considerable morbidity. However, our experience over a 15-year period from 2000 to 2015 with 40 patients found a mortality rate of only 10% (4/40). The purpose of this paper is to discuss our treatment algorithm as a model for other centers treating SJS/TENs patients. ⋯ With our 10% mortality rate in 40 patients, our study represents a relatively large study population while maintaining a relatively low mortality rate. The demographic data from our study largely aligns with the existing literature, and we therefore feel that our low mortality rate is due to our treatment algorithm, rather than to a less severe pathology in our patient population. This claim is supported by a standard mortality ratio of 1.68. This ratio proves a significantly improved mortality than would be expected based on disease severity on admission.
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Review Meta Analysis
Albumin administration for fluid resuscitation in burn patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The objective was to systematically review the literature summarizing the effect on mortality of albumin compared to non-albumin solutions during the fluid resuscitation phase of burn injured patients. ⋯ The pooled estimate demonstrated a neutral effect on mortality in burn patients resuscitated acutely with albumin solutions. Due to limited evidence and uncertainty, an adequately powered, high quality trial could be required to assess the impact of albumin solutions on mortality in burn patients.
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Hydroxocobalamin has been available for use for suspected cyanide toxicity in smoke inhalation patients in the United States since 2006. Our study compares outcomes of patients who received hydroxocobalamin to historical controls who did not. ⋯ Routine administration was associated with lower rate of pneumonia, faster liberation from the ventilator, and reductions in intensive care unit stay. Burn centers should consider its empiric use in suspected smoke inhalation patients.
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Review Comparative Study
The effects of honey compared to silver sulfadiazine for the treatment of burns: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Evidence from animal studies and trials suggests that honey may accelerate wound healing. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of honey compared with silver dressings on the healing of burn wounds. Relevant databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of honey compared with silver sulfadiazine (SSD) were searched. ⋯ Nine RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Based on moderate quality evidence there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups, favoring honey in healing time (MD -5.76days, 95% CI -8.14 to -3.39) and the proportions of infected wounds rendered sterile (RR 2.59; 95% CI 1.58-2.88). The available evidence suggests that honey dressings promote better wound healing than silver sulfadiazine for burns.