Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Electrical burns are devastating, posing development of multiple injuries with high morbidity and mortality. Electrical burn management benefits from a multidisciplinary, multispecialty collaborative approach to improve outcomes. ⋯ Electrical burns affecting young adult men can impose a significant burden in developing countries. Electrical burns, especially due to high voltage, involve multiple organs benefitting from multidisciplinary management and have significant residual sequelae. Public awareness and education and proper training of industry workers remain the best way to minimize the prevalence of electric burns in the developing world.
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Visible scarring after burn causes social challenges which impact on interpersonal connection. These have health impacts which may worsen outcomes for burn patients and reduce the potential for posttraumatic growth (PTG). ⋯ Emotional and situational barriers reduced social connection and avoidant coping strategies reduced the interaction of people with burns with others. Active coping strategies need to be taught to assist with social reintegration. This highlights the need for peer support, family support and education, and social skills training.
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The contribution of human herpes viruses, including herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV) to morbidity and mortality after burns remains controversial. This systematic review was undertaken to assess evidence of herpes virus-related morbidity and mortality in burns. ⋯ No direct evidence linked CMV and HSV infection with increased morbidity and mortality in burns. Following burn, CMV reactivation was more common than a primary CMV infection. Active HSV infection impaired wound healing but was not directly correlated to mortality. Infections with VZV are rare after burns but when they occur, VZV infections were associated with severe complications including mortality. The therapeutic effect of antiviral agents administered after burns warrants investigation via prospective randomized controlled trials.
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As widely reported, the progress in burn care during recent decades has reduced the hospital mortality. The effect of the burns on long-term outcome has not received so much attention, and more study is indicated. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the long-time survival among patients who had been treated for burns. ⋯ Age and full-thickness burns reduce the long-time survival after discharge from the Burn Centre, whereas the effect of TBSA% and need for artificial ventilation ends with discharge.
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Telemedicine using cellular phones allows for real-time consultation of burn patients seen at distant hospitals.