The Journal of burn care & rehabilitation
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J Burn Care Rehabil · Jan 1994
ReviewCyanide poisoning in victims of fire: analysis of 364 cases and review of the literature.
Cyanide is produced by the combustion of natural and synthetic materials. It is assumed that cyanide poisoning is a major component of smoke inhalation injury; however, scientific verification of this assumption is lacking. In this study we examined blood carboxyhemoglobin and cyanide levels in fire fatalities. ⋯ Cyanide can be both produced and degraded in blood and tissue, making interpretation of blood levels difficult. In survivors of fire, detoxification of cyanide can occur without specific antidotes with the use of aggressive supportive care. Specific assay and treatment for cyanide poisoning is rarely necessary in the treatment of victims of smoke and fire.
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J Burn Care Rehabil · Jan 1994
Clinical TrialBlood use in the burn unit: a possible role for erythropoietin.
Recently, several of our patients have raised questions concerning the safety of blood transfusions and especially the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus infection. We have noticed a growing reluctance of patients to receive blood transfusions. This prompted us to review the use of blood in our burn unit for 530 patients who were admitted from 1987 to 1989. ⋯ Administration of erythropoietin was started on admission. According to our new criteria for transfusion none of the five patients receiving erythropoietin required the transfusion of blood or blood products. This study would suggest the need for both a prospective clinical trial of erythropoietin and further studies to better define the indications for transfusions in patients with burns.
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J Burn Care Rehabil · Jan 1994
Parental well-being and behavioral adjustment of pediatric survivors of burns.
Parents of pediatric patients with burns often perceive their children as troubled and having an increased number of problem behaviors. This study examines the relationship between these problem behaviors and the parent's own emotional well-being. Mothers of 38 burned children completed three standardized questionnaires: Child Behavior Checklist, Parental Stress Index, and the Eight State Questionnaire. ⋯ However, the Parental Stress Index results revealed that parents who report their children as troubled are themselves stressed, not only by their children's behaviors but in areas unrelated to their children. In addition, these mothers report often feeling depressed and guilty on the Eight State Questionnaire. This study emphasizes the need for psychological assessment of both parents and children.