The Journal of burn care & rehabilitation
-
J Burn Care Rehabil · Mar 2004
Case ReportsComplex regional pain syndrome as a complication of a chemical burn to the foot.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an unusual complication after burns; however, it is important to recognize so that appropriate treatment can be administered. A 60-year-old man suffered an alkali burn to the right foot. Subsequently, the patient developed CRPS with severe pain and vasomotor changes. ⋯ His pain was managed with a single morning dose of gabapentin and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Current examination of the foot revealed mild forefoot swelling without residual erythema. Ambiguities exist in the mainstay of treatment for CRPS, but this multimodal method of controlling CRPS after burn injury allowed for control of the patient's pain, early mobilization, and eventual return to work.
-
Calciphylaxis-induced chronic wounds are difficult to heal. The value of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) was assessed in two patients with calciphylaxis. Two middle-aged females with type 2 diabetes were transferred to the burn unit with a clinical diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis, although the pathologic diagnosis was calciphylaxis. ⋯ Although there was some success with the use of VAC, the patient with the extensive progressive wounds developed a fungal wound infection that did not respond to treatment; she died 78 days after initiation of burn center treatment. Some disadvantages to the usefulness would be extensive contiguous wounds and the lack of an intact skin surface. The VAC system was of value in healing wounds resulting from calciphylaxis.
-
J Burn Care Rehabil · Mar 2004
Treadmills: a preventable source of pediatric friction burn injuries.
Treadmills are a burn risk for children. A child's hand can get trapped in the conveyor belt, causing friction burns to the underlying tissue. The purpose of this retrospective study was to review the characteristics and treatment of treadmill-related burns in children from 1998 to 2002. ⋯ Treadmills pose a danger to children. Current safety devices are ineffective for preventing serious hand injuries in children. New design modifications and public awareness are needed to improve child safety.