Annals of burns and fire disasters
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Burns are the most frequent injury among paediatric patients. The injury, treatment, and rehabilitation process affect children not only physiologically but also psychologically. In this prospective study of burn victims aged 12 yr and less hospitalized in our burns centre (Emergency Hospital) between July 2001 and August 2005, three age groups were considered (0-12 months, 1-6 yr, and 7-12 yr), distinguished on the basis of children's predominant activity and behaviour. ⋯ There were more paediatric burns in the colder months (38.2% in winter). Surgery was performed in 553 patients (15.6%). In the five years studied, there were 411 in-hospital child deaths due to burns (11.5%).
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Ann Burns Fire Disasters · Jun 2007
A study on biomarkers, cytokines, and growth factors in children with burn injuries.
Background. Burns are a unique injury which not only is devastating for the patients but also puts a great burden on society by consuming enormous health care resources. Despite improvements in burn wound care and treatment, understanding the role of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines as well as the mechanisms responsible for the healing process remains to be clarified. ⋯ Recommendations. It is highly recommended to monitor immunological parameters such as PCT and/or IL-6 for early detection of infectious complications following thermal injury. Leptin can be regarded as a novel treatment modality to diminish burn-induced inflammation, reduce post-burn immune dysfunction, and enhance burn healing.
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Ann Burns Fire Disasters · Jun 2007
Aldehyde-treated porcine skin versus biobrane as biosynthetic skin substitutes for excised burn wounds: case series and review of the literature.
Background. The use of skin substitutes as temporary or permanent coverings has been a subject of research and study since 1500 BC. Temporary coverage of the burn wound can decrease the metabolic rate, fluid loss, pain, and colonization. ⋯ Aldehyde-treated porcine skin (E. Z. Derm) is a reliable tool for short-term use and should not remain on the wound more than 3-4 days.
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Ann Burns Fire Disasters · Jun 2007
Septicaemia in scald and flame burns: appraisal of significant differences.
One hundred and sixty burn patients suffering from septicaemia, hospitalized in the Al-Babtain Centre burns unit, Kuwait, between June 1992 and May 2001, were studied. Thirty-two patients (20%) had scalds and 128 (80%) flame burns, thus representing a ratio of 1:4 among septicaemic patients. There were 20 males (62.5%) in the scald group, compared to 73 (57%) with flame burns. ⋯ It is significant to record that all the 38 deaths (29.7%) were in flame burn septicaemic patients (p < 0.001). The scald and flame burn patients were quite distinct in their demographic and clinical characteristics. The flame burn patients were more vulnerable to septicaemia, with a high risk of mortality.
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Ann Burns Fire Disasters · Jun 2007
Clinical experience in using the water jet in burn wound debridement.
Water jets have been used in many areas of surgery. Recently a new surgical debridement device was launched onto the market - VersajetTM. VersajetTM is a unique hydrosurgical device that uses a precise jet of water to simultaneously hold, cut, and remove devitalized or necrotic tissue. ⋯ The patients' age ranged from 27 to 60 yr (average, 37.8 yr) and the burn wounds treated were between 3 and 7% total body surface area, involving the face, abdomen, and limbs. The hydrosurgical system is a very useful tool for irregular and complex burn wound debridement. This paper represents the first written clinical experience utilizing hydrosurgery in the burn wound management in an Eastern country.