Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association
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This report summarizes the characteristics of 954 burned patients treated with cultured epidermal autografts (CEA), the largest number of patients to date. Data collected include patient demographics, survival, and final graft take. Source data were provided by the treating physician or attending burn team. ⋯ The most frequently reported adverse reactions were infections in both pediatric and adult patients. There were no signals of increased risk of adverse reactions in pediatric compared with adult patients. When used as an adjunct to conventional split-thickness skin grafting for treatment of large burns in pediatric and adult patients, the analysis in this report shows an increased survival rate for patients treated with CEA compared with that reported for patients in the National Burn Repository with comparable burns.
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Racial and ethnic disparities in access to inpatient rehabilitation have been previously described for various injury groups; however, no studies have evaluated whether such disparities exist among burn patients. Their aim was to determine if racial disparities in discharge destination (inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing facility, home with home health, or home) following burn injury existed in this single-institution study. A retrospective analysis of all adult burn patients admitted to UNC Jaycee Burn Center from 2002 to 2012 was conducted. ⋯ In their subgroup analysis, Black (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.07-3.28; P = .026) and Hispanic (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 0.31-7.51; P = .603) patients were more likely to discharge to a higher level of rehabilitation than White patients. Racial and ethnic disparities in discharge destination to a higher level of rehabilitative services among burn-injured patients exist particularly for Hispanic patients but not for Black or White burn patient groups. Further studies are needed to elucidate the potential sources of these disparities specifically for Hispanic patients.
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Little has been published regarding intravenous (IV) ketamine for burn wound care in adult patients. Ketamine may serve as a safe alternative to provide conscious sedation and limit opioid administration to patients. The purpose of this study was to characterize IV ketamine use during burn wound care and establish its potential role as a safe adjunct to opioid and benzodiazepine medications. ⋯ There were no cardiopulmonary complications. These findings suggest that IV ketamine provides a safe analgesia and sedative option for burn wound care. Given these findings, IV ketamine for burn wound care warrants further study.
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Isokinetic dynamometry is used during exercise testing and rehabilitation to obtain a quantitative strength measurement on which progressive strength training programs can be based. This study assesses the test-retest reliability of isokinetic leg function in the knee flexors and extensors at 150 degrees/second in children and young adults with severe burns to be used for rehabilitation exercise program prescription. In 39 severely burned patients (49 ± 14% total body surface area burn [TBSA], mean ± SD; 34 ± 21% TBSA 3 rd degree; 14 ± 5 years, 153.3 ± 16.5 cm height; 53.8 ± 17.9 kg) knee flexion/extension isokinetic dynamometry at 150 degrees/second was performed on each patient's dominant leg in two sessions. ⋯ Sessions did not differ significantly in knee extension or flexion for any muscle function outcome or the hamstrings to quadriceps ratio. All intraclass correlation coefficients were >0.89 and r2 >0.79. Test-retest isokinetic dynamometry functional measurements in the knee flexors and extensors at 150 degrees/second are reliable in the burn population and may aid resistance rehabilitation program prescriptions.
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Over the years, many cultures have used herbs for serious health problems. Garlic (Allium sativum) pose hypocholesterolemic, fibrinolytic, antidiabetic, and antibiotic actions. However, it has unusual adverse effects such as chemical burns and contact dermatitis when used topically. In this case report, the authors present two cases of topical garlic burn caused after the use of crushed garlic with a bandage for pain relief due to arthritis.