Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association
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Severe burn injuries are associated with hypermetabolic response and increased catabolism. These lead to a vast loss of muscle mass and reduced muscle strength and function. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the impact of severe burn injuries on lower-limb muscular strength, balance, and mobility level in adults. ⋯ The high mobility assessment tool scores were significantly lower (42 ± 7.64, P < .05) when compared with control subjects (51 ± 1.62). Patients who had severe burns (burned TBSA ≥ 40%) showed muscular weakness, limited balance, and mobility levels between 16 and 24 weeks after discharge from the hospital compared with matched nonburned control subjects. These results can guide therapists in creating rehabilitation programs that focus on the specific difficulties faced by burned patients.
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In patients with burns, a massive inflammatory response is induced which negatively affects the healing process of the burn wound and additionally exerts systemic effects. An important factor herein is the complement system. Here we analyzed the effects of burns on complement and inflammatory cells both locally and systemically after burn in time in a pig burn wound model. ⋯ In contrast to the heart, the inflammatory cell infiltrates in the lungs, liver, and kidney of burned pigs were lower than in control pigs. In pigs, following burn there is a prolonged increase in complement levels both in the burn wound and the blood and increased inflammatory cell infiltrate in the burn wound and the heart. However, complement levels in the burn wound and in the blood seem not to be correlated in time.
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Hydrocarbons are a wide-ranging group of flammable chemicals and are often used in suicide attempts either by ingestion or as an accelerant in self-immolation. In this case study, we present a 37-year-old female who suffered 6% TBSA partial-thickness burns to her perineum and buttocks, which she claims resulted from diarrhea after ingesting a bottle of lighter fluid. ⋯ To our knowledge, this is one of the first reported cases of hydrocarbon enema. We review hydrocarbon poisoning, including both ingestion and dermal exposure, and discuss medical management.
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Enteral nutrition support is a critical component of modern burn care for severely burned patients. However, tube feeds are frequently withheld during the perioperative period because of aspiration concerns. As a result, patients requiring multiple operative procedures risk accumulating significant protein-calorie deficits. ⋯ The protocol group received significantly more calculated protein and caloric requirements, 98.06 and 98.4%, respectively, compared with 70.6 and 73.2% in the standard group (P < .001). Time to goal tube feed infusion rate was achieved on average 3 days sooner in the protocol group compared with the standard group (3.35 vs 6.18 days, P = .008). Early initiation and continuation of enteral feeds in severely burned patients led to higher percentages received of prescribed goal protein and caloric needs without increased rates of aspiration, regurgitation, or mortality.
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Review Meta Analysis
Risk Factors for Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Burn Injury: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a fatal complication of burn injury. Few systematic reviews to date have focused on the risk factors predisposing to AKI in patients with burn injury. The aim of this article is to identify the risk factors for the occurrence of AKI in burn patients, thus providing theoretical evidence for prevention and treatment. ⋯ AKI is a common complication and occurs at a remarkable rate in burn patients. We identified 10 variables as independent risk factors for the development of AKI in burn patients. Our findings may help clinicians to develop effective preventive and therapeutic strategies and provide appropriate, timely initial treatment.