Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Meta Analysis
The efficacy of cellulose dressings in burn wound management: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Burn wound management is challenging, especially in paediatric patients when optimising outcomes. Superficial burns are generally managed conservatively with dressings; however, frequent dressing changes can be a source of pain and discomfort. Cellulose dressings mitigate these problems, and current reports in the literature have demonstrated positive outcomes when compared against routine dressing types. The authors aim to report a systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of cellulose-based dressings in burn wound management. ⋯ Cellulose dressings can expedite wound healing whilst reducing the duration of hospitalisation and frequency of dressing changes compared to standard dressings in burn wound management. The authors however recommend further high quality trials to enhance the current evidence base.
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To examine the characteristics and outcomes of myocardial infarction (MI) among burn patients. ⋯ Of 200,130 hospitalizations with burns, 1997 (1 %) developed acute MI. Burn patients with MI were older, more likely to be men, and had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Only burns affecting the trunk and respiratory tract, and those affecting > 20 % of body surface area (BSA), were associated with an increased risk of MI. All-cause in-hospital mortality was higher among patients with MI (18.7 % vs. 3 %, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.59, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 3.66, 5.76). Cardiogenic shock, ventricular tachycardia, and stroke rates were higher among patients with MI. Revascularization was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (aOR 0.33, 95 % CI 0.17, 0.64) CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of MI in burn patients is low but is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Burns involving the trunk and respiratory tract, and those affecting > 20 % BSA, were associated with an increased risk of MI. Revascularization was associated with lower in-hospital mortality.
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Burn-related fatalities pose a significant global public health challenge, with a substantial impact on the elderly population. This study examines two decades of burn-related mortality data in the United States, aiming to understand the trends, disparities, and contributing factors among adults aged 65 and older. ⋯ Our analysis of 20 years of burn-related mortality data from the CDC reveals alarming trends in the United States. Unlike global trends, mortality rates have stagnated from 1999 to 2020, indicating a persistent public health challenge. Black individuals aged over 65 bear the brunt of burn-related mortality, facing the highest age-adjusted rates among all racial groups. Regional disparities are stark, with states in the top 90 % exhibiting significantly higher age-adjusted mortality rates compared to those in the bottom 10 %. Moreover, rural areas consistently report higher mortality rates than urban areas. Ischemic heart disease, hypertensive diseases, and other heart-related conditions emerge as prevalent comorbidities. To effectively reduce burn-related injuries and fatalities, targeted public health policies are imperative. These interventions must prioritize high-risk populations and adopt culturally sensitive approaches to promote safety. Additionally, enhancing access to healthcare and fire safety education is vital for mitigating the burden of burn-related mortality among the elderly population.
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Collecting patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has been a longstanding priority for the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand (BRANZ). An earlier pilot of hospital-led PROM collection encountered low participation rates and high loss to follow-up, indicating consideration for an alternative model was warranted. ⋯ Collecting PROMs from burns patients in the first 12 months after injury via a centralised approach was shown to be feasible, with higher participation rates and low missingness.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Wireless Micro Current Stimulation (WMCS) therapy to enhance burn wound healing: A randomized clinical trial.
Pediatric burn injuries are often associated with significant morbidity, and require specialized care. The primary advantage of Wireless Micro Current Stimulation (WMCS) is the ability to deliver electric current without direct contact with the wound, which is particularly advantageous in the pediatric population and in those with wounds over multiple areas or over sensitive regions. ⋯ Our study shows statistically significant improvement in healing time with WMCS therapy, despite a two times higher average TBSA% in the WMCS group.