Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Defensins are a family of cationic antimicrobial peptides that participate in innate host defence. Human beta defensin-2 (HBD-2) is produced by human keratinocytes, and has a potent bactericidal activity against a wide spectrum of microorganisms. We have recently shown that expression of HBD-2 is present in normal skin and lost in the full-thickness burn wound. ⋯ No HBD-2 was detectable in any of the burn blister fluids analysed. HBD-2 is lost in the full-thickness burn wound, and we have now demonstrated its absence in burn blister fluid. This finding represents evidence of a host defence defect within the burn wound and suggests a possible therapeutic role for antimicrobial peptides in the management of burn wounds.
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In August-September 1998 an Italian medical team, composed of a plastic surgeon, an anaesthesiologist, an infectious diseases specialist and a psychologist, assisted by a local non-government organization (Narripokkho), studied a cohort of Bangladeshi women injured by sulphuric acid. The goals of the mission were: (1) recognition of the magnitude of the phenomenon of acid being intentionally thrown at women; (2) evaluation of the type and severity of burns; (3) preparation of a tentative schedule of surgical treatment of the lesions; (4) organization of local facilities; (5) training of doctors and nurses.
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Adequate treatment of eye burns is an essential task of rescue teams. Clinical and occupational medicine studies have shown that efficient emergency treatment can prevent severe eye damage, but therapy is frequently delayed or inadequate. When initial therapy has been delayed or missed, several treatment strategies, including surgery, are available that may improve the outcome of an injury with poor visual prognosis. Discussed in this review are common accident mechanisms, causative agents and biophysical/pathogenetic aspects of eye burns, together with emergency and long-term treatment strategies including surgical procedures, and factors influencing outcome.
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A modified technique of postage stamp autografting is studied. By using quick cutting plates, chessboard tray, skiing technique and petrolatum gauze, skin islands can be uniformly located and correctly oriented on the gauze. Moving the skin squares on the stainless steel tray is relatively easy, and the expansion ratio can be predicted by means of the chessboard diagram. ⋯ The advantages of this method include: (1) the expansion ratio can reach up to 1:9, (2) the preparation procedures are not time consuming, (3) regular distribution of these skin islands shortens the healing time, and (4) the cost of this method is relative low. The results of this technique are comparable to that of the modified Meek technique. This preliminary study reveals that this technique is an easy and economic alternative for the treatment of extensive burn patients.