Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Markedly elevated levels of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), which exhibit potent diuretic and vasoactive properties, has been well documented in patients with acute lung injury. We examined the physiological effects of additional smoke inhalation on plasma ANP concentrations in an ovine burn model. Seventeen sheep were instrumented to receive fluid and have physiological measurements taken. ⋯ Plasma ANP levels in the burn+smoke group showed a biphasic elevation, whereas the burn group showed no appreciable changes throughout the whole experimental period. The initial increase in plasma ANP concentrations occurred immediately after injury (from 96+/-10 at baseline to 136+/-17 pg/mL at 3h after injury); thereafter, it decreased towards baseline value, followed by a second increase in the post resuscitation period (183+/-43 pg/mL at 72 h after injury). Decreased urine output and accentuated pulmonary vascular resistance in the combined injury group was observed between the two ANP level peaks, indicating that ANP release modified physiological responses to the burn+smoke injury.
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A 3-year prospective study of burn victims hospitalized at a major burn center was conducted to determine the etiology and outcome of pediatric burns. One thousand one hundred sixty patients under the age of 14 years identified and stratified by age, sex, burn size, presence or absence of inhalation injury, and cause of burn. The mean patient age was 2.2 years, and the male:female ratio was 1.6:1. ⋯ Scalds were the most common type of burn among children under 5 years of age; flame burns predominated in older children. There were 39 deaths related to scalds. Large burn size was the strongest predictor of mortality followed by the presence of inhalation injury and the length of time to intravenous access.
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This study was designed to examine functional and psychological outcome of severely burned patients adults. Adult patients (n=38) admitted to the Royal Brisbane hospital with burns >40% TBSA were assessed two years post injury using the Abbreviated BSHS and a supplemental questionnaire relating to specific physiotherapy and occupational health issues. An average return to driving occurred at 36 weeks and return to work at 51 weeks. ⋯ The study demonstrates that these patients can develop functional independence and good quality of life. The long term outlook for patients with large burns is generally positive. Consequently, burn care professionals can be reassured that the effort is worthwhile.
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This study describes the epidemiology and patterns of moderate to severe burn injuries (%BSA>or=20-90) treated at the Italian Red Cross Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, during the medical mission of the tenth Italian Red Cross Contingent, from 3 April to 19 May 2004. Burn injuries sustained by members of the civilian population admitted to the Burns Unit, irrespective of age and sex, are analysed (n=48). Differences in risk distribution between different segments of the population are reported and typical injury patterns are identified. ⋯ There is a pronounced difference between genders after adulthood (age 15 and up). The mortality rate is higher in females. Most of the burns occurred in the home: a public health education campaign might help reduce the incidence of these injuries.