Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
-
To describe the effectiveness of a community-based program targeting prevention of self-immolation. Suicide by burning is rare in developed countries (0.1-1.8% of all suicides), but more frequent in developing countries (up to 41% of all suicides). Self-immolation constitutes from 0.4% to 40% of admissions to burn centers worldwide. During 2001, an average of 11 Iranians committed suicide daily, 4 of these being self-immolations (36%). Self-immolation caused from 4% to 28% of all admissions to Iranian burn centers. Approximately 80% of hospitalized self-immolation patients die. All descriptive self-immolation studies in Iran emphasize the need for implementing prevention programs. ⋯ A community prevention program targeting self-immolation can be effective. Local data and the showing of videos depicting victim stories from self-immolation attempts provided a stimulus for community action.
-
To assess the safety and efficacy of bioengineered skin substitutes in comparison with biological skin replacements and/or standard dressing methods in the management of burns, through a systematic review of the literature. ⋯ Additional methodologically rigorous randomised controlled trials with long-term follow-up would strengthen the evidence base for the use of bioengineered skin substitutes.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A randomized trial comparing ReCell system of epidermal cells delivery versus classic skin grafts for the treatment of deep partial thickness burns.
Our purpose was to directly compare results obtained with the ReCell system and the classic skin grafting for epidermal replacement in deep partial thickness burns. ⋯ ReCell is a feasible, simple and safe technique. It gives similar results to skin grafting but, harvesting minor areas, can open possible future applications in the management of large-burns patients.
-
Clinical Trial
The safety of nanocrystalline silver dressings on burns: a study of systemic silver absorption.
Wound dressings containing silver have been in widespread use for many years. However, there are few quantitative data on the systemic absorption of silver or whether there is associated clinical risk. ⋯ This study has confirmed our view that Acticoat products are safe for use on burns and they remain a standard part of treatment at our centre.
-
Biobrane is a biosynthetic wound dressing, first used by Woodruff in 1979, which has many of the ideal properties of a dressing as outlined by Pruitt and Levine [Pruitt Jr BA, Levine NS. Characteristics and uses of biologic dressings and skin substitutes. ⋯ When used appropriately, it has been shown to reduce pain levels, healing time, inpatient stay and nursing requirements when compared to traditional dressings. We present the results of a national study concerning the use of Biobrane in the United Kingdom, highlight variations in practice, discuss the pertinent issues, make suitable recommendations and highlight the versatility of Biobrane as a wound dressing.