Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Vancomycin is used in patients with severe burns and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. This study investigated vancomycin pharmacokinetics in people with burns in comparison to people without burns and examined the factors contributing to pharmacokinetic variability. This was a retrospective, case-control study of hospitalised burns patients compared with a control patient cohort administered vancomycin without burn injury. ⋯ There was no significant change in volume of distribution between patient groups. The majority of patients received a dosing regimen of 1g twice daily, resulting in significantly (p=0.004) lower serum trough concentrations in patients with burns (median, 6.4 mg/L; range, 0.2-22.3mg/L) than control (median, 9.2mg/L; range, 4.0-29.8 mg/L). Higher clearance and lower serum vancomycin concentrations in people with severe burn may increase the risk of suboptimal bactericidal action and the development of resistance highlighting the need for dosage individualization.
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Is HBOT treatment effective in recovering zone of stasis? An experimental immunohistochemical study.
Studies aimed at recovering the zone of stasis are one of the major issues of experimental burn studies. Hypoxia and oedema at that zone may cause irreversible changes. Due to anti-oedematous and antihypoxic effects of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT), it may be beneficial in recovering the zone of stasis. ⋯ Wet and dry weight measurements of excised skin fragments were taken. As a result, HBOT showed a positive effect at the cellular level in the first 24h. It increased recovery potential by augmenting neovascularisation and decreasing oedema in the 5-day group.
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Hypertrophic scarring after partial-thickness burns is common, resulting in raised, erythematous, pruritic, and contracted scars. Treatment of hypertrophic scars, especially on the face, is challenging and has high failure rates. Excisional treatment has morbidity and can create iatrogenic deformities. ⋯ Multiple studies have shown its ability to decrease scar erythema and thickness while significantly decreasing pruritus and improving the cosmetic appearance of the scar. The history of laser therapy and the mechanism of action and results of the PDL in burn scars will be reviewed. The PDL should become an integral part of the management of burn scarring and will significantly decrease the need for excisional surgery.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Pain relief during dressing changes of major adult burns: ideal analgesic combination with ketamine.
Pain management during burn dressing changes is a critical part of treatment in acute burn injuries. Although several treatment options have been suggested, it is still a challenge in a clinical setting. This study is aimed at finding out an ideal analgesic, sedative and/or anxiolytic combination that would minimise the unwanted effects of ketamine. ⋯ Any adverse effects of ketamine were recorded. The results showed that group II had better outcomes with respect to pain management during dressing changes. As a conclusion, the use of the combination of ketamine, tramadol and dexmedetomidine was found to be a good treatment option for the prevention of the procedural pain suffered by adult patients during dressing changes.