Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Double opposing rectangular advancement is a new and alternative technique in the treatment of postburn scar contractures. The technique consists of opposing two adjacent subcutaneously pedicled rectangular flaps by advancement and lengthening a contracture band. Experimental studies demonstrated that the technique is efficient to elongate a tension line as much as Z-plasty in the rat inguinal skin. In this clinical study we investigated the efficiency and versatility of the technique in the treatment of wide linear postburn scar contractures in various parts of the body. ⋯ Clinical results indicated that double opposing rectangular advancement is effective in the treatment of wide linear postburn scar contractures. Preoperative planning and application of flaps are simple. One knows preoperatively the exact elongation along the contracture line and narrowing perpendicular to this line which will be provided with the technique. Since the flaps are subcutaneously pedicled, the vascularity of the flaps are reliable. However the technique may not avoid recontracture in the axilla.
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Survival after burn has steadily improved over the last few decades. Patient mortality is, however, still the primary outcome measure for burn care. Scoring systems aim to use the most predictive premorbid and injury factors to yield an expected likelihood of death for a given patient. ⋯ The evolution of prognostic scoring in burns is reviewed with specific reference to the more widely regarded measures. Alternative approaches to burn prognostication are reviewed along with evidence for the use of outcomes other than mortality. The purpose and utility of prognostic scoring in general is discussed with relevance to its potential uses in audit, research and at the bedside.
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This study focuses on possible effects of specialized summer camps on young burn survivors' self esteem and body image. ⋯ Albeit statistically modest, this is the first quantitative study to document on a significant short-term impact of burn camp on young burn survivors' body image. Implications of this result for future research and burn camp organization were discussed, including the strengths of residential camps for young burn survivors.
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In the context of scarce reports on train surfers among high voltage electric injuries, we conducted a retrospective review between January 1994 and December 2008. ⋯ Train surfers have proven to be a distinct group of patients among high-voltage injuries notably as a result of a younger age, a shorter electric contact duration and higher velocity-induced trauma. With a possibly declining trend of train surfing-related accidents in an aging society, it will be interesting to see if emerging economies will face comparable phenomena, for which prevention strategies remain key.
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In order to study the mechanism of abnormal macrophage (Mϕ) function in pro-inflammatory cytokine changes after burn, the inositol lipid signal system and its role in tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) secretion by peritoneal Mϕs was observed in severely scalded mice. ⋯ These results indicated that the abnormal activity of TNF-α of Mϕs might be regulated by the inositol lipid signal system following severe burn. The DAG-PKC signal pathway showed closer relationship than IP(3)-Ca(2+) in TNF-α production and could be the optimal target in the prevention and treatment of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome.