Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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To develop the Leuven Itch Scale (LIS), which measures itching through evaluation of the dimensions of the itch experience; and to provide evidence of the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the LIS. ⋯ The Leuven Itch Scale is a useful and clinimetrically sound instrument to measure pruritus in different patient populations affected by itching.
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We describe a semi-open approach to percutaneous tracheostomy as an effective and potentially safer alternative to open tracheostomy or percutaneous techniques in burn patients. ⋯ The semi-open modification of the percutaneous tracheostomy combines the convenience and minimally invasive advantages of the percutaneous technique with the better surgical control of the airway afforded by the traditional open technique.
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In light of changes in patient demographics together with constant developments in burn care, the predictive accuracy of the Abbreviated Burns Severity Index (ABSI) - first described in 1982 - for estimating the mortality of present day burns patients, may be questionable. We reviewed the records of 2813 burns patients treated between January 1968 and December 2008 in the intensive care unit at our institution, aiming to identify emerging discrepancies between the estimated and calculated outcome, based on each of the ABSI variables and the total burn score. ⋯ Nevertheless, the ABSI for the estimation of mortality in our entire patient collective was highly accurate and could not be optimised by adapting the point distribution to the increase in OR. Our data indicates that despite significant changes in patient demographics and medical advances over the past 30 years, the ABSI scoring system is still an accurate and valuable tool in the prediction of burn patient mortality.
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The objective is to identify whether epidemiologic differences in burns in the elderly lead to worse outcomes. ⋯ Elderly people suffer from more severe burns at admission. The proportion of deep burns is higher. This, in association with their diminished functional reserve and social support, might explain in part their greater probability of mortality.