Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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The objective of this study was to identify the epidemiologic characteristics of childhood burns in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. ⋯ Age (infants) and sex (male) are factors associated with burn in Newfoundland and Labrador. Study results indicate a difference in the epidemiologic pattern of burn between the island portion of the province, Newfoundland, and mainland Labrador. It is recommended that preventive programs be directed towards high risk groups to reduce the incidence of burns.
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Scar rating scales have the potential to contribute to better evaluation of scar properties in both research and clinical settings. Despite a large number of scars assessment scales being available, there is limited information regarding the clinimetric properties of many of these scales. The purpose of the review was to inform clinical and research practice by determining the quality and appropriateness of existing scales. This review summarises the available evidence for the clinimetric properties of reliability, validity (including responsiveness), interpretability and feasibility of existing scales. ⋯ The POSAS, with high quality reliability but indeterminate validity, was considered to be superior in performance based on existing evidence. The VSS had the most thorough review of clnimetrics although available data received indeterminate quality ratings. On the basis of the evidence, the use of total scores has not been supported, nor has the measurement of pigmentation using a categorical scale.
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Rural to urban migration to major cities in South Africa continues to lead to the proliferation of informal settlements. There is little recent published data on the epidemiology of adult burns in the Western Cape, South Africa. A retrospective review of patients on the Burn Unit database was undertaken, looking at patients admitted to the Burn Unit between January 2003 and December 2008. ⋯ The use of kerosene stoves are a major contributing factor. Recommendations include enforceable legislation to promote safer stove design, research into safer bio fuels and materials for building shacks as well promoting fire safety among schoolchildren in the community. Further research is needed to determine the impact of HIV/AIDS on the outcome of acute burns within the Southern African region.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of 12-week isokinetic training on muscle strength in adult with healed thermal burn.
Severe burns result in marked and prolonged skeletal muscle catabolism and weakness, which persist despite 'standard" rehabilitation programmes of occupational and physical therapy. Therefore, the objectives of this study were of twofold: to quantify the long-term effects of burns on leg muscle strength and to assess whether adults with thermal burn would benefit from the isokinetic training programme. ⋯ We found that adults with severe burns, relative to non-burned adults, had significantly lower peak torque as well as total work performance using the extensors and flexors muscles of the thigh. Participation in isokinetic training resulted in a greater improvement in extensor and flexor muscle strength in adults with held thermal burn compared to base line values.
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The use of non-cultured autologous cells to promote wound healing and in reconstructive procedures is increasing. One common method for preparing these cells is the use of the ReCell(®) device. However, despite its current clinical use, no characterisation of the cell suspension produced using a ReCell(®) device has been published. ⋯ These results suggest the ReCell(®) device provides a method for the preparation of a cell suspension with high viability and proliferative potential, containing viable melanocytes and no apparent toxic cell debris. Further work on the sustained viability of these cells in vivo, and in particular after application to the wound, will be important to better understand the potential of the ReCell(®) device in the clinic.