Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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We retrospectively assessed outcomes after treating severe contractures of the first web space from burns with the reverse posterior interosseous flaps (RPIF). Twelve consecutive patients (ages 18-58 years) with burns from 10% to 70% (mean, 30.1%) total body surface area and severe contractures of the first web space of the hand (initial thumb to index angles from 10° to 35° [mean, 23°]) underwent contracture release using the RPIF. Seventeen RPIFs were used, with sizes from 9cm×6cm to 14cm×10cm (mean area, 83.6cm(2)). ⋯ At last follow-up the mean thumb to index angle was 78°, increasing the web length 260%. All patients regained fundamental hand functions. The RPIF is reliable and safe for releasing severe contractures of the first web space of the hand after burn, with distinct advantages over currently used alternative methods.
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Pressure garments are used in the treatment of hypertrophic scarring following serious burns. The use of pressure garments is believed to hasten the maturation process, reduce pruritus associated with immature hypertrophic scars and prevent the formation of contractures over flexor joints. Pressure garments are normally made to measure for individual patients from elastic fabrics and are worn continuously for up to 2 years or until scar maturation. ⋯ Once the optimum pressure for particular treatments is known, the Laplace Law method described in this paper can be used to deliver those average pressures to all patients. This paper also presents the results of a small scale audit of measurements taken for the fabrication of pressure garments in two UK hospitals. This audit highlights the wide range of pressures that are exerted using the Reduction Factor method and that manual pattern 'smoothing' can dramatically change the actual Reduction Factors used.
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Thermal injuries greater than 20% body surface area (BSA) lead to systemic edema and hypovolemic shock. Capillary leakage is induced by different immunomodulative cytokines. Serotonin (5-HT) plays an important role in inflammation, vasodilatation and vasoconstriction and many other pathways such as systemic inflammation in endotoxemia and burns. Cinanserin, a specific 5-HT2 receptor blocking agent was administered to observe whether burn induced systemic edema can be reduced. ⋯ Specific 5-HT2 antagonism reduces systemic burn edema and leukocyte activation after plasma transfer. Reduction of capillary leakage may be partially mediated by leukocyte dependent as well as independent mechanisms. Future studies need to evaluate specific 5-HT2 receptor subtypes to distinguish between local and systemic effects of serotonin antagonists.