Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen, especially in burn units all around the world. Because of the emergence of the β-lactam antibiotic-resistant strains since 1961, concern about the prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has increased in these units. Resistance to methicillin is mediated by penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) that have enough affinity for binding to the β-lactam ring, but another kind of protein (PBP2α), which is encoded by the mecA gene, has a lower affinity for binding to these antibiotics. ⋯ The aetiology of the burn was classified as follows: open flame (35%), liquid (32.5%), chemical (5%) and other (27.5%). By a disc diffusion method, no resistance pattern was observed to vancomycin and fosfomycin. Based on a multiplex PCR assay, the five different SCCmec types were detected as: 47.5% type III, 25% type IV, 10% type V, 10% type II and 7.5% type I.
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Despite burns being common in children, research into the psychological experience and trauma remains limited. Improvements in the professional understanding of children's experiences will assist in improving holistic care. ⋯ This research has clinical implications as its findings can be used to inform clinical care at all stages of the burn journey. These research conclusions could be used to develop comprehensive information and support management plans for children. This would complement and support the surgical and medical treatment plan, providing direction for comprehensive service delivery and improved psychosocial outcomes in children.
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Geospatial and epidemiological analysis of severe burns in New South Wales by residential postcodes.
Burns are a common trauma, affecting 1% of the Australian population annually and are associated with significant physical, psychological, social and economic burdens for victims and their families. There has been a recent paradigm shift from the treatment of burns to a more preventative approach. ⋯ Mapping the risk of burns is a valuable tool for policy makers to plan and deliver targeted intervention strategies for burns prevention.
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Although studies have explored the 'lived experience' of burn survivors, little is known about their experiences encountered during rehabilitation. A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted to gain an in-depth insight into burn survivors' experiences' of acknowledgement and acceptance of their injury and the challenges experienced during their rehabilitation journey. A descriptive phenomenological methodology was used to construct themes depicting how burn survivors endeavoured to acknowledge and accept their injury and subsequent altered body image. ⋯ Coming to terms with a severe burn is a challenging experience. Reasoning and humour are strategies utilised by burn survivors that facilitate with acknowledgement and acceptance. Understanding these concepts through the burn survivors' perspective will, potentially, facilitate a better understanding of how to best provide for this cohort of patients.
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Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is an immune-mediated dermatologic condition that is characterized by a widespread eruption of sterile, subcorneal pustules. Cases of GPP may present to the burn intensive care unit (ICU), and they may be confused with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) due to the generalized erythema and desquamation. ⋯ Our objective is to increase awareness of this condition in the critical care community, discuss clinical and laboratory findings, and to review the treatment guidelines published by the National Psoriasis Foundation in August 2012. We also discuss the latest reports utilizing biological response modifying drugs.