Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Low socio-economic status is thought to be associated with increased burn risk, however the significance and generalisability across different populations and cultures has been questioned. ⋯ This study specifically highlights patients under the age of 16 living in poorer socio-economic areas as the most at risk of suffering burns receiving hospital attention. This study demonstrates burns as a significant public health issue, and the results should aid in designing specific burn prevention strategies to target high-risk groups.
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Burns and subsequent contractures are common in developing nations. Contracture release is performed to treat such patients with functional limitations. The aim of this study is to evaluate post-operative functional and psychosocial outcomes following contracture release in a mission setting. ⋯ Patients SF-36 and WPI scores improved following burn contracture release, confirming both functional and psychologic improvement following surgery. During the acute post-operative period, this study suggests that contracture release in a mission setting is of benefit to patients.
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Despite dramatic improvements in burn care, the major part of the therapy of thermal injuries remains symptomatical in nature. A targeted approach to accelerate angiogenesis and woundhealing and reduce edema formation remains to be found. We therefore aimed to investigate the impact of anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulative and thrombolytic agents on microcirculation after thermal injuries on the mentioned parameters. ⋯ The often described positive influences of selenium for the treatment of burn patients could not be confirmed, on the contrary we found a post-traumatic expansion of the non perfused area and an increase of leukocytes in this group. The expectations to rtPA did not fulfill. Prednisolone improved angiogenesis and reduced the edema formation, both Parameters are essential for wound healing and survival of burned patients.
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The provision and practice of burn care changed dramatically during the latter half of the 20th century. Historically, indicators of outcomes that were employed were survival and length of hospital stay, but these have now been expanded with increased data capture. ⋯ The multiple domains covered by the term "patient outcome" aim to optimize the acute and long-term management of burn patients and have shifted the focus onto lifelong outcomes, rather than short-term gains. This review will investigate the current outcome measures employed in burn care in the UK, how this leads to commissioning and regulation of a burn service, and influences the future direction of travel.
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Burns are important preventable causes of morbidity and mortality, with a disproportionate incidence in sub-Saharan Africa. The management of these injuries in sub-Saharan Africa is a challenge because of multiple other competing problems such as infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria), terrorist acts and political instability. There is little investment in preventive measures, pre-hospital, in-hospital and post-discharge care of burns, resulting in high numbers of burns, high morbidity and mortality. Lack of data that can be used in legislation and policy formulation is a major hindrance in highlighting the problem of burns in this sub-region. ⋯ These statistics indicate the need for an urgent review of burn policies and related legislation across the sub-Saharan region to help reduce burns, and provide a safe environment for children.