Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Burn patients are an especially high-risk population for development of central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) due to open wounds, extended length of intensive care unit stay, frequent use of central venous catheters, and generally immunocompromised state. Implementing evidence-based practices to prevent these infections is a 2014 National Patient Safety Goal per The Joint Commission. ⋯ Introduction of an alcohol impregnated central venous line port protector can reduce the incidence of CLABSI in a burn unit.
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There is a paucity of research on reducing dressing adherence. This is partly due to lack of an in vitro model, recreating the clinical variability of wounds. Previously we described an in vitro gelatin model to evaluate adherence in a standardized manner. We present evaluation of strategies to reduce adherence in six dressings. ⋯ This model allows for reproducible measurement of dressing adherence. Different interventions affect various dressings. No single intervention optimally decreases adherence for all dressings.
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The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the clinical effectiveness of nanocrystalline silver compared to alternative silver delivery systems (silver sulphadiazine [SSD] and silver nitrate) in adults and children with superficial and deep partial thickness burns. ⋯ This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the available evidence suggest that the use of nanocrystalline silver dressings results in shorter length of stay in hospital, less pain, fewer surgical procedures and reduced infection rates compared to silver sulphadiazine/silver nitrate.
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The aim was to assess demographic and clinical factors associated with inter-facility referrals for patients with burns in a resource-constrained setting. ⋯ Almost three out of four children evaluated at the trauma unit were referred to the burns unit for further management. However, a large number of patients were treated and discharged from the trauma unit despite being eligible for referral.
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Review Case Reports
Keeping pace with the media; Giant Hogweed burns - A case series and comprehensive review.
Phytophotodermatitis is almost exclusively reported in the dermatological literature, but may progress to a chemical burn. There has been widespread media reporting during the summer of 2015 of burns caused by giant hogweed. However, there is a lack of awareness of this mechanism of injury amongst the burn multidisciplinary team, and there have been no published articles in the surgical literature regarding plant burns, other than sporadic case reports, for 20 years. ⋯ Accurate diagnosis is straightforward with a detailed history and is important to prompt appropriate treatment, and prevent a misdiagnosis of non-accidental injury. This review and case series are timely to raise awareness of phytophotodermatitis and burns caused by plants to burns multidisciplinary teams. Prospective studies are warranted to assess the efficacy of topical treatments and surgical management.