Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Around 10%-20% of burned patients have inhalation injuries, and the severity of these injuries is correlated with mortality. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is an important tool for the early diagnosis of inhalation injury. This study investigated correlations between the severity of inhalation injury and outcomes of patients involved in a cornstarch dust explosion in northern Taiwan in 2015. ⋯ Although the explosion resulted in a high rate of inhalation injuries in critically ill patients, there was no significant correlation between mortality and the severity of the inhalation injuries.
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The incidence of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-related burns has increased over recent years, and it has become a serious public health issue in developing countries such as India and Turkey. This paper aims to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of LPG-related burns to provide assistance and suggestions for planning prevention strategies. ⋯ Our study shows that the exponential increase in LPG-related burns is alarming. This calls for rigorous precautions. Because gas leak was the main cause of LPG-related burns, any part of LPG stove system that shows signs of weathering should be replaced regularly. In addition, we also found that most of the LAMA patients were uninsured. Thus, comprehensive medical insurance should be involved early in the recovery process to assure a safe and adequate discharge.
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In the United Stated population >70years is likely to double by the year 2050. Elderly population (>70years) are most vulnerable to burns and outcomes following such injuries in this special group is poorly studied. This study aimed to look at outcomes following burns in patients >70years over a period of 17 years. ⋯ Patients >70 years constitute small (8.6%) but significant number among burn patients. The overall ICU admissions, number of days on ventilator, ICU stay, in-hospital mortality and overall mortality is higher in this group of population even for low % TBSA burns. Presence of smoke inhalation increases mortality.
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The early diagnosis of infection or sepsis in burns are important for patient care. Globally, a large number of burn centres advocate quantitative cultures of wound biopsies for patient management, since there is assumed to be a direct link between the bioburden of a burn wound and the risk of microbial invasion. Given the conflicting study findings in this area, a systematic review was warranted. ⋯ The evidence base for the utility and reliability of quantitative microbiology for diagnosing or predicting clinical outcomes in burns patients is limited and often poorly reported. Consequently future research is warranted.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Massage has no observable effect on distress in children with burns: A randomized, observer-blinded trial.
In a previous observational study we found that massage therapy reduced anxiety and stress in pediatric burn patients. We aimed to test this effect in a randomized controlled trial. ⋯ Massage therapy with or without essential oil was not effective in reducing distress behavior or heart rate in hospitalized children with burns. Evaluating the effectiveness of massage in terms of relaxation proved difficult in young children.