Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Scar massage is used in burn units globally to improve functional and cosmetic outcomes of hypertrophic scarring following a burn, however, the evidence to support this therapy is unknown. ⋯ It appears that there is preliminary evidence to suggest that scar massage may be effective to decrease scar height, vascularity, pliability, pain, pruritus and depression in hypertrophic burns scaring. This review reflects the poor quality of evidence and lack of consistent and valid scar assessment tools. Controlled, clinical trials are needed to develop evidence-based guidelines for scar massage in hypertrophic burns scarring.
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Scar massage is used in burn units globally to improve functional and cosmetic outcomes of hypertrophic scarring following a burn, however, the evidence to support this therapy is unknown. ⋯ It appears that there is preliminary evidence to suggest that scar massage may be effective to decrease scar height, vascularity, pliability, pain, pruritus and depression in hypertrophic burns scaring. This review reflects the poor quality of evidence and lack of consistent and valid scar assessment tools. Controlled, clinical trials are needed to develop evidence-based guidelines for scar massage in hypertrophic burns scarring.
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Toxic shock syndrome in paediatric thermal injuries: A case series and systematic literature review.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, but potentially life-threatening complication of thermal injuries in children. The study objective was to systematically review the literature on paediatric TSS after burns or scalds, and describe our experience with this condition in Switzerland. ⋯ Toxic shock syndrome is an important complication of paediatric burns in Switzerland and several other countries world-wide. Diagnosis and management remain challenging. Awareness among treating clinicians is crucial for a favourable outcome.
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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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This study developed a predictive model for fires and burns among parents and children in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Eight risk factors for pediatric burns with census tract level data available were identified. Risk factors were synthesized to develop a cartographic model with risk levels low, medium, high, and severe. ⋯ Risk was correlated with fire incidence rate (ρ=0.67, p<0.001). Significant risk factors were race (β=0.54, p<0.001), education (β=0.38, p<0.001), and year home built (β=-0.17, p=0.005). Cartographic modeling is a underutilized tool to identify at-risk areas.