Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Thermal skin burns cause local injury as well as triggers acute systemic inflammation response where the imbalance between oxidative and antioxidative system occurs. As an alternative treatment, various medicinal herbs are used to treat burn injuries in many countries. In this study, the possible protective role of oral or topical Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) treatment against burn-induced damage was investigated. ⋯ Myrtle treatment reversed all these biochemical indices except topical Myrtle treated group's nitric oxide level, as well as histopathological alterations, which were induced by thermal trauma. Both oral and topical Myrtle extract treatment was found to have protective role in the burn induced oxidative injury, which may be attributed to the potential antioxidant effect of Myrtle. As a conclusion, Myrtle significantly diminishes burn-induced damage in skin.
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Animal studies indicate treating burn injuries with running water (first aid) for 20 min up to 3 h after burn reduces healing time and scarring. We have previously demonstrated the benefits of first aid in minor burn injuries with respect to a reduction in wound depth, faster healing, and decreased skin grafting utilisation. The purpose of this cohort study was to assess the effect of first aid on clinical outcomes in large body surface area burn injuries (≥20%). ⋯ Adequate first aid with 20 min of running water is associated with improved outcomes in large burn injuries. Significant benefits are seen in a reduction in TBSA, proportion of the burn wound that is full thickness, as well as decreased re-grafting. This has significant patient and health system benefits and adds to the body of evidence supporting 20 min of cooling in burns care.
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Opioid overuse is a growing patient safety issue but continue to be integral to burn pain management. This study aims to characterize opioid use in discharged patients and factors for predictive of long term use. ⋯ Whereas opioids are widely prescribed upon discharge, most patients no longer use them 30 days later. Higher opiate utilization at discharge increases risk of long term use, as does pre-injury drug and alcohol use, but only temporarily.
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Nearly 500 people were injured in the dust explosion at the Formosa Fun Coast water park in 2015, making it the accident with the largest number of burn victims in Taiwan. Severe burn injuries are often accompanied by long-term impacts on physical, psychological, social, occupational, and aesthetic wellness. Survivors usually require several years or even decades of medical rehabilitation and psychological counseling, which inevitably affect their quality of life (QoL). ⋯ Survivors with more severe symptoms had worse QoL and a higher risk of PTSD. The burn accident affected not only the injured individuals but also their entire families. In order to help injured individuals reintegrate into society and maintain better overall health, our study suggested providing family-based healthcare plans and necessary follow-up visits in a timely manner.
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We investigated effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) or low-flow extracorporeal life support (ECLS) as adjunctive treatments for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to inhalation injury and burns. We hypothesized that these interventions decrease histological end-organ damage. ⋯ Treatment with Auto MSC followed by Allo and then Nova were most effective in mitigating ARDS and MOF severity in this model. Further studies will elucidate the role of combination therapies of MSC and ECLS as comprehensive treatments for ARDS and MOF.