Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Impulsiveness is a tendency to act quickly based on a whim without reflection or consideration of consequences. We studied its correlations with burn variables and mental disorders among burn patients. ⋯ Impulsiveness had a significant correlation with mental disorders but not with burn-related variables. Therefore the role of impulsiveness in burn injuries should not be investigated independently without first accounting for the role of mental disorders.
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Controlled Clinical Trial
Evaluation of leap motion control for hand rehabilitation in burn patients: An experience in the dust explosion disaster in Formosa Fun Coast.
Hand burns cause functional impairment. Leap motion control (LMC), a kind of virtual reality games, employs a novel system that provides biofeedback and training of fine motor function and functional skills. In this study, we hypothesized that LMC would improve burned hand function. ⋯ We found improvements in BSHS-B, QuickDASH, and iADL in the LMC group (all p<0.05) compared to those in the control group. In the LMC-trained hand, the ROM of the thumb IP joint and pinch strength increased, whereas the scar thickness over the first dorsal interossei muscle decreased (p<0.05). In conclusion, leap motion training could help patients with hand burns to increase finger ROM, decrease scar thickness, and improve hand function.
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Successful burn care should facilitate comprehensive, functional recovery after an injury. But we have a poor understanding of which risk factors influence long-term outcomes after burn injury. Studies have correlated hospital-acquired complications (HACs) with poor long-term outcomes in some populations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HACs alter patient-reported quality of life in adult burn survivors. ⋯ We demonstrate that inpatient complications negatively impact long-term quality of life, especially physical functioning for patients with burn injuries. Our data confirm the need to consider the influence of hospital-acquired complications on patient-reported long-term outcomes and to support national efforts to reduce complications in burn patients.
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Following a severe burn injury, significant hematologic changes occur that are reflected in complete blood count (CBC) measurements. Our aim for this study was to examine trend in the components of the CBC in severely burned patients over the first week after injury and compare differences in CBC components between survivors and non-survivors. ⋯ Burn-injury specific trends in CBC measurements can be used as references to determine expected clinical course of burn patients. Non-survivors have early hematologic differences compared to survivors.
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Human cadaveric skin (allograft) is used in treating major burns both as temporizing wound coverage and a means of testing wound bed viability following burn excision. There is limited information on outcomes, and clinicians disagree on indications for application in intermediate-sized burns. This study aims to improve understanding of allograft use in 20-50% total body surface burns by assessing current utilization and evaluating inpatient outcomes. ⋯ Allograft use in major burns 20-50% TBSA was associated with a significant increase in inpatient mortality. There was a notable correlation with increased inpatient complications, longer length of stay, more burn operations, and greater total charges. Better studies are needed to justify the use of this costly and limited resource in the intermediate sized major burn population.