Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
-
Review Meta Analysis
The efficacy and safety of fractional CO2 laser therapy in the treatment of burn scars: A meta-analysis.
Although we have numerous publications about the effect of fractional CO2 laser therapy for burn scars, quantitative data about its efficacy and safety are sparse. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of fractional CO2 laser therapy for the treatment of burn scars. Pertinent studies were identified by a search of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science up to 20 September 2020. ⋯ Side effects and complications induced by fractional CO2 laser were mild and tolerable. Fractional CO2 laser therapy significantly improved both the signs and symptoms of burn scars. Considering potential limitations, more large-scale, well-designed RCTs are needed to verify our findings.
-
Comparative Study
Comparison between the portable pressure measuring device and PicoPress® for garment pressure measurement on hypertrophic burn scar during compression therapy.
The current standard treatment for hypertrophic scars following burn injury is pressure garment therapy. The experimenters developed the novel portable pressure measuring device using silicon piezoresistive sensors. As PicoPress® is the most accurate (i.e., lowest variation and error) manometric sensor for pressure measurement, we sought to compare and examine the accuracy of the novel device regarding in vitro pressure measurements at the hypertrophic scar-pressure garment interface. ⋯ The novel device may present a viable alternative to PicoPress® for garment pressure measurements. In addition, the novel device improves adaptability to the hypertrophic scar shape and size. Complementary characteristics such as wireless transmission to an external device may allow burn patients to continuously wear the device for real-time measurements during pressure garment therapy, thus improving existing devices including PicoPress®.
-
Health campaigns include physical campaigns in schools, community halls, or community malls. They can also be broadcast via television, newspaper, and radio. We launched a health campaign on social media platforms that have a powerful impact in this digital era. ⋯ Health awareness campaigns on digital platforms are powerful because the message spreads faster, and it is also safe during the pandemic.
-
The majority of patients who sustained small (low % total body surface area [TBSA]) burns are assessed in an outpatient setting. This can be a traumatic experience, particularly, for paediatric patients. During the initial assessment pharmacological and non-pharmacological adjuncts, such as distraction therapy, can be employed to provide an environment that may reduce and minimise distress. In this study, we investigated whether distraction therapy reduces objective pain scores during the outpatient assessment of small acute burns in children. ⋯ This study of pain scores in small acute paediatric burns has shown that distraction therapy provided by a qualified play specialist can reduce maximal pain by over 2 points on the Wong-Baker™ VAS. Consideration should be given to ensure that distraction therapy is available at all times during initial consultations for children who have sustained small burns.
-
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted healthcare provision in the UK and burns services have had to adapt to ensure the continuity of a safe care. As we return to "normality" we reflect on lessons learnt from our response to this pandemic. A service evaluation was performed from patient notes between March 23rd and May 8th 2020 and an anonymous survey given to patients attending outpatient appointments. 258 patients were referred to our burns service and 148 patients completed the survey. ⋯ The outreach team treated 22 patients. During the pandemic telemedicine has improved the efficiency of outpatient burn care and outreach nurses have enabled treatment of vulnerable patients. More must be done to raise public awareness of preventable causes of burn injury and to reassure them to seek help when burns occur.