Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Definitive treatment to achieve wound healing in major burns frequently include skin transplantation, where split-thickness skin grafts is considered gold standard. This method is associated with several drawbacks. To overcome these hurdles, efforts have been made to develop tissue engineered skin substitutes, often comprised of a combination of cells and biomaterials. ⋯ In conclusion, the experiments performed illustrate that autologous cells seeded on porous gelatin microcarriers stimulates the re-epithelialization of wounds. This method could be a promising candidate for skin transplantation. Future studies will focus on additional outcome parameters to evaluate long-term quality of healing following transplantation.
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Steam inhalation is common practice in UK households for coryzal symptoms in adults and children. Steam inhalation has the potential to and has caused significant scald injuries, predominantly due to unintentional contact with the hot water used. ⋯ Scald injuries secondary to steam inhalation have a significant impact both in terms of hospital stay and cost. Since this study captured only patients admitted to hospital, the true negative impact of steam inhalation is likely to be much higher than calculated. Better public awareness on the risks of steam inhalation and primary prevention policies could reduce the frequency of such injuries.
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Improvement in burn survival has shifted the focus of burn care from beyond merely preserving life to improving the quality of life for burn survivors. Healthy psychosocial function is critical to the development of sustained elevations in quality of life after injury, with social and community integration serving a crucial role. ⋯ Using multivariable regression analysis, we found that facial burns and amputations are independent risk factors for experiencing social stigma, while male sex and increased community integration were protective. Taken together, these findings suggest a role for targeted counseling for patients who sustain facial burns and/or amputations, as well as the continued investment in burn-survivor outreach programs aimed at improving social support for survivors.