Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Thirty-two patients were admitted to the South-East Scotland Burn Unit over a 4-year period (1990-94), with burns sustained as a consequence of chip-pan fires. This represented 7 per cent of all admissions to the unit. Fourteen patients came from the Edinburgh city area, and 18 from surrounding countries. ⋯ Fourteen patients were managed conservatively, and 18 needed operative intervention. The patients spent an average of 19.4 days in hospital, and they required 46.3 days for complete healing to take place. Prevention by increased community awareness and widespread education is necessary to minimize the incidence, morbidity and cost of this relatively common and preventable type of burn.
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Three hundred and ninety-four children were admitted to the burn centre in Brno over a 3-year period. The overall incidence was 31 children per 100,000 children aged 0-14 years. The majority of patients were aged 1-3 years and almost 80 per cent of them were scalded. ⋯ Sixty-six per cent of the children had minor burns. Four children died of the consequences of burns during the period studied. Social and economic factors had a significant influence on the incidence of childhood burns.
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Facial burns are a frequent component of the presentation of victims who have sustained thermal trauma, reportedly occurring in 20 per cent of burn patients. Even apparently 'f2p4r' facial injuries might well be associated with significant ocular trauma. A retrospective review of 865 patients admitted to our burn centre showed 22 per cent (192) with facial burns. ⋯ The aetiology and spectrum of ocular injuries is reviewed with lid burns and subsequent lid contractures, accounting for over 50 per cent of ocular complications. Serious ocular pathology necessitating enucleation occurred in only two patients. The difficulties encountered in performing a complete ophthalmological examination in the presence of facial burns are presented in conjunction with a recommended therapeutic plan.
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A case of a chemical burn following cutaneous exposure to vinylpyridine is presented. This unusual injury was distinguished by the delay in onset of pain and erythema, followed by gradual resolution leaving patchy skin discolouration. The properties of vinylpyridine are outlined. This case illustrates the dangers of long-term chemical storage and the importance of proper disposal.
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Burns patients were assessed 12 months following their injury to determine the factors that predict development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among 35 patients, 31 per cent suffered PTSD, 29 per cent suffered subclinical PTSD reactions and 40 per cent displayed no PTSD symptoms. ⋯ The results indicate that postinjury adjustment factors are critical determinants of PTSD development following burns. Implications for therapeutic interventions are discussed.