Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Burns are thermal injuries that may have a wide variety of clinical consequences from simple injuries to mortality. There are many aspects that must be medicolegally addressed in both non-survivors and survivors from burn injuries. The objective of this study was to determine sociodemographic characteristics, injury patterns, treatment requirements and prognoses of patients with burn injuries to evaluate the findings of neglect-abuse and forensic reporting processes. This study also aimed to contribute to the medicolegal classification criteria in respect of the factors that have an effect on the prognosis in the analyses. ⋯ Burn injuries are frequently encountered, and they require precautionary measures. Burn injuries due to abuse are more frequently observed in the elderly and especially in children. Thus, the findings must be correctly interpreted, and more effort should be made to improve the knowledge of healthcare professionals about forensic reporting. Moreover, regulations should be implemented in respect of the medicolegal classification of trauma.
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Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement has emerged as an alternative to surgical eschar removal. Indications include partial thickness, mixed pattern, and full-thickness burns. Enzymatic debridement has been approved by the European Medicines Agency for treating burn wounds affecting <15% total body surface area (TBSA). Data and evidence for the treatment of areas >15% TBSA in one session is scarce. The aim of this retrospective study was to retrospectively analyze off-label use of enzymatic debridement in a single burn center for large TBSA burns. ⋯ Enzymatic debridement did not result in any expected or unexpected side effects in the patient groups investigated. These preliminary results indicate the potential safety of bromelain-based enzymatic debridementin the treatment of burns greater than 15% TBSA.
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To translate and culturally adapt the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, POSAS, to Norwegian and explore its test-retest, intra- and inter-tester reliability. ⋯ Intra-tester reliability of the Observer scale and test-retest reliability of the Patient scale of POSAS-NV were found satisfactory, but not inter-tester reliability of the Observer scale.
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Large quantities of analgesics are prescribed to control pain among patients with burn injuries and may lead to chronic use and dependency. This study aimed to determine whether patients are overprescribed analgesics at discharge and to identify factors that influence prescribing patterns. ⋯ The quantity of analgesics prescribed at discharge varied widely and often prescribed for long durations of time. Standardized prescribing guidelines should be developed to optimize how analgesics are prescribed at discharge.