Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Pressure therapy used to be considered as the mainstay non-invasive treatment of hypertrophic scar. However, the maturation process of hypertrophic scar during pressure therapy process has seldom be reported. Moreover, although early application of pressure therapy after burn injuries is reco6mmended, minimal evidence exists to support it. This study aimed to examine the maturation trajectory of post-burn hypertrophic scars in a 6-month monitored pressure therapy intervention programme and investigate the difference in the trajectory between patients receiving early intervention and patients receiving late intervention. ⋯ Hypertrophic scars appeared to undergo continuous improvement in the appearance, pain and itch over time during the process of a monitored pressure intervention programme. Early application of pressure therapy after burn injury may contribute to better outcomes as shown by their faster recovery than those with late intervention. In order to achieve the best outcomes, regular evaluation and adjustment for optimal interface pressure is necessary.
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Burn injuries impose a considerable burden on healthcare systems. It is among the top ten causes of mortality and a major cause of disability. This study aimed to calculate and compare the lethal area fifty percent (LA50) and standardized mortality ratio (SMR) in patients with burns. ⋯ The trend of LA50 in these five years declined by 12%, whereas the SMR was below 100%. Improvement in burn management quality in high-risk groups including the elderly, females, and patients with extensive burns may improve LA50 in burn units. However, LA50 alone is not a conclusive index for the performance of a burn department, and it should be interpreted alongside with SMR.
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Burn injuries commonly occur in vulnerable age and social groups. Previous research has shown that frailty may represent a more important marker of adverse outcome in healthcare rather than chronological age (Roberts et al., 2012). In this paper we determined the relationship between burn injury, frailty, co-morbidities and long-term survival. ⋯ Based on the data from our unit, sustaining a burn as an elderly person does not reduce life expectancy. Medical and surgical complications, immediate, early and late, although higher with greater frailty and TBSA of burn, but do not adversely affect survival in this population.
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Burns are not only major personal catastrophic events but also constitute a national health problem due to its associated morbidity, rehabilitation, mortality and high cost medical services. Advances in care and treatment have increased survival from major burn injury. However, information on the epidemiology and risk factors of burn mortality in Taiwan is limited. The study aim was to determine the nationwide epidemiological characteristics, trends, and mortality risk factors of burn inpatients in Taiwan. ⋯ Population-based burn epidemiology data demonstrated ongoing improvement in hospital care during the past decade. Male gender, older age, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, presence of inhalation injury, large TBSA, and higher revised Baux score were significant predictors of mortality.