Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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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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Large burns excision and graft can produce major blood loss. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the blood loss in relation with the excision size in square centimeters (cm2) in adults. ⋯ The results that were obtained, i.e. approximately 0.8ml/cm2 of excised and grafted skin, are similar to those of other published studies, which concerned specific populations such as pediatrics. Determining blood loss in one centre can help physicians to calculate the excisable area without any transfusion. However, blood loss can vary widely between patients and one must consider individual clinical situation to provide safe surgery.
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We assessed whether a home fire safety intervention targeting families with newborn children in Jefferson County, Kentucky, reached those at severe risk using a cartographic model. Demographic and economic factors of 61 families were compared by census tract. Using geographic information systems (GIS), families were assigned a risk level (low, medium, high, or severe) based on the risk model. ⋯ Sixty-five tracts were identified as high or severe risk and in need of future intervention. The model yielded a way to prioritize at-risk families. GIS is a useful tool for examining whether prevention interventions reached those in the severe risk category.