Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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This is a retrospective study of the hospital data and autopsy reports of burn patients who died in the Burn Unit of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Microsurgery and Burn Center of "G. Gennimatas" Hospital of Athens, Greece during the period 1999-2005. ⋯ Although the percentage of discrepancies of premortem compared to postmortem diagnosis in this series of deceased burn patients is small (2.3%), we believe that it is sufficient to justify the performance of autopsies.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effect of isolated soy protein adjunctive with flaxseed oil on markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, acute phase proteins, and wound healing of burn patients; a randomized clinical trial.
The objective was to determine the effect of isolated soy protein (ISP) and flaxseed oil (FO) on inflammatory and oxidative stress indices, acute phase proteins, and wound healing of burn patients. ⋯ Nutritional supplements with ISP may attenuate post-burn oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to improved wound healing in burn patients. Flaxseed oil may not exert a beneficial effect over the ISP.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of two-dimensional methods versus three-dimensional scanning systems in the assessment of total body surface area estimation in burn patients.
Accurate measurement of percent total body surface area (%TBSA) burn is crucial in the management of burn patients for calculating the estimated fluid resuscitation, determining the need to transfer to a specialized burn unit and probability of mortality. %TBSA can be estimated using many methods, all of which are relatively inaccurate. Three-dimensional (3D) systems have been developed to improve %TBSA calculation and consequently optimize clinical decision-making. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of percent total burn surface area calculation by conventional methods against novel 3D methods. ⋯ The BurnCase 3D program underestimated %TBSA by 1.3%, as compared to conventional methods. Although statistically significant, this difference is not clinically significant as it has minimal impact on fluid resuscitation and on the decision to transfer a patient to a burn unit. 3D %TBSA evaluation systems are valid tools to estimate %TBSA, and should therefore be considered to improve %TBSA estimation at centers with no available experienced burn staff surgeon. Their use may ultimately prevent inappropriate transfers and allow for improved management of patients with acute burns.
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Toxic shock syndrome in paediatric thermal injuries: A case series and systematic literature review.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, but potentially life-threatening complication of thermal injuries in children. The study objective was to systematically review the literature on paediatric TSS after burns or scalds, and describe our experience with this condition in Switzerland. ⋯ Toxic shock syndrome is an important complication of paediatric burns in Switzerland and several other countries world-wide. Diagnosis and management remain challenging. Awareness among treating clinicians is crucial for a favourable outcome.
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The epidemiology of burns is well described in the United States, Europe and Asia. However, few studies address this topic in the Levant region. This study aims to describe characteristics of burn victims treated at the emergency department of a tertiary care center in Beirut, Lebanon and to report on factors that affect ED disposition. ⋯ Characteristics of burn patients treated in an urban ED in Lebanon mirror those of burn victims in other international studies. Future larger epidemiologic studies are needed to better quantify the impact of burns in Lebanon.