Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Burn scars are associated with significant morbidity ranging from contractures, pruritus, and disfigurement to psychosocial impairment. Traditional therapies include silicone gel, compression garments, corticosteroid injections, massage therapy, and surgical procedures, however, newer and advanced therapies for the treatment of burn scars have been developed. Lasers, specifically ablative fractional lasers, show potential for the treatment of burn scars. ⋯ Laser therapy is effective for the treatment of burn scar appearance, including measures such as pigmentation, vascularity, pliability, and thickness. Ablative fractional laser therapy, in particular, shows significant potential for the release of contractures allowing for improved range of motion of affected joints. Patients may benefit from the use of lasers in the treatment of burn scars, and the safety profile of lasers allows the benefits of treatment to outweigh the risks. Laser therapy should be included in burn scar treatment protocols as an adjuvant therapy to traditional interventions.
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Nutritional status predicts burn outcomes in the developed world, but its effect on burn mortality in the developing world has not been widely studied. In sub Saharan Africa, burn is primarily a disease of children, and the majority of children in sub-Saharan Africa are malnourished. We therefore sought to determine the prevalence and effect of malnutrition on burn mortality at our institution. ⋯ Preexisting malnutrition in burn patients in sub-Saharan Africa increases odds of mortality after controlling for significant covariates. Survival of burn patients in this region will not reach that of the developed world until a strategy of aggressive nutritional support is implemented in this population.
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Ongoing increases in the prevalence of substance misuse among burn-injured patients necessitate a contemporary analysis of the association between substance misuse and clinical outcomes in burn-injured adults. ⋯ A history of substance misuse is associated with an increased risk of inpatient complications and longer hospital stay. Providers should be cognizant of increased complications in this cohort with a view to improving outcomes.
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An increase in the number of staphylococcal infections and carriers among medical staff has forced us to seek more and more effective antibacterial agents. Bacteria from the Staphylococcus genus possessing different mechanisms of resistance are the cause of nosocomial infections. The objective of our investigations was susceptibility of S. aureus strains isolated from nasal vestibule of medical students to fennel essential oil. ⋯ The S. aureus isolates were intermediate to mupirocin (45%). Fennel essential oil increased the inhibition zone around cefoxitin, mupirocin, co-trimoxazole and ciprofloxacin with statistical significance. Our research showed that the fennel essential oil in combination with mupirocin may be considered as a natural alternative in eradication of S. aureus with iMLSB, cMLSB, MSB resistant phenotypes and is able to decrease the growth rate of antibiotic resistance.
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The aim of this study is to analyze the data of amputees in the burn center of the Inner Mongolia region and to provide instructive suggestions for a preventative reduction of the amputation rate. ⋯ Electrical burns were the major mechanism of injury among amputees. Effective safety measures, factory modifications, and adequate instructions should be implemented to protect laborers. Urgent interdisciplinary communication should be taken into account for the prevention reduction of the amputation rate in our region.