Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression and PTSD-related symptoms reported by spouses and close relatives of adult burn survivors. Potential associations between these symptoms and variables such as the severity of the burn were also explored. ⋯ Spouses and close relatives of burn survivors showed high levels of psychological distress in the first few days following admission, and more than a quarter still reported symptoms in the clinical range at discharge. Our analysis points to the need to offer psychological support and guidance to family members so that they can in turn provide effective support to the burn survivor.
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The back is a challenging anatomical area to resurface in acute burns due to its large surface area, its dependent position with the patient lying down and the shearing forces applied to any method of resurfacing employed. This case study presents the use of Vivostat(®) (Vivostat A/S, Lillerød, Denmark) in resurfacing the back in conjunction with Recell(®) regenerative epithelial suspension. Vivostat(®) (Vivostat A/S, Lillerød, Denmark) is a "novel patented biotechnological process that enables reproducible preparation of autologous fibrin sealant or platelet rich fibrin without cryoprecipitation or a separate thrombin component" [1]. ⋯ NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) states that Recell(®) shows potential to improve healing in acute burns and we believe that its co-delivery with fibrin via Vivostat(®) (Vivostat A/S, Lillerød, Denmark) allows for precise delivery of the fibrin suspended cells while minimising loss in the "run off" encountered when Recell(®) is just simply sprayed on, assisting the anchoring of keratinocytes to the wound surface and thus aiding in the treatment of challenging areas.
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Case Reports
Canary in the coal mine-Initial reports of thermal injury secondary to electronic cigarettes.
The use of electronic cigarettes has become increasingly popular with claims suggesting healthier alternatives to tobacco cigarettes. However, research regarding the safety of such devices has been limited to an analysis of the inhaled vapor and the short and long-term effects on the body. ⋯ Such incidents have been reported in the media but with inconsistencies from a lack of focus on the injuries sustained and a cause of ignition. The cases presented here are among the first recognized thermal injuries sustained from electronic cigarette lithium-ion battery failure, the potential rationale for these failures, and a need for increased awareness of the safety hazards of these devices.
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Chemical burns can lead to serious health outcomes. Previous studies about chemical burns have been performed based on burn center data so these studies have provided limited information about the incidence of chemical burns at the national level. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of chemical burns using nationwide databases. ⋯ Chemical burns on the skin and eyes are almost equally prevalent. The working environment was associated with increased risk of chemical burns. Our results may aid in estimating the size of the problem and prioritizing prevention of chemical burns.
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Case Reports
A case report on a burned ear: Elastic memory of cartilage following temporary burial in a skin pocket.
Preserving exposed ear cartilage following a facial burn remains a major challenge. Normally, burned ear cartilage cannot be preserved in case of a full thickness burn of the overlying skin, and the cartilage has to be surgically removed. ⋯ We report a case where burned ear cartilage was directly surgically buried in a retroauricular skin pocket showing remarkable elastic memory: the buried ear cartilage, in this case the antihelix, regenerated over time and regained its original position protruding from the facial area. This case illustrates that ear cartilage is highly resilient, even when it has sustained significant thermal damage, and can be buried in a retroauricular skin pocket to avoid radical excision of the framework.