Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Comparative Study
An analysis of deep vein thrombosis in burn patients (Part 1): Comparison of D-dimer and Doppler ultrasound as screening tools.
The high prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) reported in prospective studies and the unreliability of clinical diagnosis mandates prospective screening for DVT in burn patients. Our study seeks to compare D-dimer and Doppler ultrasound (DUS) in search for a practical, inexpensive and a reliable screening tool. ⋯ We conclude that D-dimer is not a useful screening tool for DVT in burns contrary to its accepted value in general trauma and medical patients.
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To characterise children presenting with hot beverage scalds versus scalds caused by starchy water. ⋯ Scald injuries caused by starchy liquids do not appear to cause a more severe injury than hot beverage scalds. There is a different pattern of injury from starchy liquids in older children. Children under three years old are less likely to receive appropriate first aid at the scene.
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Chronic pain after burn can have severe physical and psychological effects on former patients years after the initial injury. Although the issue of pain after burn has gained increased attention over the past years, prospective, longitudinal studies are scarce. Our aim was to prospectively investigate consecutive burn patients for pain severity over time and to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of post-burn pain to 2-7 years after the burn. As an additional aim, the effects of burn and individual-related factors, especially health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL), were investigated. ⋯ Pain after burn becomes a chronic burden for many former burn patients and decreases HRQoL. A novel finding in this study was that HRQoL assessed early after burn was a predictor for the development of chronic pain. This finding may help to predict future pain problems and serve as an indicator for pain preventive measures.
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Currently, limited long-term data on hyperglycaemia and insulin sensitivity in burn patients are available and the data that do exist are primarily related to paediatric severe burns. The aim of this study was to assess if burn is associated with increased post-burn admissions for diabetes mellitus. ⋯ Findings of increased hospital admission rates and prolonged length of hospital stay for diabetes mellitus in the burn cohort provide evidence that burns have longer term effects on blood glucose and insulin regulation after wound healing. The first five years after burn discharge appears to be a critical period with significantly elevated incident admissions for diabetes mellitus during this time. Results would suggest prolonged clinical management after discharge and or wound healing to minimise post-burn admissions for diabetes mellitus is required.