Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Wireless Micro Current Stimulation (WMCS) therapy to enhance burn wound healing: A randomized clinical trial.
Pediatric burn injuries are often associated with significant morbidity, and require specialized care. The primary advantage of Wireless Micro Current Stimulation (WMCS) is the ability to deliver electric current without direct contact with the wound, which is particularly advantageous in the pediatric population and in those with wounds over multiple areas or over sensitive regions. ⋯ Our study shows statistically significant improvement in healing time with WMCS therapy, despite a two times higher average TBSA% in the WMCS group.
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Collecting patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has been a longstanding priority for the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand (BRANZ). An earlier pilot of hospital-led PROM collection encountered low participation rates and high loss to follow-up, indicating consideration for an alternative model was warranted. ⋯ Collecting PROMs from burns patients in the first 12 months after injury via a centralised approach was shown to be feasible, with higher participation rates and low missingness.
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To share our 20-year experience in major burn management and the impact of a newly implemented burn protocol since 2015 at Tri-Service General Hospital (TSGH). ⋯ The new TSGH Burns Protocol revolutionized the care of major burns by introducing tailored, multidisciplinary burn management and improved patient outcomes.
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Pruritus, a common symptom of burn wounds, arises from skin tissue damage and abnormal tissue healing. Chronic post-burn pruritus (CPBP) is defined as itching that persists for six weeks or more. The brain mechanisms underlying CPBP are not understood adequately. This study aims to explore abnormal brain function in CPBP patients and identify potential pathogenesis of pruritus. ⋯ Our data suggest that patients with CPBP show alterations in ReHo, ALFF, and fALFF values primarily in brain regions associated with the default mode network and sensorimotor areas. These results may provide valuable insights relevant to the neuropathology of CPBP.
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Community-level disadvantage is associated with reduced quality of life after burn injury. We evaluated the association between community-level disadvantage and return to work after burn injury. ⋯ Patients from the highest distress communities have twice the odds of unemployment 6 months after injury. This association did not vary by race. Screening for DCI by ZIP code may be a useful tool to focus vocational rehabilitation resources.