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Contractures are a frequent consequence of burn injuries, yet our knowledge of associated risk factors is limited. This paper provides an extensive review of relevant literature from both High-Income Countries (HICs) and Low-Middle Income Countries (LMICs). Ninety-four papers (up to June 2019) and eight subsequent publications (up to March 2022) were included, 76% of which were from HICs. The majority of publications were either descriptive studies (4 from HICs, 9 from LMICs) or papers citing putative risk factors (37 from HICs, 10 from LMICs). Seventeen publications (all from HICs) reported on the effects of individual non-surgical therapeutic interventions, often with conflicting results. Two published systematic reviews emphasised the poor quality of evidence available. Only fifteen studies (3 from LMICs) examined potential contracture risk factors with statistical comparisons of outcomes; significant findings from these included demographic, burn, comorbidities, and treatment risk factors. LMIC papers included socioeconomic and healthcare system factors as potential risks for contracture; these were rarely considered in HIC publications. Methodological issues identified from this review of literature included differences in contracture definitions, populations studied, standards of care, joints included and the timing and nature of contracture assessments.This review is the first to collate existing knowledge on risk factors for burn contractures from both HIC and LMIC settings, revealing a surprising lack of robust evidence for many accepted risk factors. In LMICs, where burns are particularly common, universal health provision is lacking and specialist burn care is both scarce and difficult to access; consequently, socioeconomic factors may have more immediate impact on contracture outcomes than specific burn treatments or therapies. Much more work is indicated to fully understand the relative impacts of risk factors in different settings so that context-appropriate contracture prevention strategies can be developed. • Global literature review of risk factors for burn contractures. • 94 papers included in the review, only 24% from low income countries. • 64 different risk factors identified for burn contractures. • Limitations include the lack of consensus on contracture definition and severity. • Recommendations made for planning and reporting contracture risk factor studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trauma-informed care practices are associated with a culture of safety following traumatic experiences, including medical trauma. An interactive, web-based training package ('Responsive CARE') was developed for voluntary uptake by paediatric burns health professionals to increase staff knowledge about trauma-informed practice. This paper reports on a mixed methods process evaluation conducted alongside a preliminary effectiveness study of 'Responsive CARE'. The process evaluation was conducted using The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and a logic model, to examine feasibility of both the intervention and implementation strategy. Health practitioners (including senior managers) delivering care to children and caregivers attending an outpatient burns service were eligible to enrol in 'Responsive CARE'. Qualitative interview data and quantitative metadata were used to evaluate the implementation outcomes (adoption, acceptability, fidelity, feasibility and preliminary effectiveness). Children and caregivers attending an outpatient service for change of burn wound dressing or burn scar management during the 3-month control or 3-month intervention period were eligible to enrol in the effectiveness study. The impact on child pain and distress, as well as cost, was investigated using a pretest-posttest design. Thirteen (from anticipated 50 enrolled) health professionals (all female) with mean 10 years (SD=11) of experience with paediatric burns hospital-based outpatient care completed an average of 65% (range 36% to 88%) of available content. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were completed with health practitioners (21 female) and with 14 caregivers (11 female). Four themes were identified as influencing feasibility and acceptability of the intervention: 1) Keeping a trauma-informed lens; 2) Ways of incorporating trauma-informed care; 3) Working within system constraints; and 4) Being trauma-informed. Preliminary effectiveness data included 177 participants (median age 2 years, and median total body surface area burn 1%). Causal assumptions within the logic model were unable to be fully tested, secondary to lower-than-expected adoption and fidelity. We found no significant difference for pain, distress and per-patient hospital care costs between groups (pre- and post-intervention). Future implementation strategies should include organizational support to keep a trauma-informed lens and to incorporate trauma-informed principles within a medical model of care. Despite efforts to co-design a staff education intervention and implementation approach focused on stakeholder engagement, adaptations are indicated to both the intervention and implementation strategies to promote uptake highlighting the complexity of changing clinician behaviours. ● The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was a good fit for study purpose. ● Strategies targeting stakeholder engagement were insufficient for optimal uptake. ● Assessing readiness and capacity for change may be central to successful implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiplatform messaging applications also referred to as cross-platform instant messaging play an important role in delivery of healthcare and education with its low cost, ease of use and accessibility. To evaluate the existing evidence regarding the use of multiplatform messaging applications in facilitating consultations and decision-making processes in the context of burns care, as well as to assess the impact of such applications on burns care and rehabilitation. A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and PROSPERO protocol CRD42021265203. The CASP and JBI tools were used to evaluate the quality of the studies. Eight hundred fifty-three papers were retrieved from PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, EMBASE and LILACS published up to July 2022 (updated August 2023) with no time restrictions applied. An analysis of the seven studies included in this review, inclusive of 16 Multiplatform messaging applications, revealed six themes. These encompassed the utilization of social media for directing and managing clinical practice, as a mode of communication, for evaluating the quality-of-care provision, for investigating available platforms and their technological features, measuring quality of life and for examining issues related to confidentiality. Multiplatform messaging applications offer a solution for individuals with burn injuries to stay in direct contact with burn specialist clinicians for their follow-up and subsequent rehabilitation phase of recovery. • Multiplatform messaging applications play an important role in burn care. • Such platforms avoid unnecessary admissions and are easily accessible and cost- effective. • Multiplatform messaging apps allow burn survivors and caregivers to maintain direct communication with clinicians. • Multiplatform messaging applications lack transparency regarding confidentiality and privacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence on the impact of virtual care for patients with burn injuries is variable. This review aims to evaluate its use in remote assessment, rounding, and follow-up through outcomes of efficacy, usability, costs, satisfaction, clinical outcomes, impacts on triage and other benefits/drawbacks. A PRISMA-compliant qualitative systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42021267787) was conducted in four databases and the grey literature for primary research published between 01/01/2010 and 12/31/2020. Study quality was appraised using three established tools. Evidence was graded by the Oxford classification. The search provided 481 studies, of which 37 were included. Most studies (n = 30, 81%) were Oxford Level 4 (low-level descriptive/observational) designs and had low appraised risk-of-bias (n = 20, 54%). Most applications were for the acute phase (n = 26, 70%). High patient compliance, enhanced specialist access, and new educational/networking opportunities were beneficial. Concerns pertained to IT/connection, virtual communication barriers, privacy/data-security and logistical/language considerations. Low-to-moderate-level (Oxford Grade C) evidence supported virtual burn care's cost-effectiveness, ability to improve patient assessment and triage, and efficiency/effectiveness for remote routine follow-up. We find growing evidence that virtual burn care has a place in acute-phase specialist assistance and routine outpatient follow-up. Low-to-moderate-level evidence supports its effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, usability, satisfactoriness, and capacity to improve triage. • Virtual care may improve assessment and triage of patients with burn injuries. • Routine follow-up via virtual care may save cost/travel without hindering outcomes. • Comparative evidence lacking, unclear superiority among programs and vs. in-person. • Only 4 randomized controlled trials in 37 identified papers, study quality varied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes how Singapore achieved skin allograft self-sufficiency in 2017 by adopting 5 key strategies in 2012. Singapore General Hospital (SGH) established its own allograft recovery programme in 1998 but was still dependent on overseas allograft procurement. 1. Expanding the donor pool: a. increasing coverage to all hospitals, b. adopting mobile recovery sets and c. increasing skin donor upper age limit from 75 to 90. 2. Reducing allograft usage by utilising Biobrane as part of SGH Burns protocol. 3. Extending allograft shelf-life by adopting cryopreservation. 4. Tapping on the existing national organ and tissue donation network. 5. Expanding public outreach efforts. The allograft recovery programme expanded from 4 to all 20 institutions. Donor referrals increased by 42.9% from 35 in 2014 to over 50 currently. Donor numbers increased by 210%, rising from 4.5 per year before 2015 to an average of 14 per year from 2015 to 2022. The total allografts recovered increased by 223%, climbing from 13,000 to 42,000 annually. Cryopreservation was adopted, extending shelf life to 5.5 years and doubling storage capacity to more than 140,000 cm2 in 2022. Singapore achieved skin allograft self-sufficiency with no overseas procurement since 2017. ● 5 key strategies were used to achieve skin allograft self-sufficiency. ● Donor pool was expanded. ● Allograft shelf-life was extended with cryopreservation. ● Allograft usage was reduced by adopting Biobrane as part of burns protocol. ● Donor referrals, donor numbers and total allografts recovered increased substantially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate and timely first aid reduces morbidity in burns. This study aims to assess the knowledge of first aid in burns among healthcare workers (HCW) and nonhealthcare workers. (NHCW). A survey, distributed in both paper and Google survey formats, presented five sample cases with multiple-choice answers. Participants recorded the most suitable first aid management for each scenario. Correct answers were provided on completion. Out of the total 753 participants, only 89 (11.8%) got all five answers correct. 16% HCW and 6% NHCW could answer all 5 questions correctly (with a true HCW:NHCW ratio of 2.67:1). Providing care for individuals with burns substantially raised the probability of giving accurate responses (p = 0.0001). While attending the general First Aid Course did not affect the responses (p = 0.08), participation in the Burns First Aid Course demonstrated slightly improved results (p = 0.052). The scenario involving liquid petroleum gas leakage saw a high proportion of correct responses, likely influenced by media coverage. We find a clear need for adequate training in burns first aid due to low awareness among healthcare workers (HCW) and non-healthcare workers (NHCW). Factors such as participation in burn first aid courses and gaining firsthand experience in treating burns were found to be linked to improved knowledge of burns prevention and first aid. Utilizing various media channels could be a valuable strategy to reach a broader audience, especially in remote and inaccessible areas. • There is limited awareness of burns first aid and prevention among both healthcare and non-healthcare workers • Experience in treatment of burn injuries improves knowledge of burns first aid better than first aid training. • Efficient use of multimedia and technology enhances burns prevention and first aid knowledge, reaching remote areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain drastically underrepresented in health research, with African countries producing less than 1% of the global output. This work investigates authorship patterns of publications on burns in LMICs. Original research studies addressing burn injuries in LMICs and published between 1st January 2015 and 31st December 2020 were included in the review. Descriptive statistics were performed for country affiliations of authors, World Bank Country Income Groups, WHO group, study-focus and country studied. Of the 458 results, 426 studies met the inclusion criteria. Nearly a quarter of papers on burns in LMICs had both first and senior authors from high-income countries (HICs, n = 95, 24.4%), more than half of the papers had both first and senior authors from upper middle- income countries (upper MICs, n = 222, 57.2%), while less than 1% (n = 3) had first and senior authors exclusively from lower-income countries (LICs). Eleven percent (n = 41/388) of all papers were written without either first nor senior author being from the country studied, and 17 of them (41%) had both first and senior authors from the USA. Twenty-five (6%) of the papers had the first author and not the senior author from the country of focus, while six (2%) had the senior and not the first author from the country of interest. To overcome global health challenges such as burns, locally led research is imperative. The maximum benefit of HIC-LMIC collaborations is achieved when LMICs play an active role in leading the research. When LMICs direct the research being conducted in their country, the harm of inherently inequitable relationships is minimized. • The high burden of burns in low- and middle-income countries provides ample opportunity for burn-related research • There seems to be a gap in research production, with HICs and uMICs producing far more research than lMICs and LICs. • To overcome global health challenges such as burns, locally led research is imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Large burn scars present complex procedural challenges for burn clinicians. • Fractional ablative and non-ablative lasers are an adjunct treatment for burn scars. • We present a non-clinical model on the practicality of dynamic and stationary CO 2 fractional laser. To experimentally compare two fractional ablative CO 2 laser handpieces intended for the treatment of large area burn scars. Each handpiece coverage rate, depth of penetration and application time were measured and compared in a simulation model of large area burns scars using a dynamic/roller handpiece (small footprint) and a stationary/stamping handpiece (large footprint). A 30 W fractional ablative CO 2 laser was applied using 2 different handpieces and footprints on a A4 size paper stack. The handpieces were a stationary (stamping) handpiece with 7 × 7 (49 pixels/square shape) and dynamic (roller) handpiece with 7 × 1 (7 pixels/single row shape). For both handpieces the laser settings were fixed at "High" power (30 W), providing an energy level of 100 mJ/pixel. Both handpieces were applied perpendicular to the surface, with the process repeated for the dynamic handpiece with an angled operation. The depth of laser penetration was assessed by the number of pages of paper having visible holes and burn area coverage time measured under each handpiece/condition. The application time was faster and the penetration deeper for the dynamic handpiece compared to the stationary handpiece in both the perpendicular and angled conditions. This study has practical implications for lasers operators to improve time efficacy in large area scars with improved clinical endpoints. The fractional ablative dynamic handpiece demonstrated superior application efficiency compared to the stationary handpiece in the simulated treatment of large surface area burn scars, reducing treatment time with improved depth of penetration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Custom-made transparent facial orthoses (TFOs) (face masks) are used to improve facial burn scars. We conducted a systematic literature review on TFO manufacture and use. Pubmed and Cochrane databases were searched without restrictions for relevant articles. TFO manufacture details and use according to international recommendations (20–32 mmHg pressure, TFO worn 20–23 h/day for ≥2 months) were extracted. Of 279 retrieved articles, 11 published over the last 41 years (four in the last 5 years) discussed TFO manufacture/use. There were five technical notes, five case reports, and a patient-cohort study (total patients in the studies=21). TFO-manufacture methods could be categorized as classical, digital, or mixed classical-digital. Relative clinical efficacies and cost advantages were unclear. The plastics used, harness materials, harness-point number, and silicone-interface use differed from study to study. Target pressure, actual pressure, expected daily wearing time, and treatment duration ranged widely and often did not meet current guidelines. Actual wearing time and treatment duration were never measured. Although TFOs play an important global role in burn care, there is a grave paucity of research. Further research is needed to promote the standardization of TFO-related practices and thereby improve the outcomes of facial-burn patients. • Transparent facial orthotic (TFO) pressure therapy aims to improve facial burn scars. • Our systematic review identified only 11 papers on TFO manufacture/use in 41 years. • TFO manufacture methods included classical and recent digital/mixed approaches. • TFO materials differed and actual pressure was rarely measured. • The evidence base for TFO manufacture/use is very weak. More studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Autologous split thickness skin grafting is the standard-of-care for the majority of deep dermal and full thickness burns: Meshed grafting is most commonly used. Patients with extensive burn injuries have limited donor site availability. Meek micrografting is a well-known technique to enable larger expansions. A review was conducted on the outcomes of the Meek micrograft technique.Method: A database search in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library was conducted from the first Meek micrografting report in 1958 until 2021, including terms 'burns', 'micrografting' and/or 'Meek'. Original papers reporting outcomes of Meek micrografting were included.Results: 1529 papers were identified and eventually 15 articles were included, the majority classified as poor quality according to Chambers criteria. 310 patients with 56% mean TBSA were described. Weighted averages were calculated for 'graft take' 82 ± 7%, 'time to wound closure' 53 ± 20 days and 'length of hospital stay' 61 ± 31 days. Scar quality was minimally described and often poorly assessed. Limited data were available on outcomes 'donor site size', 'number of operations', 'cost effectiveness' and 'bacterial load/wound infection rate'.Conclusion: Overall poor study quality and the specific lack of data on scar quality, made it impossible to draw conclusions on the outcomes of Meek micrografting. A randomized controlled trial is required to further investigate the performance of the Meek micrograft technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical burns (EI) differ from other burn injuries in the immediate treatment given and delayed sequelae they manifest. This paper reviews our burn center's experience with electrical injuries. All patients with electrical injuries admitted from January 2002 to August 2019 were included. Demographics; admission, injury, and treatment data; complications, including infection, graft loss, and neurologic injury; pertinent imaging, neurology consultation, neuropsychiatric testing; and mortality were collected. Subjects were divided into those who were exposed to high (>1000 volts), low (<1000 volts), and unknown voltage. The groups were compared. P < 0.05 was considered significant. One hundred sixty-two patients with electrical injuries were included. Fifty-five suffered low voltage, 55 high voltage, and 52 unknown voltage injuries. High voltage injuries were more likely to be male (98.2% vs. 83.6% low voltage vs. 94.2% unknown voltage, p = 0.015), to experience loss of consciousness (69.1% vs. 23.6% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.001), cardiac arrest (20% vs. 3.6% vs. 13.4%, p = 0.032), and undergo amputation (23.6% vs. 5.5% vs. 8.2%, p = 0.024). No significant differences were observed in long-term neurological deficits. Twenty-seven patients (16.7%) were found to have neurological deficits on or after admission; 48.2% recovered, 33.3% persisted, 7.4% died, and 11.1% did not follow-up with our burn center. Electrical injuries are associated with protean sequelae. Immediate complications include cardiac, renal, and deep burns. Neurologic complications, while uncommon, can occur immediately or are delayed. • Retrospective review of electrical burn injuries. • Subjects suffering high-voltage electrical injuries had higher rates of amputation. • Immediate complications included cardiac, renal, and deep burns. • Neurologic complications, while uncommon, occurred either immediately or later on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify and elaborate on the choices that were made in the development of the Patient Scale of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale 3.0 (POSAS 3.0), based upon the rich information obtained from patients during focus groups and pilot tests. The discussions described in this paper are a reflection of the focus group study and pilot tests that were conducted in order to develop the Patient Scale of the POSAS3.0. The focus groups took place in the Netherlands and Australia and included 45 participants. Pilot tests were performed with 15 participants in Australia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. We discussed the selection, wording and merging of 17 included items. Additionally, the reason for exclusion of 23 characteristics are given. Based upon the unique and rich material of patient input obtained, two versions of the Patient Scale of the POSAS3.0 were developed: the Generic version, and the Linear scar version. The discussions and decisions taken during the development are informative for a good understanding of the POSAS 3.0 and are indispensable as a background for future translations and cross-cultural adaptations. • The Patient Scale was meant to be concise, readily assessable, quick, and user-friendly instrument assessing the key attributes of scar quality. • Two versions have been developed, the Generic version (total of 16 items), and the Linear scar version (total of 17 items). • Eight of the identified characteristics were merged into three included items. • Twenty-three characteristics were excluded during different phases of the development process for multiple reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Much of the recent literature on bromelain based enzymatic debridement of burn injury has focused on its use in smaller burn injury and specialist areas such as the hands or genitals (Krieger et al., 2012; Schulz et al., 2017a,b,c,d). This is despite the original papers describing its use in larger burn injury (Rosenberg et al., 2004, 2014). The current EMA license for Nexobrid™ advises that it should not be used for burn injuries of more than 15% TBSA and should be used with caution in patients with pulmonary burn trauma and suspected pulmonary burn trauma. The original safety and efficacy trial of NexoBrid™ limited its use to 15% TBSA aliquots with concern regarding the effect of bromelain on coagulation. In a European consensus paper of experienced burns clinicians, now on its second iteration, 100% of respondents agreed that "up to 30% BSA can be treated by enzymatic debridement based on individual decision" (Hirche et al., 2017). Hofmaenner et al.'s recent study on the safety of enzymatic debridement in extensive burns larger than 15% provides some further evidence that "bromelain based enzymatic debridement can be carried out safely in large-area burns" (Hofmaenner et al., 2020) but the literature is scant in these larger debridement areas. In our centre we have been using enzymatic debridement for resuscitation level burn injury since 2016. We have gained significant learning in this time; this article aims to describe our current protocol for enzymatic debridement in this patient population and highlight specific learning points that might aid other centres in using enzymatic debridement for larger burn injury.Method: We performed a search of the IBID database to identify all adult patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria of resuscitation level burn injury (defined as total burn surface area (TBSA) ≥15% in patients aged >16 years), or level 3 admission following burn injury and who underwent Enzymatic Debridement. A case note review was completed, and details comprising patient demographics, TBSA, mechanism of burn, presence of inhalation injury, sequencing of debridement, length of ICU and hospital stay, blood product utilisation and the need for autografting were recorded. No ethical approval has been sought for this retrospective review.Results: We identified 29 patients satisfying the inclusion criteria (Table 1). Between June 2016 and June 2020 the average total burn size of patients who had at least some of their burn treated by enzymatic debridement increased from 21.4% in 2016/17 to 34.7% in 2019/20. In these patients the actual area treated by enzymatic debridement also increased from 11.9% TBSA to 20.3% TBSA. 19 patients (66%) had enzymatic debridement performed within 24 h of injury, a further 2 patients (7%) within 48 h after injury. Patients were more likely to have enzymatic debridement commenced in the first 24 h after injury if they had circumferential limb injury (39% vs 9%) or were planned for enzyme only debridement (78% vs 28%). Those who were planned for combination enzyme and surgical debridement were more likely to have enzymatic debridement commenced after the first 48 h (75%). We have performed enzymatic debridement overnight on one occasion, for a patient who presented with circumferential limb injury and was determined to undergo urgent debridement.Conclusion: Much of the literature has described the use of enzymatic debridement in smaller burns, and specialist areas. However, it is our opinion that the advantages of enzymatic debridement appear to be greater in larger burns with a facility for whole burn excision on the day of admission in the ICU cubicle. We have demonstrated significantly reduced blood loss, improved dermal preservation, reduced need for autografting, and a reduction in the number of trips to theatre. We would advocate that both the team and the patient need to be as prepared as they would be for a traditional surgical excision. The early part of our learning curve for enzymatic debridement in resuscitation level injuries was steep, and we were able to build on experience from managing smaller injuries. We recommend any team wishing to using enzymatic debridement gain experience in the same way and develop robust local pathways prior to attempting use in larger burn injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stevens-Johnson's Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis are rare, life-threatening dermatologic conditions with acute onset and not clearly established treatment protocol. A plethora of observational studies are present with lack of up-to-date consensus based on evaluation of objective endpoints, among others mortality. Thorough analysis of available databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, Cinahl, Web of Science, Clinical Trials) was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Authors initially identified 700 papers, with 82 of them potentially eligible according to adopted criteria. A total of 42 studies were included into pooled synthesis. For continuous outcomes we analyzed the pooled means for endpoint scores using observed cases data. Categorical outcomes were analyzed by calculating the pooled event rates. We conducted subgroup and exploratory maximum likelihood random effects meta-regression analyses regarding SCORTEN of all outcomes. Using random-effects model, the overall pooled Mortality Rate was 0.191 (95%CI, 0.132-0.269). The lowest mortality rate was found to be linked with Etanercept and highest in Total Plasma Exchange (TPE) and Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG). Overall reepithelization was 13.278 days (95%CI, 8.773-17.784),The highest was found in cyclosporine treatment; 14.739 whilst the lowest for steroids. Length of hospital stay in overall analysis was 19.99 days (95%CI, 16.53-23.44),the highest was linked with TPE/TPE+IvIg treatment, the lowest with steroids. Risk of bias of assessed studies was estimated to be high (for observational studies mean STROBE score 12.44). High quality TEN and SJS studies are lacking. Almost all papers report observational data without randomization and double-blind control. Therefore, the pooled analysis cannot be presented with initial bias. In our meta-analysis the most successful regimen was Etanercept treatment. It was linked with the lowest mortality. The most negative treatment outcome was observed in studies reporting TPE and IVIG. Randomized trials of high quality are needed in SJS and TEN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burn injury causes a coagulopathy that is poorly understood. After severe burns, significant fluid losses are managed by aggressive resuscitation that can lead to hemodilution. These injuries are managed by early excision and grafting, which can cause significant bleeding and further decrease blood cell concentration. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an anti-fibrinolytic that has been shown to reduce surgical blood losses; however, its use in burn surgery is not well established. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the influence TXA may have on burn surgery outcomes. Eight papers were included, with outcomes considered in a random-effects model meta-analysis. Overall, when compared to the control group, TXA significantly reduced total volume blood loss (mean difference (MD) = −192.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −297.73 to − 87.14; P = 0.0003), the ratio of blood loss to burn injury total body surface area (TBSA) (MD = −7.31; 95% CI = −10.77 to −3.84; P 0.0001), blood loss per unit area treated (MD = −0.59; 95% CI = −0.97 to −0.20; P = 0.003), and the number of patients receiving a transfusion intraoperatively (risk difference (RD) = −0.16; 95% CI = −0.32 to − 0.01; P = 0.04). Additionally, there were no noticeable differences in venous thromboembolism (VTE) events (RD = 0.00; 95% CI = −0.03 to 0.03; P = 0.98) and mortality (RD = 0.00; 95% CI = −0.03 to 0.04; P = 0.86). In conclusion, TXA can potentially be a pharmacologic intervention that reduces blood losses and transfusions in burn surgery without increasing the risk of VTE events or mortality. • Reducing blood loss is a priority for burn surgery patients. • Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic that reduces plasmin formation. • In burn surgery, tranexamic acid reduces blood loss. • Tranexamic acid does not increase the risks of complications in burn surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objective: Burns are thermal injuries that may have a wide variety of clinical consequences from simple injuries to mortality. There are many aspects that must be medicolegally addressed in both non-survivors and survivors from burn injuries. The objective of this study was to determine sociodemographic characteristics, injury patterns, treatment requirements and prognoses of patients with burn injuries to evaluate the findings of neglect-abuse and forensic reporting processes. This study also aimed to contribute to the medicolegal classification criteria in respect of the factors that have an effect on the prognosis in the analyses.Material and Method: The study was conducted by retrospective review of digital files and paper records of patients who received therapy in the Burns Unit of KTU Farabi Hospital between 1st January, 2013, and 31st December, 2017.Results: Evaluation was made of a total of 1225 patients, comprising 769 (62.8%) males and 456 (37.2%) females, with a mean age of 21.8 ± 23.8 years (range, 1-89 years). The mean burnt body surface area was 14.29 ± 13.74. A trauma-related psychiatric disorder was diagnosed in 60 (4.9%) patients during treatment. When the medical history and physical examination findings were evaluated together, burn injuries suggested physical abuse in 54 patients (4.4%). The doctors who evaluated the patients with burn injuries in the emergency room and those who applied treatment in the Burns Unit made a forensic notification for 379 (30.9%) patients. The mean age of non-survivors was significantly higher than that of patients who survived to discharge (56.54 ± 28.60 years for non-survivors and 19.39 ± 23.12 years for survivors; p < 0.001).Conclusion: Burn injuries are frequently encountered, and they require precautionary measures. Burn injuries due to abuse are more frequently observed in the elderly and especially in children. Thus, the findings must be correctly interpreted, and more effort should be made to improve the knowledge of healthcare professionals about forensic reporting. Moreover, regulations should be implemented in respect of the medicolegal classification of trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circumferential deep burns on the limb lead to a constrictive, tourniquet-like effect causing critical limb ischaemia. The treatment, escharotomy, is a time-critical procedure that sometimes is required before the patient arrives at a burn centre. At present, no practical method of teaching this procedure is incorporated into formal educational courses. The feasibility of a comprehensive education package to teach upper limb escharotomy was assessed in a group of plastic and general surgery trainees in Wales. Small group workshops focused on the clinical presentation of patients requiring escharotomy. Participants then executed this on a custom-made high-fidelity simulation upper limb model. The articulated limb has subcutaneous silicone fat which bulges upon decompression and a finger-tip which turns pink indicating satisfactory reperfusion. A before and after five-point Likert scale was used to evaluate changes in participants' self-assessed confidence in the surgical management of escharotomy. Statistical significance between scores was assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A total of 34 participants took part. Following completion of the course, general surgery trainees' confidence in executing the procedure increased from a median score of 1.00 "not confident at all" (IQR 1.00–2.00) to 4.00 "fairly confident" (IQR 4.00–5.00, p < 0.01). Plastic surgery trainees' confidence increased from a median score of was 3.00 "somewhat confident" (IQR 1.75–4.00) to 4.00 "fairly confident" (IQR 3.00–4.25, p < 0.01). We developed a comprehensive simulator course that has been demonstrated to improve candidate's confidence in performing escharotomy. The next stage in the course development is to confirm the results in a larger cohort. By developing this simulator course we aim to improve emergency burn care education in the UK and globally. • Escharotomy is a time critical procedure. • This paper outlines the development of a novel, high fidelity model. • It has improved confidence in a cohort of trainees with and without prior experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe burn injuries to the hand impact multiple domains of function and participation. Measurement of outcomes after hand burn injuries is multifaceted and is influenced by several variables.Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to review outcome measures reported in studies used to measure outcomes after severe hand burn injuries; and to critically evaluate the reliability, validity and clinical utility of each hand assessment tool identified from the literature to determine suitability for use with the burn's population.Data Sources: A search of the published literature using electronic data bases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro, OT seeker and PubMed was undertaken. Studies were included if they reported assessment tools and outcome measures used to determine hand function after severe burn injuries; were published in English and available in their full-length. Studies were excluded if they were related to a group under 18 years of age.Results: Thirty-four papers were included in this systematic review. A total of 25 outcome measures were confirmed for inclusion in this paper and each underwent further evaluation to identify their psychometric properties.Limitations: A factor which could cause bias in this systematic review was the search was restricted to English language journals therefore excluding any primary papers in other languages. Mapping of the outcome measures to the ICF was conducted by the primary author which may give rise to bias however a member checking was conducted in order to remove this bias.Conclusions: This review established that no one outcome measure meets all the psychometric properties of validity, reliability and responsiveness SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO: CRD42018085059. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consistent evidence has emerged over many years that the mortality and morbidity outcomes for burn patients in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) lag behind those in more resource rich countries. Interburns is a charity that was set up with the aim of working to reduce the disparity in the number of cases of burns as well as the outcomes for patients in LMICs. This paper provides an overview of a cyclical framework for quality improvement in burn care for use in LMICs that has been developed using an iterative process over the last 10 years. Each phase of the process is outlined together with a description of the tools used to conduct a gap analysis within the service, which is then used to frame a programme of capacity enhancement. Recent externally reviewed projects have demonstrated sustained improvement with the use of this comprehensive and integrated approach over a three-year cycle. This overview paper will be supported by further publications that present these results in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mainstay of non-invasive scar management, consists of pressure therapy with customized pressure garments often combined with inlays, hydration by means of silicones and/or moisturizers as well as UV protection. It is generally accepted that scar dehydration resulting from impaired barrier function of the stratum corneum and expressed by raised trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) values, can lead to increased fibroblast activity and thereby hypertrophic scar formation. However, we have reached no consensus on exactly what optimal scar hydration is nor on barrier function repair: by means of silicone sheets, liquid silicone gels or moisturizers. Occlusive silicone sheets almost completely prevent TEWL and have been shown to be effective. Nevertheless, many important disadvantages due to excessive occlusion such as difficulties in applying the sheets exceeding 10–12 h, pruritus, irritation, and maceration of the skin are limiting factors for its use. To avoid these complications and to facilitate the application, liquid silicone gels were developed. Despite a reduced occlusion, various studies have shown that the effects are comparable to these of the silicone sheets. However, major limiting factors for general use are the long drying time, the shiny aspect after application, and the high cost especially when used for larger scars. Based on excellent clinical results after using three specific moisturizers for scar treatment in our patients, we wanted to investigate whether these moisturizers induce comparable occlusion and hydration compared to both each other and the widely recognized liquid silicone gels. We wanted to provide a more scientific basis for the kind of moisturizers that can be used as a full-fledged and cost-effective alternative to silicone gel. A total of 36 healthy volunteers participated in this study. Increased TEWL was created by inducing superficial abrasions by rigorous (20x) skin stripping with Corneofix® adhesive tape in squares of 4 cm². Three moisturizers and a fluid silicone gel were tested: DermaCress, Alhydran, Lipikar and BAP Scar Care silicone gel respectively. TEWL reducing capacities and both absolute (AAH) and cumulative (CAAH) absolute added hydration were assessed using a Tewameter® TM300 and a Corneometer® CM825 at different time points for up to 4 h after application. We found an immediate TEWL increase in all the zones that underwent superficial abrasions by stripping. Controls remained stable over time, relative to the ambient condition. The mean percentage reduction (MPR) in TEWL kept increasing over time with Alhydran and DermaCress, reaching a maximum effect 4 h after application. Silicone gel reached maximal MPR almost immediately after application and only declined thereafter. The silicone gel never reached the minimal MPR of Alhydran or DermaCress. Hydration capacity assessed through CAAH as measured by the Corneometer was significantly less with silicone gel compared to the moisturizers. Compared to silicone gel Lipikar provided similar occlusion and the improvement in hydration was highly significant 4 h after application. Based on the results of both our previous research and this study it is clearly demonstrated that the occlusive and hydrative effect of fluid silicone gel is inferior to the moisturizers used in our center. Lipikar hydrates well but is less suitable for scar treatment due to the lack of occlusion. A well-balanced occlusion and hydration, in this study only provided by Alhydran and DermaCress, suggests that moisturizers can be used as a scar hydration therapy that replaces silicone products, is more cost-effective and has a more patient-friendly application. • Unbalanced moisturizers provide hydration without adequate occlusion and can paradoxically lead to skin dehydration. • Well-balanced moisturizers provide strong occlusion and hydration of the stratum corneum with high longevity. • Well-balanced moisturizers are an alternative to silicone products in scar prevention and management. • DermaCress and Alhydran are examples of well-balanced moisturizers, making them ideal for scar hydration. • The occlusive properties of fluid silicone gels might be overrated and they do not provide true skin barrier restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Up to 40% of adult burn-injured patients are non-adherent with prescribed compression garment wear. The aim of this paper is to systematically review the literature to understand barriers to adherence with compression garment wear.Method: Papers were included if they: investigated adults who required compression garment wear for the management of burns scars; focussed on reasons for non-adherence to compression garment wear; and were available in English. The process of meta-ethnography was then followed to synthesise the findings.Results: The factors impacting adherence to compression garment wear were grouped into six themes: sensory factors, psychological state, the impact of the garment on the patient's function, the availability of social support, the degree of choice, and the education provided to patients by their therapists. A model of compression garment adherence was developed detailing how these factors fit within the continuum of treatment for a burn-injured patient.Conclusions: Adherence to compression garment wear post-burn injury is a complex, dynamic phenomenon impacted by a range of factors. Findings from this review may inform approaches to support more consistent and/or extended garment wear, potentially improving scar outcomes and quality-of-life. Further research is recommended to investigate how each of the six identified themes impact adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent global concern regarding the impact of plastic waste on the environment has resulted in efforts to utilise reusable drink containers. Research is lacking regarding temperature dissociation of drinks in reusable thermoplastic cups. This study aimed to compare the cooling time of two common hot drinks sold at a UK retailer, in the three vessels they are sold; ceramic, disposable paper (with and without lid) and reusable thermoplastic cups (with and without lid). All temperatures were collated from 250 ml volumes of black Americano coffee or café latte in the three different containers. The cooling time was measured every sixty seconds using a standardised digital thermocouple thermometer until a threshold liquid temperature of 43 °C was reached. All experiments were performed in triplicate and temperatures converted to a dimensionless logarithmic scale prior to statistical analysis. Cooling time was significantly slower for lidded cups irrespective of material. Unlidded thermoplastic cups significantly slowed cooling times for both black Americano coffee and café latte compared to ceramic and unlidded disposable paper cups. The growing trend in reusable cups does not in itself pose an increased risk of scald injury. However, we consider that the potentially increased ambulatory behaviour associated with using a lidded rather than unlidded cup may increase scald risk. We propose that further consumer guidance should be disseminated regarding the use of any lidded takeaway container to prevent scalds in both adults and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burn care is centralized in highly specialized burn centers in Europe. These centers are of limited capacity and may be overwhelmed by a sudden surge in case of a burn mass casualty incident. Prior incidents in Europe and abroad have sustained high standards of care through well-orchestrated responses to share the burden of care in several burn centers. A burn mass casualty incident in Romania in 2015 sparked an initiative to strengthen the existing EU mechanisms. This paper aims to provide insight into developing a response plan for burn mass casualties within the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.Methods: The European Burns Association drafted medical guidelines for burn mass casualty incidents based on a literature review and an in-depth analysis of the Romanian incident. An online questionnaire surveyed European burn centers and EU States for burn mass casualty preparedness.Results: The Romanian burn mass casualty in 2015 highlighted the lack of a burn-specific mechanism, leading to the late onset of international transfers. In Europe, 71% of respondents had existing mass casualty response plans, though only 35% reported having a burn-specific plan. A burns response plan for burn mass casualties was developed and adopted as a Commission staff working document in preparation for further implementation. The plan builds on the existing Union Civil Protection Mechanism framework and the standards of the WHO Emergency Medical Teams initiative to provide 1) burn assessment teams for specialized in-hospital triage of patients, 2) specialized burn care across European burn centers, and 3) medevac capacities from participating states.Conclusion: The European burn mass casualty response plan could enable the delivery of high-level burn care in the face of an overwhelming incident in an affected European country. Further steps for integration and implementation of the plan within the Union Civil Protection Mechanism framework are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Only a few papers are published on the safety and effectiveness of acute burn care in low-income countries. A cohort study was therefore carried out to determine such outcomes.Methods: The study was conducted in a rural Tanzanian hospital in 2017-2018. All patients admitted with burns were eligible. Complications were scored during admission as an indication for safety. Survivors of severe burn injuries were evaluated for time of reepithelialization, graft take, disability (WHODAS2.0) and quality of life (EQ5D-3L) up to 3 months post-injury, as an indication of effectiveness.Results: Patients presented on average at 5 days after injury (SD 11, median 1, IQR 0-4). Three patients died at admission. The remaining 79 were included in the cohort. Their median age was 3 years (IQR 2-9, range 0.5-49), mean TBSA burned 12% (SD10%) and mortality rate 11.4%. No surgery-related mortality or life-threatening complications were observed. Skin grafting was performed on 29 patients at a delayed stage (median 23 days, IQR 15-47). Complications of skin grafts included partial (25% of procedures) and complete graft necrosis (8% of procedures). The mean time to reepithelialization was 52 (SD 42) days after admission. Disability and quality of life improved from admission to 3 months after injury (p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively).Conclusion: In this resource-limited setting patients presented after a delay and with multiple complications. The mortality during the first two weeks after admission was high. Surgery was found to be safe and effective. A significant improvement in disability and quality of life was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation science is a useful tool to consider ways in which we can introduce improvements to burn services in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs), where the majority of the burden of burn injury is now experienced. This paper outlines the development of the Delivery Assessment Tool (DAT), a method for facilitating quality improvement in burn services in LMICs. We used a participatory approach that ensured that local clinicians and experts were fully involved in piloting the tool. The DAT is based on internationally agreed operational standards for burn care service delivery and has undergone an iterative process of improvement and refinement through an initial three-year project in Nepal and Bangladesh. The DAT, a 50-item tool organised into 10 subsections, is used to assess a service through a participatory focus group discussion with a mixed, multidisciplinary team of staff working at the burn service, typically 6-10 participants. This usually lasts 2-3 h. The staff in the unit then select priority areas for quality improvement programmes that are within their control to achieve, which starts a cycle of audit and review. The final version of the tool was used in a further three-year project to evaluate 11 hospitals in Nepal and Bangladesh. Education and training are key components of this work; both were provided by Interburns as part of on-going support for the clinical teams. At the end of the project a>19% improvement in scores was demonstrated using the final version of the DAT in both Nepal and Bangladesh; this achievement is remarkable given the continued difficulties in service provision where patient numbers far outstrip the resources available to care for them. As a result of this work, we have made a digital version of the tool available free of charge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of robust evidence is a key component of providing high quality care to patients. Synthesised evidence to support clinical decision-making is lacking for many aspects of clinical burn care. Identifying the most important areas of care that lack high quality evidence and requires research is necessary, as funding for primary research is limited. Priority setting research studies are a joint endeavour between patients, carers and clinicians to identify and rank topics for research in a healthcare area in order to reduce research waste. Such an exercise has yet to be undertaken in burns. The aim of this paper is to outline the importance of research prioritisation in burn care, to discuss how it facilitates the maximum benefit from limited research funding and to explain the methodologies used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National guidance in the UK advises that psychosocial screening is completed for all inpatients admitted to burns services for over 24 h. Acceptable methods of psychosocial screening have been nationally agreed. However, little is known about how different services conduct psychosocial screening. Moreover, data related to validity and reliability are lacking. This paper describes a tiered approach to inpatient psychosocial screening in a UK adult burns service and considers implications for services. Data collected over a seven-year period was analysed retrospectively. Of 891 patients, almost half (48%; n = 431) were screened face-to-face by a graduate level assistant psychologist. Almost one quarter (23%, n = 205) were screened face-to-face by a qualified clinical psychologist. Around a fifth (22%, n = 193) were screened indirectly through psychological discussions at multi-disciplinary team meetings with a member of the burns clinical psychology team present. A minority of patients were screened face-to-face by liaison psychiatry, or by both liaison psychiatry and a clinical psychologist. Screening and delivery of low-level psychological interventions by a graduate level assistant psychologist appeared to protect resources of qualified clinical psychologists for the most distressed patients. Results highlight the value and cost-effectiveness of a tiered approach to psychosocial screening and in guiding subsequent intervention. Future study is needed in relation to inpatient psychosocial screening and its validity and reliability. Investigating the predictive value of screening methods in identifying those with longer-term psychological difficulties would also be important clinically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A significant burn can severely impact the lives of survivors and their carers. This systematic review sought to incorporate the experiences of guilt, blame and shame across the lifespan for burn survivors, their families as well as the experiences of the parents of burned children.Methods: A systematic review of qualitative studies on the experiences and perspectives of guilt, blame and shame by those affected by burn trauma across the lifespan. The databases, Pubmed, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO were systematically searched. Authors independently rated the reporting of the qualitative studies included. Thematic synthesis was used to analyse the data. The search identified 230 papers. Eighteen research papers met the study inclusion criteria.Results: Guilt and ruminations of guilt, blame attribution and shame and body image were identified during thematic analysis as pivotal factors across the lifespan for burn survivors, their families as well as the experiences of the parents of burn injured children. Accounts presented, suggest that the impact of burns on the lives of the survivor and family covers a diverse spectrum of impact; personal, cultural and societal.Conclusion: From the findings of the literature searches and the post-burn experiences described in this review there is a gap in the psychological care for burn survivors and their caregivers. This is specifically relevant around issues of parental guilt and blame, ruminations of guilt and shame as well as body image. These findings may not be new to burns professionals but the key message is that management of these issues fall short of delivering comprehensive post trauma care. Identifying and highlighting the importance of residual psychosocial problems will ultimately influence positive outcomes for burn survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laryngeal inhalation injury carries a significant increase in mortality rate and often indicates immediate airway evaluation. This may be difficult in the setting of clinical deterioration necessitating immediate intubation, which itself can synergistically cause mucosal damage. Prior studies do not encompass predictive factors or long-term outcomes for the laryngotracheal complex. This systemic review of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane identified studies investigating inhalational injuries of the upper airway. Demographic data as well as presentation, physical findings, and delayed sequelae were documented. Laryngotracheal burn patients were divided into two cohorts based on timing of laryngeal injury diagnosis (before- versus after-airway intervention). 1051 papers met initial search criteria and 43 studies were ultimately included. Airway stenosis was more common in patients that were intubated immediately (50.0%, n = 18 versus 5.2%, n = 13; p = 0.57). Posterior glottic involvement was only identified in patients intubated prior to airway evaluation (71.4%, n = 15). All studies reported a closed space setting for those patients in whom airway intervention preceded laryngeal evaluation. Laryngeal inhalational injuries are a distinct subset that can have a variety of minor to severe laryngotracheal delayed sequelae, particularly for thermal injuries occurring within enclosed spaces. Given these findings, early otolaryngology referral may mitigate or treat these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visual evaluation is the most common method of evaluating burn wounds. Its subjective nature can lead to inaccurate diagnoses and inappropriate burn center referrals. Machine learning may provide an objective solution. The objective of this study is to summarize the literature on ML in burn wound evaluation.Methods: A systematic review of articles published between January 2000 and January 2021 was performed using PubMed and MEDLINE (OVID). Articles reporting on ML or automation to evaluate burn wounds were included. Keywords included burns, machine/deep learning, artificial intelligence, burn classification technology, and mobile applications. Data were extracted on study design, method of data acquisition, machine learning techniques, and machine learning accuracy.Results: Thirty articles were included. Nine studies used machine learning and automation to estimate percent total body surface area (%TBSA) burned, 4 calculated fluid estimations, 19 estimated burn depth, 5 estimated need for surgery, and 2 evaluated scarring. Models calculating %TBSA burned demonstrated accuracies comparable to or better than paper methods. Burn depth classification models achieved accuracies of >83%.Conclusion: Machine learning provides an objective adjunct that may improve diagnostic accuracy in evaluating burn wound severity. Existing models remain in the early stages with future studies needed to assess their clinical feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper illustrates the efficacy of an artificial intelligence (AI) (a convolutional neural network, based on the U-Net), for the burn-depth assessment using semantic segmentation of polarized high-performance light camera images of burn wounds. The proposed method is evaluated for paediatric scald injuries to differentiate four burn wound depths: superficial partial-thickness (healing in 0-7 days), superficial to intermediate partial-thickness (healing in 8-13 days), intermediate to deep partial-thickness (healing in 14-20 days), deep partial-thickness (healing after 21 days) and full-thickness burns, based on observed healing time. In total 100 burn images were acquired. Seventeen images contained all 4 burn depths and were used to train the network. Leave-one-out cross-validation reports were generated and an accuracy and dice coefficient average of almost 97% was then obtained. After that, the remaining 83 burn-wound images were evaluated using the different network during the cross-validation, achieving an accuracy and dice coefficient, both on average 92%. This technique offers an interesting new automated alternative for clinical decision support to assess and localize burn-depths in 2D digital images. Further training and improvement of the underlying algorithm by e.g., more images, seems feasible and thus promising for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern, reliable, and valid outcome measures are essential to understanding the health needs of young children with burn injuries. Burn-specific and age-appropriate legacy assessment tools exist for this population but are hindered by the limitations of existing paper-based instruments. The purpose of this study was to develop item pools comprised of questions appropriate for children aged 1-5 with burn injuries. Item development was based on a framework provided by previous work to develop the Preschool Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE) Conceptual Model. The Preschool LIBRE Conceptual Model work established four sub-domains of functioning for children with burns aged 1-5. Item development involved a systematic literature review, a qualitative item review process with clinical experts, and parent cognitive interviews. Four item pools were established: (1) communication and language development; (2) physical functioning; (3) psychological functioning and (4) social functioning for preschool-aged children with burn injuries. We selected and refined candidate items, recall periods, survey instructions, and response option choices through clinical and parental feedback during the qualitative review and cognitive interview processes. Item pools are currently being field-tested as part of the process to calibrate and validate the Preschool1-5 LIBRE Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) Profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In this study, we examined the plausibility of the mediating effect of the levels of patient scar assessment on the relationship between burn severity measured with total body surface area and burn-specific health-related quality of life (HRQL) among patients with burns in South Korea.Methods: In this cross sectional descriptive study, we collected data from 100 burn patients in three burn centers specializing in burn care in South Korea. Patient scar assessment, burn specific HRQL, and burn-related characteristics were self-reported with anonymous, paper-based surveys.Results: The findings showed a positive correlation between burn severity, patient scar assessment, and HRQL in burn patients. The evidence of this paper is that quality of life after burns more determined by scar characteristics than burn severity.Conclusion: In the light of the poor HRQL in burn patients, the results of this study support that improving scar status could improve patients' HRQL. Health care providers should keep in mind that patients' perspectives of their scars would be a great indicator of their HRQL, so the providers' focus should be on intensive scar management intervention in their care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of mannitol solution as a decontamination agent on the chemical burn of the human corneas.Methods: Eight donor corneas from an eye bank were exposed to 25μl of 2.5% hydrofluoric acid (HF) solution on a filter paper for 20s. Three eyes were rinsed with 1000ml of mannitol 20% for 15min immediately after removal of the filter paper, 3 other were rinsed with sodium chloride (NaCl) 0.9% (1000ml for 15min) and two eyes were not rinsed. Microstructural changes were monitored in the time domain by optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging for 75min.Results: NaCl reduced the penetration depth to approximately half the thickness of the cornea at 15min; scattering within the anterior cornea was higher than that for the unrinsed eye. With mannitol, no increased scattering was observed in the posterior part of the corneal stroma within a time period of 1h after rinsing. OCT images revealed low-scattering intensity within the anterior stroma at the end of the rinsing period.Conclusion: In eye bank human corneas, mannitol proved to be an efficient agent to decontaminate HF burn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to conduct a survey of the academic contribution and influence of Chinese scholars in the field of burns.Method: The PubMed database was searched to obtain literature items originating from various countries and Chinese provinces from 1985 to 2014. The citation data were collected through the Google Scholar engine.Results: A total of 1037 papers published in 256 journals were included in this survey. China was second only to the USA in the number of publications on burns since 2010. In addition, the annual number of papers has increased significantly since 2001. The journal Burns published the most number of articles, but its proportion has been decreasing. Of the papers included in the survey, 58.34% were published in journals with a 5-year impact factor between 1 and 2, whereas only 3.66% were published in journals with an impact factor >5. Both total citations and citations per paper have decreased in the past decade. Randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews merely accounted for a small proportion. Twenty-nine provinces including 64 cities contributed one paper at least. The publications from Taiwan, Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, and Guangdong were high in both quantity and quality.Conclusion: The Chinese academic contribution to the field of burns is now on a rise. Although the quality of papers is lagging behind quantity, scholars and academies are dedicated to improving China's academic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to determine the factors which influence clinician behaviour and adherence to best practice when clinicians provide the initial care for paediatric burn patients admitted to a burns unit.Background: Optimal initial care of burn patients influences morbidity and mortality. Non-burn specialist clinician adherence to best practice is influenced by previously unexplored factors.Design: General inductive qualitative methods were used to explore factors which influenced clinicians providing acute pre-admission burn care for children in Western Australia.Methods: Interviews of nineteen clinicians using standardised open-ended questions based on the Gilbert Behaviour Engineering Model were used to collect data.Results: The main influencing factors identified were the telehealth service which supported practice, whilst IT issues provided challenges to clinicians.Conclusion: Telehealth services support clinicians when providing burn care, however IT issues are an major barrier to both best practice and accessing the telehealth service and should be optimised to support clinical care IMPACT STATEMENT: What does this paper contribute to the wider global community? It provides burn clinicians with an insight into the factors which facilitate optimal care for patients prior to transfer to burn units, as well as the barriers faced by non-burn specialist clinicians when patients initially present for care. Models of care which acknowledge these factors can help facilitate optimal patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is multifactorial and attributed to the production of several cell-associated and extracellular virulence factors including those implicated in adherence, iron uptake, exoenzymes (Exo) and exotoxins. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of type III secretion systems (T3SS) effectors in Iranian burn patients with P. aeruginosa wound infection.Methods: A systematic search was conducted to identify papers published by Iranian authors in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar electronic databases during the period of January, 2000 to December, 2018. Publications which met our inclusion criteria were selected for data extraction and analysis by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. The inclusion criteria were articles that include burn patients with a wound infection caused by P. aeruginosa, and reported the prevalence of aimed exoenzymes.Results: Ten publications were selected out of 15 full-text reviewed articles with the inclusion criteria. Of ten studies, the pooled prevalence of ExoS producing isolates was estimated at 57.1% (95% CI: 40.3-72.5%). Five studies reported the prevalence of ExoU and ExoT, from which, the pooled prevalence of ExoU and ExoT producing isolates was estimated at 51.4% (95% CI: 31.4-70.9%) and 86.4% (95% CI: 48.1-97.8%), respectively. Four studies reported the prevalence of ExoY, from which, the pooled prevalence of ExoY producing isolates was estimated at 79.0% (95% CI: 48.6-93.8%).Conclusion: Our results showed a remarkable prevalence of T3SS-positive genotype in patients with burn injuries. These findings provided attractive targets for new therapeutic strategies for burn patients who were infected with cytotoxin-producing P. aeruginosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The issues and concerns that emerge in the families of burn patients have received minimal attention.Objective: To map out what is known about the challenges facing the family members of burn patients.Methods: The review followed the PRISMA Extension guidelines for scoping reviews and the review approach by Arksey and O'Malley to synthesize the available evidence. Twenty-six (26) papers from various database searches were identified and included in the review. The citation retrieval and retention methods are reported in a PRISMA statement.Results: Although most of the studies included parents (n=21), the evidence suggests that the shared concerns of family members include taking on new roles, and psychosocial and financial issues. Uniquely, parents had to endure blame, shame and guilt; partners/spouses were faced with difficulties in re-establishing an emotional connection with the patient; siblings simultaneously expressed jealousy and feelings of being outsiders; and children with a burn parent had to deal with feelings of exclusion from the care delivery process. Aside from these individuals, friends, neighbours and in-laws may also assume a caregiving role, with grandparents playing a supporting role. Family members are unprepared for their roles, as they are forced into them suddenly. Although distress may occur among family members, its determinants, severity, pattern and recovery process remain unclear.Conclusion: A burn is a family injury that creates the need for family-centred care. Future studies need to explore the nature of psychological distress, family members' recovery pathways, and how family members can prepare for their roles in the period after discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qualitative methods are progressively being implemented by researchers for exploration within healthcare. However, there has been a longstanding and wide-ranging debate concerning the relative merits of qualitative research within the health care literature. This integrative review aimed to exam the contribution of qualitative research in burns care and subsequent rehabilitation. Studies were identified using an electronic search strategy using the databases PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE) and Scopus of peer reviewed primary research in English between 2009 to April 2014 using Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review method as a guide for analysis. From the 298 papers identified, 26 research papers met the inclusion criteria. Across all studies there was an average of 22 participants involved in each study with a range of 6-53 participants conducted across 12 nations that focussed on burns prevention, paediatric burns, appropriate acquisition and delivery of burns care, pain and psychosocial implications of burns trauma. Careful and rigorous application of qualitative methodologies promotes and enriches the development of burns knowledge. In particular, the key elements in qualitative methodological process and its publication are critical in disseminating credible and methodologically sound qualitative research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a mathematical model of blood volume kinetics and renal function in response to burn injury and resuscitation, which is applicable to the development and non-clinical testing of burn resuscitation protocols and algorithms. Prior mathematical models of burn injury and resuscitation are not ideally suited to such applications due to their limited credibility in predicting blood volume and urinary output observed in wide-ranging burn patients as well as in incorporating contemporary knowledge of burn pathophysiology. Our mathematical model consists of an established multi-compartmental model of blood volume kinetics, a hybrid mechanistic-phenomenological model of renal function, and novel lumped-parameter models of burn-induced perturbations in volume kinetics and renal function equipped with contemporary knowledge on burn-related physiology and pathophysiology. Using the dataset collected from 16 sheep, we showed that our mathematical model can be characterized with physiologically plausible parameter values to accurately predict blood volume kinetic and renal function responses to burn injury and resuscitation on an individual basis against a wide range of pathophysiological variability. Pending validation in humans, our mathematical model may serve as an effective basis for in-depth understanding of complex burn-induced volume kinetic and renal function responses as well as development and non-clinical testing of burn resuscitation protocols and algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The prevalence of self-immolation is significantly higher in some Middle Eastern and Central Asian Islamic countries than in Western countries. Self-immolation typically occurs among females and can be either an attempt at suicide or an act of protest. This systematic review examined the drivers and consequences of self-immolation in Asian Islamic countries from the perspective of those affected by it, including survivors, family and health care staff in order to understand its higher prevalence in these countries.Method: A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted in June 2018, using five electronic databases: PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, Scopus and PsycINFO. Of the 236 papers identified, seven met the inclusion criteria. Authors independently rated the reporting of included qualitative studies and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.Results: The drivers of self-immolation included marital and familial conflict, male-dominated culture, mental health disorders and economic and social factors. Survivors chose self-immolation in order to express their sense of a lack of control and mostly utilised this method due to its accessibility. The consequences of self-immolation were social isolation, regret, and physical and psychological impacts.Conclusions: The reasons for self-immolation, its prevalence and the demographics of those who choose this means vary significantly between Asian Islamic and Western countries. This review confirmed the impact of culture, tradition, and societal structures and relationships on people's decisions to self-immolate. Education about the consequences of self-immolation may reduce the use of this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a novel software application that provides a simple and interactive Lund–Browder diagram for automatic calculation of total body surface area (TBSA) burned, fluid formula recommendations, and serial wound photography on a smart device platform. The software was developed for the iPad (Apple, Cupertino, CA) smart device platforms. Ten burns ranging from 5 to 95% TBSA were computer generated on a patient care simulator using Adobe Photoshop CS6 (Adobe, San Jose, CA). Burn clinicians calculated the TBSA first using a paper-based Lund–Browder diagram. Following a one-week “washout period”, the same clinicians calculated TBSA using the smart device application. Simulated burns were presented in a random fashion and clinicians were timed. Percent TBSA burned calculated by Peregrine vs. the paper-based Lund–Browder were similar (29.53 [25.57] vs. 28.99 [25.01], p = 0.22, n = 7). On average, Peregrine allowed users to calculate burn size significantly faster than the paper form (58.18 [31.46] vs. 90.22 [60.60] s, p < 0.001, n = 7). The smart device application also provided 5 megapixel photography capabilities, and acute burn resuscitation fluid calculator. We developed an innovative smart device application that enables accurate and rapid burn size assessment to be cost-effective and widely accessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Optimal management of burns always starts with the first aid. Results of numerous studies carried out in different countries indicated in general a low awareness of first aid of burns irrespective of whether the income of the country was high, middle or low. The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge in burn first aid in Germany and compare it to an Australian study from 2013.Methods: From January 2016 until August 2017 patients, visitors and medical personnel in the emergency room of two large hospitals in Southern and the Western part of Germany were asked to take part in a paper based multiple-choice survey.Results: Altogether 1229 people took part in the questionnaire, 588 from Bavaria and 641 from North Rhine-Westphalia; 45,2% males and 54.8% females. Their age ranged from 19 to 52 with a mean of 37.2 years. Hereby participants that had taken part in first aid training and people working in health care had significant more correct answers. Overall, only approximately a third of the given answers were correct.Conclusion: Our study suggests that there is room for improvement since only a minority of the German population is familiar with first aid principles dealing with burns. Although more than 40% had taken part in a first aid training, the questioned people gave less correct answers than the Australians in 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 pandemic is sweeping the globe. Any outpatient or new inpatient especial in burn department during the pandemic should be as a potential infectious source of COVID-19. It is very important to manage the patients and wards carefully and correctly to prevent epidemic of the virus in burn centers. This paper provides some strategies regarding management of burn ward during the epidemic of COVID-19 or other respiratory infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocular burns are ophthalmological emergencies, owing to their potentially serious visual complications. Prompt recognition, irrigation and comprehensive examination including fluorescein staining is recommended to optimise outcomes. Burns standards recommend ophthalmological services be available in a 'timely' manner. This paper is a retrospective review of facial burn admissions between November 2017 and November 2018 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB), a regional burns centre in the United Kingdom. This study aims to assess referral rates to ophthalmology, timeliness of review and the proportion of patients reviewed within a 24h window. From the data available we also aim to determine the frequency of fluorescein examination. Of 88 patients admitted with facial burns, data was available for 80 patients. The majority (n=77, 87.6%) suffered thermal burns. Twenty-two (27.5%) patients were referred to ophthalmology, and 18 (22.5%) had a documented review. Mean time from admission to review was 45.0h, with 10 (52.6%) patients being seen within 24h. Of 80 patients, 50 (62.5%) patients had no documented fluorescein examination. Further prospective studies are necessary to inform clinical guidelines and optimise management of facial burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Good family functioning is important to improve outcomes for children who have sustained a burn injury. While knowledge regarding parental distress is increasing, less is known about parents' need for support during their child's hospitalisation.Aim: To systematically synthesise existing research focussing on the support needs of parents of children hospitalised with a burn injury.Methods: An integrative review was conducted using a literature search from multiple health-related databases. Original studies reporting on support for parents during their child's hospitalisation at a burn facility were included. A Ricoeur-inspired method was the framework used for the analysis.Results: Of the 468 identified papers, only seven studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, 521 parents and caregivers from six different countries were represented. Key findings related to the support needs of parents, including the need for information through all stages of treatment, support needs during emotional distress, feelings of guilt and blame relating to the injury and having someone to lean on or being alone.Conclusion: Findings from this review describe parental feelings of distress, guilt and blame and parental needs of information and support. Further research is needed to facilitate the development of evidence-based support programmes for parents of burn injured children that address these parental needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rise in the current trend of corrosive substance attacks have been reported in the UK, causing devastating effects on victims. The optimal management of these patients requires the specialist skills of the burn multidisciplinary team (MDT) to address the resulting physical and psychological trauma experienced. However, burn care must commence in the pre-hospital setting. The public and first responders are invaluable resources in helping to limit the adverse effects of burns. Challenges of burn care outside the Burns Unit are not limited to the treatment of the injured patient and the rehabilitation of survivors. These challenges also encompass better education of the public and allied health professionals, as well as planning strategies to reduce the incidence of acid attacks. Prevention is always better than cure. This paper discusses the broadening of the MDT to improve outcomes in acid attacks by exploring the wider roles of the public, media, emergency services, police, legislation and better education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]