Journal Description
European Burn Journal
European Burn Journal
(formerly European Journal of Burn Care) is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on burn care and burn prevention. The journal is owned by the European Burns Association (EBA) and is published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 20.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 4.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
Latest Articles
Outcomes of Patients with Amputation following Electrical Burn Injuries
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(3), 318-329; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4030029 - 17 Aug 2023
Abstract
This study aimed to examine patients who sustained amputation as a result of electrical burns and to evaluate their long-term health outcomes compared to non-electrical burn patients with amputation. A retrospective analysis was conducted on burn patients from 1993 to 2021, utilizing the
[...] Read more.
This study aimed to examine patients who sustained amputation as a result of electrical burns and to evaluate their long-term health outcomes compared to non-electrical burn patients with amputation. A retrospective analysis was conducted on burn patients from 1993 to 2021, utilizing the Burn Model System National Database, which includes the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29. The data was collected at discharge, 6 months, and 12 months after the burns occurred. The findings revealed that the rate of amputation was significantly higher in electrical burn patients (30.3%) compared to non-electrical burn patients (6.6%) (p < 0.0001). At the time of discharge, electrical burn patients with amputation exhibited significantly lower physical component scores (PCS = 34.00 ± 8.98) than electrical burn patients without amputation (PCS = 44.66 ± 9.90) (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in mental component scores observed between patients, regardless of the burn type or amputation. Among all patient groups, non-electrical burn survivors with amputation faced the greatest challenges in terms of physical and social well-being, likely due to larger total body surface area burns. This study emphasizes the importance of early rehabilitation for electrical burn patients with amputation and highlights the need for ongoing support, both physically and socially, for non-electrical burn survivors with amputation. These findings, consistent with previous studies, underscore the necessity of providing psychological support to all burn survivors.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Long-Term Outcomes after Burn Injuries: Strategies to Optimize Recovery)
►
Show Figures
Open AccessProject Report
Understanding the Barriers and Enablers for Seeking Psychological Support following a Burn Injury
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(3), 303-317; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4030028 - 24 Jul 2023
Abstract
Burn injuries can be traumatic and distressing for patients, with a prolonged period of recovery. This qualitative study aimed to explore adult burn patients’ perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to accessing psychological support in a Regional Burns Service in Southeast England. Participants
[...] Read more.
Burn injuries can be traumatic and distressing for patients, with a prolonged period of recovery. This qualitative study aimed to explore adult burn patients’ perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to accessing psychological support in a Regional Burns Service in Southeast England. Participants (five females and six males) were under the care of the burns unit and were not currently accessing psychological support. Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Four main themes highlighted how access to psychology was influenced by communication between the patient and service, beliefs about mental health, environmental challenges, and patient hope. Recommendations for improving access to burn psychological care included (1) the provision of patient resources to increase awareness and reduce stigma; (2) psychological skills training to encourage staff to recognise distress and respond appropriately; (3) staff training in the practice of cultural humility; (4) increasing psychological presence in outpatient appointments and via routine follow-ups.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Psychosocial Burn Care)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Investigation of the “Surgical Cuts CO2 Laser Therapy Technique” to Treat Minor Burn Scar Contractures in Children
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(3), 293-302; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4030027 - 19 Jul 2023
Abstract
Fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser therapy has been shown to improve scar contractures following burns. However, the benefits of using other CO2 laser techniques to treat burn scar contractures are relatively unknown. This pilot study investigated a CO2 laser
[...] Read more.
Fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser therapy has been shown to improve scar contractures following burns. However, the benefits of using other CO2 laser techniques to treat burn scar contractures are relatively unknown. This pilot study investigated a CO2 laser technique in which a series of perpendicular “surgical cuts” were created along the contracture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using the “surgical cuts CO2 laser technique” in pediatric patients. This study included 12 participants with minor hand burn scar contractures that received one CO2 laser treatment using the surgical cuts technique. Trained assessors measured contractures pre- and post-laser therapy by assessing range of motion (ROM), digit length, and/or hand-span. All contractures were secondary to contact burns with the mean participant age equal to 5.5 years (SD 3.9). For all participants, at least one of the measured characteristics (ROM, hand-span, and digit length) improved after treatment. This pilot study demonstrated the benefit of using the surgical cuts CO2 laser technique to treat minor burn scar contractures. Future investigations are needed to further evaluate its effectiveness in comparison to the fractional CO2 laser therapy technique.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reconstruction after Burn Injury: An Integrative Approach)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessReply
Reply to Hall et al. Comment on “Dinesen et al. Diphoterine for Chemical Burns of the Skin: A Systematic Review. Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4, 55–68”
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(3), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4030026 - 29 Jun 2023
Abstract
We thank Hall et al. [...]
Full article
Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Developing a Burn-Specific Family-Centered Care (BS-FCC) Framework: A Multi-Method Study
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(3), 280-291; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4030025 - 23 Jun 2023
Abstract
A burn has been described as a family injury warranting the delivery of family-centered care (FCC) across the continuum of burns management. This assertion notwithstanding, only limited progress has been made to develop and implement FCC interventions in the burn unit. As a
[...] Read more.
A burn has been described as a family injury warranting the delivery of family-centered care (FCC) across the continuum of burns management. This assertion notwithstanding, only limited progress has been made to develop and implement FCC interventions in the burn unit. As a starting point, this study sought to formulate a tentative framework to underpin FCC in burn care. A multi-method design comprising an umbrella review and the secondary data analysis of qualitative datasets was employed. Following these, the findings were merged and aligned to the Universal Model of FCC to formulate the burn-specific FCC framework. For the umbrella review, four review articles met the criteria for inclusion. Following a data synthesis of the review findings and their integration with the qualitative dataset, four meta-themes that encapsulate the shared needs/concerns of family members of both pediatric and adult burn survivors emerged: (1) psychosocial concerns, (2) issues relating to role changes, (3) logistical concerns, and (4) requiring information. These issues were mapped to the following components of the Universal Model of FCC: family support, education, collaboration, and communication. All these are underpinned by dedicated policies, procedures, and consideration of the family context. Testing and further empirical work are needed to refine and implement the framework across the continuum of burn management.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Person-Centered and Family-Centered Care Following Burn Injuries)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessReview
Operative Management of Burns: Traditional Care
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(2), 262-279; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4020024 - 19 Jun 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
Surgical treatment of burn wounds has had a tremendous impact on burn patients. The survival of patients with massive burns is now very common. Expeditious coverage of the wound has been a major contributor to improved survival, but survival is not enough. There
[...] Read more.
Surgical treatment of burn wounds has had a tremendous impact on burn patients. The survival of patients with massive burns is now very common. Expeditious coverage of the wound has been a major contributor to improved survival, but survival is not enough. There is a need to improve the ultimate functional and cosmetic outcomes of the wound in order to facilitate a patient’s return to society. This paper reviews strategies, using fairly basic techniques, to optimize the outcomes of burn patients. While there are many new skin products available, the strategies presented here can apply to any surgeon treating burns throughout the entire world.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgical Treatment of Acute Burns)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessComment
Comment on Dinesen et al. Diphoterine for Chemical Burns of the Skin: A Systematic Review. Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4, 55–68
by
, , , , , , , and
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(2), 259-261; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4020023 - 15 Jun 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
We read with interest the recent publication of Dinesen et al. [...]
Full article
Open AccessCommunication
Free Tissue Transfer in the Reconstruction of Neck Contractures after Burn Injury: A Case Series
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(2), 248-258; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4020022 - 09 Jun 2023
Abstract
Background: Recent advances in burn care have significantly improved the survival rate of patients with extensive burn injuries, placing greater emphasis on reconstruction to improve the long-term outcomes of scar deformities. Anterior and lateral neck contractures are common after burn injuries; they
[...] Read more.
Background: Recent advances in burn care have significantly improved the survival rate of patients with extensive burn injuries, placing greater emphasis on reconstruction to improve the long-term outcomes of scar deformities. Anterior and lateral neck contractures are common after burn injuries; they limit range of motion, complicate airway management and create significant cosmetic deformities. Traditional methods have been used to release contractures and improve function. However, they are subject to variable results, residual neck tightness, recurrence and suboptimal cosmetic appearance. Microvascular free tissue transfer is a more technically challenging and time-consuming method, but it offers the potential to overcome the long-term limitations of simpler options. In this paper, we present our experience with microvascular free flaps for the release of burn scar contractures of the neck as a potential high-quality permanent solution. Methods: Over a 10-year period, nine free flaps were performed on burn patients with total body surface area (TBSA) burns between 20 and 70%, who developed moderate to severe neck contractures. Four anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps, four radial forearm free flaps (RFFFs) and one ulnar forearm flap were used to release neck contractures. Results: All nine flaps were completed successfully with significant improvement in the neck’s range of motion. Good aesthetic results were achieved with smooth contour and thin coverage. Overall, the patients were satisfied. However, five out of nine cases required at least one secondary procedure for flap defatting to reach optimal results. Conclusion: Post-burn scar contractures of the cervical region compromise the cosmetic appearance and airway security of recovering burn patients, imposing a significant impact on their psychological and functional quality of life. Consequently, cervical contractures can be prioritized when planning reconstruction for burn patients. Free flaps can be considered an important and reliable method of reconstruction for neck contracture deformity following burn injuries.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reconstruction after Burn Injury: An Integrative Approach)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of Outcomes following Reduction in Targeted Fluid Administration in Major Burns
by
, , , , and
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(2), 234-247; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4020021 - 29 May 2023
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Adequate fluid resuscitation in adults with major burns is crucial to prevent or minimize burn shock, but needs to be balanced against the complications of over-resuscitation. A single-center, retrospective review of 95 ICU patients with severe burns from Jan 2014 to Aug 2021
[...] Read more.
Adequate fluid resuscitation in adults with major burns is crucial to prevent or minimize burn shock, but needs to be balanced against the complications of over-resuscitation. A single-center, retrospective review of 95 ICU patients with severe burns from Jan 2014 to Aug 2021 was performed. Some 52 patients were managed with a liberal targeted fluid goal of 4 mL/kg/%TBSA, and 43 patients were managed after we incorporated a restricted fluid goal of 2 mL/kg/%TBSA into our standard resuscitation strategy. Of the 95 patients included in this analysis, 76 patients (80%) survived admission. The median age was 41 years, and the median TBSA was 36%. All patients received Ringer’s lactate as the primary fluid for resuscitation, and 40 of the 95 patients (42%) received colloids as a rescue infusion within 24 h of injury. Some 44 of the 95 patients (46.3%) had a concurrent inhalational injury. The median length of hospital stay was 37 days, and the median ICU length of stay was 18 days. A total of 17 of the 95 patients developed ARDS (17.9%), 51 of the 95 (53.7%) patients developed pneumonia, and 34 of the 95 patients (35.8%) developed AKI within the first 7 days of admission. The median fluid administered during the first day of hospitalization from 2019 onwards remained close to 4 mL/kg/%TBSA, despite transitioning to a 2 mL/kg/%TBSA formula for a 24 h fluid goal (unless there was an electrical burn, in which case the 4 cc/kg formula was utilized). Further exploratory analyses also suggested that under-resuscitation and administration of albumin may be associated with increased mortality, though this did not reach statistical significance. ARDS development was associated with increased age and TBSA as well as increased fluid intake within the first 24 h. A change in the targeted fluid goal from liberal (4 mL/kg/%TBSA) to a restricted (2 mL/kg/%TBSA) formula did not change the actual fluids administered over 24 h when guided by clinical criteria. Our review did suggest that under-resuscitation contributed to mortality, but that excessive fluid resuscitation likely contributed to ARDS risks for large TBSA patients. Our data suggest that strategies to optimize fluid administration are important to improve patient outcomes, but should focus on clinical parameters rather than calculated fluid goals.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Feasibility of Mindfulness for Burn Survivors and Parents of Children with Burns
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(2), 221-233; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4020020 - 24 May 2023
Abstract
Burn survivors, spouses, and parents of children with burns may experience psychological distress for a prolonged period. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an intervention that can improve psychological well-being. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an MBSR group intervention in a
[...] Read more.
Burn survivors, spouses, and parents of children with burns may experience psychological distress for a prolonged period. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an intervention that can improve psychological well-being. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an MBSR group intervention in a convenience sample. An MBSR group intervention was conducted for burn survivors (n = 8) and parents of children with burns (n = 9), each comprising eight sessions. The participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II-NL, PTSS Checklist DSM-5, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form, Self-Compassion Scale-Short form, and evaluation questions at baseline, immediately after, and three months post-intervention. All participants completed the intervention. The intervention was rated very useful (M = 8.8), and the participants were very satisfied (M = 8.8). The highest effect was observed in the parents’ group on mindfulness skills and self-compassion. For both groups, there was an increase in personal goal scores immediately after the intervention. Qualitative data show that the participants in both groups experienced more inner peace, more awareness of thoughts and emotions, and more self-compassion. This exploratory study suggests that a mindfulness intervention is feasible and can be effective in improving mindfulness skills and self-compassion, particularly in parents of children with burns.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Psychosocial Burn Care)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Evaluating the Impact of a Paediatric Burn Club for Children and Families Using Group Concept Mapping
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(2), 211-220; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4020019 - 10 May 2023
Abstract
Access to burn camps and clubs is cited as an essential element for children following a burn injury. In the Northern Regional Burns Service, this takes the form of a club run by a multidisciplinary team, offering residential camps and family day trips.
[...] Read more.
Access to burn camps and clubs is cited as an essential element for children following a burn injury. In the Northern Regional Burns Service, this takes the form of a club run by a multidisciplinary team, offering residential camps and family day trips. In this service evaluation, Group Concept Mapping was used to evaluate the perception of the club by staff, children and families. Opportunistic sampling was used to seek responses to the following prompts: “The challenges for children and families after a burn injury are…” and “The role of The Grafters Club is…”. The results indicate that participants perceived the club to be effective at addressing body image and confidence issues for the children but highlighted an unmet parental expectation that the club would also facilitate the sharing of experiences, normalisation of emotional reactions, and processing of guilt and other psychological distress for parents. When taken concurrently with pre-existing evidence in the literature base, it is proposed that a club model of psychosocial support for children and families could provide an accessible and informal opportunity for parental support that may be less subject to barriers perceived with traditional formal psychological support.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Psychosocial Burn Care)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessBrief Report
Psychosocial Screening in Adult Burns Inpatients within a Scottish Burns Unit
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(2), 203-210; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4020018 - 09 May 2023
Abstract
National Burns Care Standards (NBCS) within the UK recommend psychological care throughout the burn pathway and psychosocial screening of inpatients admitted for over 24 h, at a time when this is clinically appropriate and prior to discharge. This brief report presents preliminary data
[...] Read more.
National Burns Care Standards (NBCS) within the UK recommend psychological care throughout the burn pathway and psychosocial screening of inpatients admitted for over 24 h, at a time when this is clinically appropriate and prior to discharge. This brief report presents preliminary data from an audit of psychosocial screening in adult burns inpatients within a Scottish Burns Unit over a three-year period. Results are reported on the frequency and type of psychosocial screening completed. Differences between the groups of inpatients who were screened and those not screened are presented and discussed with a focus on plans for increasing the number of inpatients screened and improvements in how psychosocial screening data is collected.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Psychosocial Burn Care)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessBrief Report
Associations between Ethnicity and Referrals, Access and Engagement in a UK Adult Burns Clinical Psychology Service
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(2), 195-202; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4020017 - 04 May 2023
Abstract
Ethnic inequalities exist across healthcare, including access to and experiences and outcomes of mental health services. Access to and engagement with burns clinical psychology services is essential for all patients. This study aimed to explore the ethnic diversity of adults referred to a
[...] Read more.
Ethnic inequalities exist across healthcare, including access to and experiences and outcomes of mental health services. Access to and engagement with burns clinical psychology services is essential for all patients. This study aimed to explore the ethnic diversity of adults referred to a burns clinical psychology service compared to those admitted to the burns service. It also aimed to investigate associations between ethnicity and indicators of access and engagement (receiving, declining or not attending psychological assessments, receiving psychological therapy and the number of therapy sessions completed). Routinely collected data over eight years were analysed. Analysis revealed an association between ethnicity and referral to the burns clinical psychology service. Patients from White British and Other ethnic backgrounds were less likely to be referred, whereas patients from Black and Asian ethnic groups were more likely to be referred. There were no statistically significant associations between ethnicity and receiving, declining or not attending psychological assessments or receiving psychological therapy. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in the number of psychological therapy sessions received between the ethnic groups. Therefore, patients from ethnic minority groups did not appear to have significant difficulties engaging with the service but further research is recommended.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Psychosocial Burn Care)
Open AccessReview
Managing Thermal Injuries of the Penis and Scrotum: A Narrative Review
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(2), 184-194; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4020016 - 26 Apr 2023
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
While thermal injuries to the external genitalia occur less often than burns to the trunk and extremities, such injuries can potentially leave patients with devastating lifelong sequelae. Though much is known about treating burns in commonly exposed areas of the body, there is
[...] Read more.
While thermal injuries to the external genitalia occur less often than burns to the trunk and extremities, such injuries can potentially leave patients with devastating lifelong sequelae. Though much is known about treating burns in commonly exposed areas of the body, there is a lack of agreement concerning the management of genital thermal injuries. In this review, we seek to synthesize the past and existing literature into a clear analysis while reviewing current recommendations and new developments in the management of genital thermal injuries of the penis and scrotum. Specifically, recommendations for managing genital burns are discussed, including the role of urinary and fecal diversion, debridement, use of skin grafts, and flap coverage choice. Finally, less common thermal injuries, such as frostbite of the genitalia, are discussed.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Post-Burn Psychosocial Outcomes in Pediatric Minority Patients in the United States: An Observational Cohort Burn Model System Study
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(2), 173-183; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4020015 - 03 Apr 2023
Abstract
Racial and ethnic minority burn patients face barriers to longitudinal psychosocial support after injury. Studies utilizing the Burn Model System (BMS) National Database report adult minority patients experience worse psychosocial outcomes in domains such as body image during burn recovery. No study to
[...] Read more.
Racial and ethnic minority burn patients face barriers to longitudinal psychosocial support after injury. Studies utilizing the Burn Model System (BMS) National Database report adult minority patients experience worse psychosocial outcomes in domains such as body image during burn recovery. No study to date has investigated disparities in psychosocial outcomes by racial or ethnic category in the pediatric population using the BMS database. This observational cohort study addresses this gap and examines seven psychosocial outcomes (levels of anger, sadness, depression, anxiety, fatigue, peer relationships, and pain) in pediatric burn patients. The BMS database is a national collection of burn patient outcomes from four centers in the United States. BMS outcomes collected were analyzed using multi-level, linear mixed effects regression modeling to examine associations between race/ethnicity and outcomes at discharge after index hospitalization, and 6- and 12-months post-injury. A total of 275 pediatric patients were included, of which 199 (72.3%) were Hispanic. After burn injury, of which the total body surface area was significantly associated with racial/ethnicity category (p < 0.01), minority patients more often reported higher levels of sadness, fatigue, and pain interference and lower levels of peer relationships compared to Non-Hispanic, White patients, although no significant differences existed. Black patients reported significantly increased sadness at six months (β = 9.31, p = 0.02) compared to discharge. Following burn injury, adult minority patients report significantly worse psychosocial outcomes than non-minority patients. However, these differences are less profound in pediatric populations. Further investigation is needed to understand why this change happens as individuals become adults.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Long-Term Outcomes after Burn Injuries: Strategies to Optimize Recovery)
Open AccessArticle
Review of Indications for Endotracheal Intubation in Burn Patients with Suspected Inhalational Injury
by
, , , , , , and
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(2), 163-172; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4020014 - 29 Mar 2023
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Inhalation injury is a major contributor to mortality following burn injury. Despite recognised clinical criteria to guide the intubation of burn patients, concerns remain regarding overutilisation of intubation. Complications can arise as a result of intubation, including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This study reviews
[...] Read more.
Inhalation injury is a major contributor to mortality following burn injury. Despite recognised clinical criteria to guide the intubation of burn patients, concerns remain regarding overutilisation of intubation. Complications can arise as a result of intubation, including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This study reviews the indications for intubation against the internationally accepted criteria (American Burns Association (ABA) and Denver criteria) for burn patients treated at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) burns unit between 2017 and 2020. Burn patients who were intubated on arrival to the RAH or in a pre-hospital setting were identified using the BRANZ database. Indications for intubation were compared to the ABA and Denver criteria. A total of 61 patients were identified with a mean total body surface area of 17.8%. A total of 95% of patients met one of the ABA and Denver criteria. The most common ABA and Denver criteria for intubation was deep facial burns or singed facial hair, respectively. Most adult patients with burns admitted to the RAH are intubated per published criteria. Early nasoendoscopy/bronchoscopy may be useful in determining patients who can be safely extubated within 48 h.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessSystematic Review
Laser, Intense Pulsed Light, and Radiofrequency for the Treatment of Burn Scarring: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(2), 142-162; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4020013 - 23 Mar 2023
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Burns and scarring are considered some of the greatest problems in public health because of their frequent occurrence. Today, photo-electric technology shows promising results in the treatment of burn scars. Over the years, more clinical trials and more technologies for scarring have emerged.
[...] Read more.
Burns and scarring are considered some of the greatest problems in public health because of their frequent occurrence. Today, photo-electric technology shows promising results in the treatment of burn scars. Over the years, more clinical trials and more technologies for scarring have emerged. The aim of this study was to determine better timing and methods of photo-electric therapy for burn scars. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023397244), following the PRISMA statement, and was carried out in concordance with the PRISMA checklist. In October 2022, we searched PubMed.gov, Embase, and the Cochrane library (1980–present) for published studies related to the photo-electric treatment of burn scars. Two review authors independently selected the studies, extracted the data, assessed the risk of bias among the studies included, and carried out NIH assessments to assess the certainty of the evidence. A third review author arbitrated any disagreements. Our research included 39 studies. We found evidence suggesting that photo-electric therapy between six months and one year offers significantly better outcomes than treatment of scarring after one year. The evidence also suggests the use of IPL for the treatment of early burn scarring. However, it is important to emphasize that the scientific evidence remains insufficient. We need more clinical trials of higher quality and with less heterogeneity to confirm our results.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial Evaluating a Regenerative Epithelial Suspension for Medium-Size Partial-Thickness Burns in Children: The BRACS Trial
by
, , , , and
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(1), 121-141; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4010012 - 22 Mar 2023
Abstract
Background: There is little evidence regarding the efficacy of Regenerative Epidermal Suspension (RES™) management for paediatric partial-thickness burns. The Biobrane® RECELL® Autologous skin Cell suspension and Silver dressings (BRACS) Trial evaluated three dressings for the re-epithelialisation of partial-thickness burns in children.
[...] Read more.
Background: There is little evidence regarding the efficacy of Regenerative Epidermal Suspension (RES™) management for paediatric partial-thickness burns. The Biobrane® RECELL® Autologous skin Cell suspension and Silver dressings (BRACS) Trial evaluated three dressings for the re-epithelialisation of partial-thickness burns in children. Methods: Eligible children (age ≤ 16 years; ≥5% TBSA; ≤48 h of injury) were randomised to silver dressings, RES™/Biobrane® or Biobrane®. The measured outcomes were the time to re-epithelialisation (primary outcome), pain, itch, intervention fidelity, treatment satisfaction, health-related quality of life, health resource utilisation and adverse effects. Results: The median time to re-epithelialisation in days was no different for RES™/Biobrane® at 12 (IQR: 5.6–18.4; n = 7) and slower by two days for Biobrane® at 14 (IQR: 6.3–21.7; n = 7) when compared to silver dressings 12 (IQR: 3.7–20.3; n = 8). Reduced pain, fewer infections, no sepsis, no skin graft, and the lowest impact on health-related quality of life were reported in the RES™/Biobrane® group compared to other groups. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, recruitment suspension resulted in a smaller cohort than expected and an underpowered study. Conclusions: The pilot trial findings should be interpreted cautiously; however, they indicate that a fully powered randomised controlled trial is warranted to substantiate the role of RES™ for medium to large paediatric partial-thickness burn management.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Pediatric Burns)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
High Expansion Auxetic Skin Graft Simulants for Severe Burn Injury Mitigation
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(1), 108-120; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4010011 - 11 Mar 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
Burn injuries are commonly treated with split-thickness skin grafting. However, low expansions offered by spilt-thickness skin grafting inhibit the treatment of large and severe burn injuries when limited donor skin is available. To overcome this gap, in this work, it was attempted to
[...] Read more.
Burn injuries are commonly treated with split-thickness skin grafting. However, low expansions offered by spilt-thickness skin grafting inhibit the treatment of large and severe burn injuries when limited donor skin is available. To overcome this gap, in this work, it was attempted to study the expansion potential of skin grafts with novel auxetic incisions with rotating rectangle (RR), honeycomb (HC), alternating slit (AS), H-shaped (HS), Y-shaped (YS), and I-shaped (IS) unit cells, through development of skin graft simulants. Clinically relevant biaxial load testing was conducted to estimate the stress–strain response, void area, and meshing ratio. Moreover, hyperelastic constitutive models were employed to characterize the non-linear biomechanical behavior of the skin graft simulants. The maximum void area increase was observed in the HS skin graft simulant, indicating low skin cover. Overall, the IS auxetic skin graft design exhibited meshing ratio higher than traditional grafts (>3:1), low void area and stresses, which can be beneficial for large skin cover and burn wound healing. With further optimization and clinical tests, the auxetic skin graft designs may find a place with the graft manufacturers for fabrication of grafts with better surgical outcomes for severe burn injuries.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidermal and Dermal Skin Substitutes in Burn Care)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessCase Report
The Roles of Clinical Psychologists in Burns Care: A Case Study Highlighting Benefits of Multidisciplinary Care
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(1), 101-107; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4010010 - 06 Mar 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
The British National Burn Care Standards highlight the importance of routine psychosocial screening to optimise psychological well-being following burn injury. Routine screening enables clinicians to identify those who may benefit from further psychological intervention. In this case, we outline how active follow-up from
[...] Read more.
The British National Burn Care Standards highlight the importance of routine psychosocial screening to optimise psychological well-being following burn injury. Routine screening enables clinicians to identify those who may benefit from further psychological intervention. In this case, we outline how active follow-up from routine psychosocial screening and early intervention supports psychological recovery from a burn injury and how multidisciplinary care can be incorporated into cognitive therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder. This case also illustrates how psychologists are well positioned within physical healthcare to notice themes arising in patient care and use this to inform service development, for example, through staff training.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Psychosocial Burn Care)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Highly Accessed Articles
Latest Books
E-Mail Alert
News
Topics
Conferences
Special Issues
Special Issue in
EBJ
Long-Term Outcomes after Burn Injuries: Strategies to Optimize Recovery
Guest Editors: Nicole S. Gibran, Haig Yenikomshian, Gretchen Carrougher, Samuel MandellDeadline: 30 September 2023
Special Issue in
EBJ
Person-Centered and Family-Centered Care Following Burn Injuries
Guest Editors: Alette de Jong, Nancy Van LoeyDeadline: 15 October 2023
Special Issue in
EBJ
Management of Pediatric Burns
Guest Editors: Yaron Shoham, Yuval KriegerDeadline: 28 October 2023
Special Issue in
EBJ
Current and Future Challenges in Reconstructive Burn Surgery
Guest Editors: Andrew Holland, Rei OgawaDeadline: 1 December 2023