Deep Partial Thickness Burns Research Articles

Clinical efficacy of negative-pressure wound therapy combined with porcine acellular dermal matrix for repairing deep burn wounds in limbs

Clinical efficacy of negative-pressure wound therapy combined with porcine acellular dermal matrix for repairing deep burn wounds in limbs

108 - Treatment Using Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Produces Minimal Scar Tissue and Superior Tissue Regeneration in Deep Partial Thickness Burn Wounds: An in Vivo Study

108 - Treatment Using Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Produces Minimal Scar Tissue and Superior Tissue Regeneration in Deep Partial Thickness Burn Wounds: An in Vivo Study

Fibrin Hydrogels Prevent Contraction and Deliver Adipose Stem Cells to Debrided Deep Partial Thickness Burns for Accelerated Angiogenesis

Autografts for wound coverage often have limited availability, and result in donor site morbidities. Many different tissue engineering strategies have been explored to minimize and/or circumvent the need for grafting, however none have proven adequate. One promising technologyis PEGylated fibrin (PEG‐fibrin) hydrogels that have previously been shown to deliver adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) for enhanced angiogenesis. Here, we investigate the effectiveness of the combination of ASCs and PEG‐fibrin hydrogels in a porcine model of debrided burn wounds. We hypothesized that the scaffolding provided by PEG‐fibrin would mitigate the contraction seen upon meshing of autografts, while ASC delivery would accelerate wound healing. Deep‐partial thickness burns were created on the dorsum of anesthetized Yorkshire pigs, and subsequently debrided on post‐injury day 4. After debridement, wounds were treated with: split thickness skin grafts (STSG);meshed STSG at 1:1.5 (mSTSG); and mSTSG + PEG‐fibrin with ASCs at 0, 1×105,5×105, and 1×106 cells per 3cm diameter wound. Photographs and biopsies were taken on post‐burn days 10, 14, 21, and 42, with euthanasiaon post‐burn day 42. Excised tissue was processed for routine histopathology and western blot analysis. Treatment with mSTSG resulted in significantly more contraction of wounds (88.9 ± 5.6 % of original area) compared to those treated with STSG (109.3 ± 5.0% of original area) and mSTSG + PEG‐fibrin (110.6 ± 6.9% of original area) out to day 42 post‐burn. When ASCs were delivered to the wounds in PEG‐fibrin, the size of blood vessels counted via histopathology on day 10post‐injury increased in a dose dependent fashion. Furthermore, the size oxblood vessels significantly correlated with CD31 protein levels (r=0.69, P<0.0042). Surprisingly, there was no effect on reepithelialization of the wounds. The current report describes a dual‐action adjunct therapy to autografting which can be administered in situ. Specifically, PEG‐fibrin hydrogels act not only as scaffolding, which prevents the ensuing contraction after skin autografts are meshed but also as delivery vehicles for ASCs, which ultimately accelerate angiogenesis in a dose‐dependent fashion. This platform may be used to deliver other cell types or growth factors for accelerating wound closure and improving wound outcomes. The ultimate goal in investigating the combination of ASCs and PEG‐fibrin is to generate vascularized skin equivalents to for enhanced graft integration and reduced scarring.Support or Funding InformationMedical Research and Materiel Command (MRMC) provided funding for this project.

Paediatric suicidal burns: A growing concern

An alarming rise in rates of paediatric population committing self-immolation acts is a growing social and medical problem. In recent times there seems to be a rising concern in paediatric population. A study was conducted at a government tertiary care burn centre over 5 years in paediatric age group of <18 years who had committed self-immolation. Demographic data, aetiology, burn severity, associated illnesses, treatment and outcomes of the patients were collected with preventive strategies. Of total 89 patients, 12 patients were below 12 years (children) and 77 between 12–18 years (adolescent) with female preponderance. Majority belonged to lower middle and upper lower class families. Most had deep partial thickness burns. Psychiatric and personality disorder were found in 24.03% and 31.46% patients respectively. Kerosene was the main agent chosen to inflict injury. The average length of hospital stay was 19.8 days. The crude mortality rate observed was 38.2%. With cultural and socio-economic changes children and adolescents are exposed to increased levels of stress and peer pressure leaving them vulnerable. A multidisciplinary care involving medical, psychological and social support is required. Identifying children at risk and proper counselling and support can form an important strategy at prevention rather than cure.

Use of porcine acellular dermal matrix following early dermabrasion reduces length of stay in extensive deep dermal burns

ObjectiveExtensive deep partial-thickness burns still seriously challenge the surgeon's abilities. This study aimed to assess the impact of early dermabrasion combined with porcine acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in extensive deep dermal burns. MethodsFrom September 2009 to September 2013, a total of 60 adult patients sustained greater than 50% total body surface area (TBSA) burn by hot water or gas explosion were divided into three groups based on dermabrasion: group A (early dermabrasion and porcine ADM), group B (early dermabrasion and nano-silver dressings), and group C (conservative group). The wound healing time and length of hospital stay were analyzed. Scar assessment was performed at 3 and 12 months after the injury with a modified Vancouver Scar Scale linked with TBSA (mVSS-TBSA). ResultsNo significant difference was found in mean burn size, burn depth, age, male-to-female ratio, or incidence of inhalation injury between the patients in the three groups (p>0.05). Compared with groups B and C, the patients that received early dermabrasion combined with porcine ADM had a shorter wound healing time (p<0.01). The burn patients treated with early dermabrasion and porcine ADM coverage had a mean length of hospital stay of 28.3 days (±7.2), which was significantly shorter than that of groups B and C (p<0.05–0.01). The mVSS-TBSA of patients in group A was significantly improved in comparison with groups B and C at 3 and 12 months after the injury. There was no significant difference in the mortality rate between the three groups (p>0.05). ConclusionEarly dermabrasion combined with porcine ADM coverage facilitates wound healing, reduces the length of hospital stay, and improves esthetic and functional results in extensive deep dermal burns with burn size over 50% TBSA.

Multispectral and Photoplethysmography Optical Imaging Techniques Identify Important Tissue Characteristics in an Animal Model of Tangential Burn Excision.

Burn excision, a difficult technique owing to the training required to identify the extent and depth of injury, will benefit from a tool that can cue the surgeon as to where and how much to resect. We explored two rapid and noninvasive optical imaging techniques in their ability to identify burn tissue from the viable wound bed using an animal model of tangential burn excision. Photoplethysmography (PPG) imaging and multispectral imaging (MSI) were used to image the initial, intermediate, and final stages of burn excision of a deep partial-thickness burn. PPG imaging maps blood flow in the skin's microcirculation, and MSI collects the tissue reflectance spectrum in visible and infrared wavelengths of light to classify tissue based on a reference library. A porcine deep partial-thickness burn model was generated and serial tangential excision accomplished with an electric dermatome set to 1.0 mm depth. Excised eschar was stained with hematoxylin and eosin to determine the extent of burn remaining at each excision depth. We confirmed that the PPG imaging device showed significantly less blood flow where burn tissue was present, and the MSI method could delineate burn tissue in the wound bed from the viable wound bed. These results were confirmed independently by a histological analysis. We found these devices can identify the proper depth of excision, and their images could cue a surgeon as to the preparedness of the wound bed for grafting. These image outputs are expected to facilitate clinical judgment in the operating room.

Fibrin gel as a scaffold for skin substitute – production and clinical experience.

The purpose of this study was to create a fibrin-based human skin substitute in vitro with epidermal and dermal component and to assess its healing potential in deep partial and full thickness burns. Fibrin scaffolds were prepared from commercial fibrin glue kits. Human fibroblasts were cultured in fibrin gel. Human keratinocytes were seeded on the top of the gel. Viability of cells was determined fluorimetrically. Scanning electron microscope and immunocytochemistry analysis of cultured cells were performed. After hydrosurgical preparation of deep burn necrotic tissue, wound bed was prepared for skin substitutes. Progress of healing was documented using visual estimation and photos. Scanning electron microscope images showed good cell attachment and colony spreading of keratinocytes and fibroblasts on fibrin scaff old. Immunofluorescent staining of cell cultures on fibrin scaffold showed expression of vimentin, a marker of fibroblast cells, cytokeratin 19, a marker of epithelial stem cells, as well as involucrin, a marker of differentiated keratinocytes. Clinical results clearly showed that appearance of the skin did not differ significantly from the areas of transplanted skin using split-thickness skin graft techniques. In conclusion, using these fibrin-cultured autografts on massive full-thickness burn resulted in good healing.

Assessment of Deep Partial Thickness Burn Treatment with Keratin Biomaterial Hydrogels in a Swine Model.

Partial thickness burns can advance to full thickness after initial injury due to inadequate tissue perfusion and increased production of inflammatory cytokines, which has been referred to as burn wound progression. In previous work, we demonstrated that a keratin biomaterial hydrogel appeared to reduce burn wound progression. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that a modified keratin hydrogel could reduce burn wound progression and speed healing. Standardized burn wounds were created in Yorkshire swine and treated within 30 minutes with keratin hydrogel (modified and unmodified), collagen hydrogel, or silver sulfadiazine (SSD). Digital images of each wound were taken for area measurements immediately prior to cleaning and dressing changes. Wound tissue was collected and assessed histologically at several time points. Wound area showed a significant difference between hydrogels and SSD groups, and rates of reepithelialization at early time points showed an increase when keratin treatment was used compared to both collagen and SSD. A linear regression model predicted a time to wound closure of approximately 25 days for keratin hydrogel while SSD treatment required 35 days. There appeared to be no measurable differences between the modified and unmodified formulations of keratin hydrogels.

Efficacy of glutathione mesotherapy in burns: an experimental study.

Thermal burns are the leading cause of trauma worldwide. Currently, no consensus on optimal treatment of deep partial-thickness (second-degree) burns has emerged, as reflected by the wide variability in available wound-care materials. The relative efficacies of products used for treatment of partial-thickness thermal burns remain unclear. Mesotherapy features intradermal administration of various agents, depending on burn location. In the present experimental study, we explored the efficacy of mesotherapy used to treat partial-thickness thermal burns in 50 male Wistar rats divided into five groups of equal number. No procedure was performed after infliction of thermal burns in control group (Group 1). Mesotherapy was applied with physiological saline in sham group (Group 2), glutathione, taurine, and L-carnitine were separately applied in Group 3, Group 4, and Group 5, respectively. Mesotherapeutic agents were injected intradermally into the reticular layer of the dermis using the point technique. The first course of mesotherapy was given within the first 2h after infliction of thermal burns, and therapy was continued to day 10. On day 22, unhealed thermal burn areas were measured prior to sacrifice, and biopsies covering the total areas of burns were performed to allow of pathological evaluation. Group 3 (the glutathione group) showed the best extent of healing, followed by Group 4 (the taurine group) and Group 5 (the L-carnitine group). The healed thermal burn areas in these groups were significantly greater than those in the control and sham groups (P=0.001). All of healing, acute and chronic inflammation, the amount of granulation tissue, the level of fibroblast maturation, the amount of collagen, the extent of re-epithelization and neovascularization, and ulcer depth were scored upon pathological examination of tissue cross-sections. The best outcomes were evident in the glutathione group, with statistical significance. Although wound healing in the L-carnitine and taurine groups was better than in the control and sham groups, the differences were not statistically significant. Thus, glutathione mesotherapy was effective when used to treat partial-thickness thermal burns and may be a useful treatment option for various human burns.

Topical antibiotic ointment versus silver-containing foam dressing for second-degree burns in swine.

Second-degree burns are very common but their management is controversial. These burns may be treated with either topical antimicrobial agents or advanced occlusive dressings; however, there is no established treatment comparator for preclinical studies. This study was designed to determine which of two commonly used comparator therapies (a silver-containing advanced dressing or a topical antibiotic ointment) resulted in faster reepithelialization and less scarring. The hypothesis was that second-degree burns treated with a topical antimicrobial ointment would heal faster and with less scarring than those treated with a silver-containing occlusive foam dressing in a porcine model. Deep partial-thickness burns were created on the flanks of three anesthetized female domestic pigs (20 to 25 kg) using a 150-g aluminum bar preheated in 80°C water bath and applied to the skin for 20 seconds using a force of 2 kg. The burn eschars were excised 48 hours later with an electric dermatome set at a depth of 0.75 mm. The wound beds were treated with a thin layer of triple-antibiotic petrolatum-based ointment (changed three times weekly) or a silver-containing foam dressing (changed once weekly). Full-thickness punch biopsies were obtained at 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, and 21 days for determination of percentage complete wound reepithelialization and at 28 days for measurement of scar depth. At all dressing changes the wounds treated with the topical antibiotic appeared moist, while those treated with the silver-based dressings appeared dry. At day 21 all wounds treated with the ointment were completely reepithelialized, while only 55% of those treated with the silver dressing were reepithelialized (p < 0.001). Scar depth at day 28 was also significantly less in wounds treated with the topical antibiotic ointment (4.3 mm vs. 5.1 mm, difference = 0.7 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.1 to 1.4 mm). There was less scar contraction in wounds treated with the topical antibiotic compared with the silver-based dressing (mean ± SD = 25.0% ± 14.6% vs. 38.9% ± 16.9%, difference = 13.9%; 95% CI = 5.7% to 22.0%). In this model of excised deep partial-thickness burns, a triple-antibiotic ointment enhanced reepithelialization and reduced scar depth and contraction compared with a silver-based foam dressing. This triple-antibiotic ointment should be considered as a control for studies evaluating novel topical burn therapies.

Estimating the time and temperature relationship for causation of deep-partial thickness skin burns

The objective of this study is to develop and present a simple procedure for evaluating the temperature and exposure-time conditions that lead to causation of a deep-partial thickness burn and the effect that the immediate post-burn thermal environment can have on the process. A computational model has been designed and applied to predict the time required for skin burns to reach a deep-partial thickness level of injury. The model includes multiple tissue layers including the epidermis, dermis, hypodermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Simulated exposure temperatures ranged from 62.8 to 87.8°C (145–190°F). Two scenarios were investigated. The first and worst case scenario was a direct exposure to water (characterized by a large convection coefficient) with the clothing left on the skin following the exposure. A second case consisted of a scald insult followed immediately by the skin being washed with cool water (20°C). For both cases, an Arrhenius injury model was applied whereby the extent and depth of injury were calculated and compared for the different post-burn treatments. In addition, injury values were compared with experiment data from the literature to assess verification of the numerical methodology. It was found that the clinical observations of injury extent agreed with the calculated values. Furthermore, inundation with cool water decreased skin temperatures more quickly than the clothing insulating case and led to a modest decrease in the burn extent.

Use of a copolymer dressing on superficial and partial-thickness burns in a paediatric population.

Despite extensive research into the treatment of partial-thickness burns, to date there has not been the emergence of a preeminent modality. This pilot study, the first such study to be performed in a burn unit in the US, was designed to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of the application of copolymer dressing (Suprathel; PolyMedics Innovations Corporation, Stuttgart, Germany) for both superficial and deeper partial-thickness burns. The copolymer dressing was used as a primary wound dressing to treat superficial and deep partial-thickness burns (average 5% total body surface area) in paediatric patients. Burns were debrided within 24 hours, at bedside, in the burn unit or in the operating room. The copolymer dressing was then applied directly to the wound and covered with a non-adherent second layer and an absorptive outer dressing. After discharge, patients were seen every 5-7 days until healed. Parameters evaluated included average hospital length of stay, average number of intravenous doses of narcotics administered, pain score at first follow-up visit, average time to complete re epithelialisation, incidence of burn wound infection, and patient/parent satisfaction on a 4-point scale. We also evaluated our experience with the dressing. Data were evaluated retrospectively under an Investigational Review Board approved protocol. Of the 17 patients assessed the average hospital length of stay was 1.4 days during which the average number of intravenous narcotic doses administered before copolymer dressing application was 1.5 and after was 0.1 doses. At the first follow-up visit, average pain score was 1.2 on a 10-point scale and the average time to re epithelialisation was 9.5 days. There was no incidence of burn wound infection. Patient/parent satisfaction was average of 3.66 on a 4-point scale. The staff had found that the self-adherence and elasticity of the dressing made it easy to apply and stay adherent, especially in areas of difficult contour. There were no readmissions for further debridement or skin grafting. Our experience shows that patients may be discharged shortly after the application of the copolymer dressing, with manageable pain scores and ease of use as determined by the caretakers high satisfaction. This new, fully synthetic copolymer dressing is easy to apply, does not require any additional antimicrobial coverage and may be used to successfully manage deeper partial-thickness burns, donor sites or burns in areas of contour, where many other dressings might not be considered or be appropriate. None declared.

Surgical wound debridement sequentially characterized in a porcine burn model with multispectral imaging

IntroductionMultispectral imaging (MSI) is an optical technique that measures specific wavelengths of light reflected from wound site tissue to determine the severity of burn wounds. A rapid MSI device to measure burn depth and guide debridement will improve clinical decision making and diagnoses. MethodologyWe used a porcine burn model to study partial thickness burns of varying severity. We made eight 4×4cm burns on the dorsum of one minipig. Four burns were studied intact, and four burns underwent serial tangential excision. We imaged the burn sites with 400–1000nm wavelengths. ResultsHistology confirmed that we achieved various partial thickness burns. Analysis of spectral images show that MSI detects significant variations in the spectral profiles of healthy tissue, superficial partial thickness burns, and deep partial thickness burns. The absorbance spectra of 515, 542, 629, and 669nm were the most accurate in distinguishing superficial from deep partial thickness burns, while the absorbance spectra of 972nm was the most accurate in guiding the debridement process. ConclusionThe ability to distinguish between partial thickness burns of varying severity to assess whether a patient requires surgery could be improved with an MSI device in a clinical setting.

Clinical effects of gabapentin on the treatment of pruritus of scar resulting from deep partial-thickness burn

To study the clinical effects of gabapentin on the treatment of pruritus of scar resulting from deep partial-thickness burn. A total of fifty-eight patients suffering from pruritus of scar after deep partial-thickness burn were hospitalized from January 2013 to January 2014. Patients were divided into placebo group (n =18, treated with oral vitamin C in the dose of 100 mg for 4 weeks, twice per day) , cetirizine group (n = 20, treated with oral cetirizine in the dose of 10 mg for 4 weeks, twice per day) , and gabapentin group (n = 20, treated with oral gabapentin in the dose of 300 mg for 4 weeks, twice per day) . Before treatment and on post treatment day (PTD) 3 and 28, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess the itching degree, and the mean scores were recorded. The remission rates of pruritus on PTD 3 and 28 were calculated. The adverse effects were observed during treatment. Data were processed with analysis of variance, q test, and chi-square test. Compared with that before treatment, the itching degree of patients with light, moderate, and severe itching in placebo group was not relieved after treatment; the itching degree of patients with moderate or severe itching in cetirizine group was alleviated after treatment, but not in patients with light itching; itching degree of all patients in gabapentin group was significantly relieved after treatment. There were no obvious differences in VAS scores among the 3 groups before treatment (F = 2.78, P > 0.05). On PTD 3 and 28, the VAS scores of patients in both gabapentin group [(2.3 ± 0.8) and (0.6 ± 0.3) points] and cetirizine group [(4.2 ± 1.7) and (2.8 ± 1.2) points] were lower than those in placebo group [(5.7 ± 2.0) and (5.7 ± 1.9) points, with q values from 6.70 to 7.75, P values below 0.05]. The VAS scores of patients in gabapentin group on PTD 3 and 28 were lower than those in cetirizine group (with q values respectively 6.30 and 6.90, P values below 0.05). The remission rates of pruritus of patients in gabapentin group on PTD 3 and 28 were respectively (66 ± 20)% and (91 ± 17)%, and they were higher than those in cetirizine group [(33 ± 8)% and (56 ± 14)%, with q values respectively 4.70 and 3.82, P values below 0.05]. The remission rate of pruritus of patients in placebo group on PTD 3 and 28 was 0, which was lower than that of the other 2 groups each (with q values from 3.94 to 6.76, P values below 0.05). During the course of treatment, 5 patients in gabapentin group suffered from adverse effects including mild-to-moderate drowsiness and dizziness, but they disappeared one week later. No adverse effects were observed in patients of the other two groups. For patients with deep partial-thickness burn, gabapentin can effectively alleviate scar itching after wound healing with safety.

Evaluation of oral-motor movements and facial mimic in patients with head and neck burns by a public service in Brazil

OBJECTIVES:The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of oral-motor movements and facial mimic in patients with head and neck burns.METHODS:An observational descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with patients who suffered burns to the head and neck and who were referred to the Division of Orofacial Myology of a public hospital for assessment and rehabilitation. Only patients presenting deep partial-thickness and full-thickness burns to areas of the face and neck were included in the study. Patients underwent clinical assessment that involved an oral-motor evaluation, mandibular range of movement assessment, and facial mimic assessment. Patients were divided into two groups: G1 - patients with deep partial-thickness burns; G2 - patients with full-thickness burns.RESULTS:Our final study sample comprised 40 patients: G1 with 19 individuals and G2 with 21 individuals. The overall scores obtained in the clinical assessment of oral-motor organs indicated that patients with both second- and third-degree burns presented deficits related to posture, position and mobility of the oral-motor organs. Considering facial mimic, groups significantly differed when performing voluntary facial movements. Patients also presented limited maximal incisor opening. Deficits were greater for individuals in G2 in all assessments.CONCLUSION:Patients with head and neck burns present significant deficits related to posture, position and mobility of the oral myofunctional structures, including facial movements.

Acute discrimination between superficial-partial and deep-partial thickness burns in a preclinical model with laser speckle imaging

A critical need exists for a robust method that enables early discrimination between superficial-partial and deep-partial thickness burn wounds. In this study, we report on the use of laser speckle imaging (LSI), a simple, non-invasive, optical imaging modality, to measure acute blood flow dynamics in a preclinical burn model. We used a heated brass comb to induce burns of varying severity to nine rats and collected raw speckle reflectance images over the course of three hours after burn. We induced a total of 12 superficial-partial and 18 deep-partial thickness burn wounds. At 3h after burn we observed a 28% and 44% decrease in measured blood flow for superficial-partial and deep-partial thickness burns, respectively, and that these reductions were significantly different (p=0.00007). This preliminary data suggests the potential role of LSI in the clinical management of burn wounds.

Study of the use of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor hydrogel externally to treat residual wounds of extensive deep partial-thickness burn

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to observe the clinical effects of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) hydrogel in the treatment of residual wounds of extensive deep partial-thickness burn. MethodsIn this study, 21 subjects who sustained deep partial-thickness burns, which did not heal over 8 weeks, were observed. These were randomly assigned to two paired groups: the experimental group (using rhGM-CSF, n=21) and the control group (using mupirocin ointment, n=21). The wound dressings were changed once daily. Wound secretion, inflammation, granulation tissues, local and general side effects of the drug, wound healing time, and healing rate at different times were observed and compared between the two groups. The differences in the pathology of new vessels and fibroblasts between the two groups were observed, and their number in immunohistochemistry was detected. ResultsThe wound healing time was 17.28±6.70 days in the experimental group. It was significantly shorter than that of the control group (22.14±7.38 days). The healing rates at 10 and 14 days in the experimental group were 54±27% and 60±36%, respectively. These healing rates were remarkably higher than those of the control group (43±27% and 48±30%). On the 3rd, 7th, 10th, and 14th day, the experimental group was obviously superior to the control group in wound inflammation, secretion, and granulation tissues. Furthermore, on the 7th, 10th, 14th, 21st, and 28th day, the bacterial clearance rates of the experimental group (42.85%, 52.38%, 90.47%, 95.24%, and 95.24%) were higher than those of the control group (4.76%, 4.76%, 38.10%, 76.19%, and 80.95%). On the 14th day, the average optical density of the vascular endothelial factor (VEGF) of the experimental group (0.21±0.01) is bigger than that of the control group (0.18±0.02) (P<0.05), and the average optical density of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) of the experimental group (0.25±0.01) is also larger than that of the control group (0.18±0.02) (P<0.05). ConclusionrhGM-CSF hydrogel effectively promotes the healing process of residual wounds of extensive deep partial-thickness burns. The hydrogel removed most of the bacteria or inhibited growth, and the local and general side reactions of the drug were mild during the study.

Establishing a Reproducible Hypertrophic Scar following Thermal Injury: A Porcine Model.

Background:Our complete understanding of hypertrophic scarring is still deficient, as portrayed by the poor clinical outcomes when treating them. To address the need for alternative treatment strategies, we assess the swine animal burn model as an initial approach for immature scar evaluation and therapeutic application.Methods:Thermal contact burns were created on the dorsum of 3 domestic swine with the use of a branding iron at 170°F for 20 seconds. Deep partial-thickness burns were cared for with absorptive dressings over 10 weeks and wounds evaluated with laser and negative pressure transduction, histology, photographic analysis, and RNA isolation.Results:Overall average stiffness (mm Hg/mm) increased and elasticity (mm) decreased in the scars from the initial burn injury to 8 weeks when compared with normal skin (P < 0.01). Scars were thicker, more erythematous, and uniform in the caudal dorsum. The percent change of erythema in wounds increased from weeks 6 to 10. Histology demonstrated loss of dermal papillae, increased myofibroblast presence, vertically oriented vessels, epidermal and dermal hypercellularity, and parallel-layered collagen deposition. Immature scars remained elevated at 10 weeks, and minimal RNA was able to be isolated from the tissue.Conclusions:Deep partial-thickness thermal injury to the back of domestic swine produces an immature hypertrophic scar by 10 weeks following burn with thickness appearing to coincide with the location along the dorsal axis. With minimal pig to pig variation, we describe our technique to provide a testable immature scar model.

Management of acute complications of pediatric burns - our experience of 7 years

Material and Methods: This is a retrospective review of children with burns admitted to the Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital, a 220-bed tertiary-care children's hospital in Chennai, India. Results: Four hundred and twenty-nine children with burns were admitted and treated between 2007 and 2014. Among these, 40 patients with over 20% deep and deep partial thickness burns were transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for various acute complications. In the presence of invasive sepsis or complication at the time of admission or later, the children are transferred to the PICU. Of the 40 cases transferred, 13 died and 27 survived. Details of the management of these complications and the causes of death were analyzed. It was realized that the survival of 27 burnt children was possible due to the combined team approach of treatment by the burn and plastic surgeons and the intensivists of the PICU. Conclusion: Continued approach is necessary for better survival in pediatric burns.

Treatment of secondary burn wound progression in contact burns-a systematic review of experimental approaches.

After a burn injury, superficial partial-thickness burn wounds may progress to deep partial-thickness or full-thickness burn wounds, if kept untreated. This phenomenon is called secondary burn wound progression or conversion. Burn wound depth is an important determinant of patient morbidity and mortality. Therefore, reduction or even the prevention of secondary burn wound progression is one goal of the acute care of burned patients. The objective of this study was to review preclinical approaches evaluating therapies to reduce burn wound progression. A systematic review of experimental approaches in animals that aim at reducing or preventing secondary burn wound progression was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The selected references consist of all the peer-reviewed studies performed in vivo in animals and review articles published in English, German, Italian, Spanish, or French language relevant to the topic of secondary burn wound progression. We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar including all the articles published from the beginning of notations to the present. The search was conducted between May 3, 2012 and December 26, 2013. We included 29 experimental studies in this review, investigating agents that maintain or increase local perfusion conditions, as well as agents that exhibit an anti-coagulatory, an anti-inflammatory, or an anti-apoptotic property. Warm water, simvastatin, EPO, or cerium nitrate may represent particularly promising approaches for the translation into clinical use in the near future. This review demonstrates promising experimental approaches that might reduce secondary burn wound progression. Nevertheless, a translation into clinical application needs to confirm the results compiled in experimental animal studies.