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Journal of Medical Cases May 2024It is extremely rare for blunt abdominal trauma to result in serious injuries to hollow organs. Degloving injuries of the colon are one of the rarest injuries following...
It is extremely rare for blunt abdominal trauma to result in serious injuries to hollow organs. Degloving injuries of the colon are one of the rarest injuries following blunt abdominal trauma. Intestinal degloving is often seen following rapid deceleration, changes in velocity, crushes and motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). Victims with intestinal degloving injuries can experience vague symptoms despite the severity of the lesion. We present the case of a 21-year-old male with insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes who was involved in a high-speed MVC. He sustained second- and third-degree burns to the extremities, right carotid artery dissection, and multiple fractures to the mandible, pelvis and forearm. Free fluid was also noted in the pelvis prompting an emergent exploratory laparotomy. In the operating room, he was found to have a cecal serosal injury involving more than 50% of the circumference and a sigmoid and descending colon degloving injury of 50 cm. The injured segments were resected, and primary anastomoses were created. Degloving of the colon is extremely rare and the sigmoid is one of the more frequently documented locations of injury. Our case contributes to the limited literature available pertaining to the treatment of evolution of these severe colon injuries.
PubMed: 38715915
DOI: 10.14740/jmc4205 -
Annals of Burns and Fire Disasters Sep 2023Flare gun injuries are rare, and patients often present with complex trauma that may require multiple operative interventions. Our objective is to explore a case of a...
Flare gun injuries are rare, and patients often present with complex trauma that may require multiple operative interventions. Our objective is to explore a case of a 15-year-old male, who presented with second-degree flame burns to the face, left upper extremity and bilateral hands, as well as third-degree burns to the oropharynx and a tongue laceration after a flare gun was discharged into his mouth. The patient underwent multiple debridements of the oral cavity and oropharynx, and his hospital course was complicated by an intra-oral abscess. He eventually made a full recovery and was discharged. This case not only illustrates the need for early operative intervention, but it also underscores the need for awareness campaigns that highlight the dangers of flare guns and similar devices.
PubMed: 38680439
DOI: No ID Found -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a severe orthopedic issue that, if left untreated, can result in lasting nerve and muscle damage or even necessitate amputation. The...
Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a severe orthopedic issue that, if left untreated, can result in lasting nerve and muscle damage or even necessitate amputation. The association between admission laboratory blood test indicators and the occurrence of ACS in patients with tibial diaphysis fractures is currently a subject of debate. The objective of this research was to identify the contributing factors for ACS in individuals suffering from tibial diaphysis fractures. In this retrospective study, we collected data on a total of 705 individuals from our hospital, comprising 86 ACS patients and 619 non-ACS patients with tibial diaphysis fractures. These participants were categorized into two distinct groups: the ACS group and the non-ACS group. Despite the inherent limitations associated with retrospective analyses, such as potential biases in data collection and interpretation, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of demographics, comorbidities, and admission lab results. Our analytical approach included univariate analysis, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis techniques, aiming to mitigate these limitations and provide robust findings. The statistical analysis revealed several predictors of ACS, including gender (p = 0.011, OR = 3.200), crush injuries (p = 0.004, OR = 4.622), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (p < 0.001, OR = 1.003), and white blood cell (WBC) count (p < 0.001, OR = 1.246). Interestingly, the study also found that certain factors, such as falls on the same level (p = 0.007, OR = 0.334) and cholinesterase (CHE) levels (p < 0.001, OR = 0.721), seem to provide a degree of protection against ACS. In order to better predict ACS, the ROC curve analysis was employed, which determined threshold values for LDH and WBC. The established cut-off points were set at 266.26 U/L for LDH and 11.7 × 10 cells per liter for WBC, respectively. Our research has successfully pinpointed gender, crush injuries, LDH levels, and white blood cell (WBC) count as crucial risk factors for the development of ACS in patients experiencing tibial diaphysis fractures. Furthermore, by establishing the cut-off values for LDH and WBC, we have facilitated a more personalized assessment of ACS risk, enabling clinical doctors to implement targeted early interventions and optimize patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Diaphyses; Tibial Fractures; Compartment Syndromes; Risk Factors; Crush Injuries
PubMed: 38632464
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59669-1 -
BMC Microbiology Apr 2024Severe burns may alter the stability of the intestinal flora and affect the patient's recovery process. Understanding the characteristics of the gut microbiota in the...
BACKGROUND
Severe burns may alter the stability of the intestinal flora and affect the patient's recovery process. Understanding the characteristics of the gut microbiota in the acute phase of burns and their association with phenotype can help to accurately assess the progression of the disease and identify potential microbiota markers.
METHODS
We established mouse models of partial thickness deep III degree burns and collected faecal samples for 16 S rRNA amplification and high throughput sequencing at two time points in the acute phase for independent bioinformatic analysis.
RESULTS
We analysed the sequencing results using alpha diversity, beta diversity and machine learning methods. At both time points, 4 and 6 h after burning, the Firmicutes phylum content decreased and the content of the Bacteroidetes phylum content increased, showing a significant decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio compared to the control group. Nine bacterial genera changed significantly during the acute phase and occupied the top six positions in the Random Forest significance ranking. Clustering results also clearly showed that there was a clear boundary between the communities of burned and control mice. Functional analyses showed that during the acute phase of burn, gut bacteria increased lipoic acid metabolism, seleno-compound metabolism, TCA cycling, and carbon fixation, while decreasing galactose metabolism and triglyceride metabolism. Based on the abundance characteristics of the six significantly different bacterial genera, both the XGboost and Random Forest models were able to discriminate between the burn and control groups with 100% accuracy, while both the Random Forest and Support Vector Machine models were able to classify samples from the 4-hour and 6-hour burn groups with 86.7% accuracy.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study shows an increase in gut microbiota diversity in the acute phase of deep burn injury, rather than a decrease as is commonly believed. Severe burns result in a severe imbalance of the gut flora, with a decrease in probiotics and an increase in microorganisms that trigger inflammation and cognitive deficits, and multiple pathways of metabolism and substance synthesis are affected. Simple machine learning model testing suggests several bacterial genera as potential biomarkers of severe burn phenotypes.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Bacteria; Microbiota; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Firmicutes; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Burns
PubMed: 38622529
DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03266-9 -
Regenerative Therapy Dec 2024Wound healing is severely compromised in patients with diabetes owing to factors such poor blood circulation, delayed immune response, elevated blood sugar levels, and...
INTRODUCTION
Wound healing is severely compromised in patients with diabetes owing to factors such poor blood circulation, delayed immune response, elevated blood sugar levels, and neuropathy. Although the development of new wound healing products and prevention of serious complications such as infections in wounds have received substantial interest, wound healing remains a challenge in regenerative medicine. Burn wounds, especially third-degree burns, are difficult to treat because they are associated with immune and inflammatory reactions and distributive shock. Wound care and treatment that protects the burn site from infection and allows wound healing can be achieved with bioengineered wound dressings. However, few studies have reported effective dressings for third-degree burn wounds, making it important to develop new dressing materials.
METHODS
In this study, we developed an artificial amniotic membrane (AM) using epithelial and mesenchymal cells derived from human amnion as a novel dressing material. The artificial AM was applied to the wound of a diabetic third-degree burn model and its wound healing ability was evaluated.
RESULTS
This artificial amnion produced multiple growth factors associated with angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and anti-inflammation. In addition, angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation were promoted in the artificial AM-treated mouse group compared with the control group. Furthermore, the inflammatory phase was prolonged in the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
Our preliminary results indicate that the artificial AM might be useful as a new dressing for refractory ulcers and third-degree burns. This artificial AM-based material represents great potential for downstream clinical research and treatment of diabetes patients with third-degree burns.
PubMed: 38571890
DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.03.016 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Burn injuries are the most severe type of trauma, with complex biological consequences associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Prompt recognition and...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Burn injuries are the most severe type of trauma, with complex biological consequences associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Prompt recognition and management of burn-related complications are imperative for improving the vital and functional prognosis of the patient. Changes in biological parameters can be essential determinants in the prognosis of the burned patient. Thrombocytopenia in critically ill patients is linked to an elevated risk of mortality. We sought to investigate the significance of thrombocytopenia in severely burned patients while considering the limited available data in the literature.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A two-year retrospective study was conducted on 90 patients with severe burns admitted to our Burn Centre. Demographic data, burn lesion characteristics, and daily total blood counts, including platelet assessment, complications, and mortality, were recorded and analyzed.
RESULTS
Patients with extensive burns in our study had a poor prognosis based on their Abbreviated Burn Severity Index score (ABSI), age, percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) burned, presence of third-degree burns, and inhalation injuries. Regardless of the moment, patients with thrombocytopenia in our study died significantly more frequently. Compared with the survivors, the platelet count was significantly lower at any given time in the non-survivors group. Significant statistical associations between thrombocytopenia and ABSI score, burn surface area, presence of third-degree burns, and inhalation injuries were identified at different timeframes post-burn injury. Sepsis was encountered in one-third of the patients. Thrombocytopenia was more frequent in patients with sepsis who did not survive compared to survivors and did not normalize until the time of death.
CONCLUSIONS
Thrombocytopenia represents an early indicator of severe complications and outcome predictor in severely burned patients. It is correlated with recognized negative prognostic factors and also with sepsis occurrence. Future research efforts should focus on refining early detection parameters and interventions to improve the prognosis of burn patients.
PubMed: 38535003
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14060582 -
International Wound Journal Mar 2024The purpose of the meta-analysis was to evaluate and compare the photodynamic therapy's effectiveness in treating infected skin wounds. The results of this meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The purpose of the meta-analysis was to evaluate and compare the photodynamic therapy's effectiveness in treating infected skin wounds. The results of this meta-analysis were analysed, and the odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using dichotomous or contentious random- or fixed-effect models. For the current meta-analysis, 6 examinations spanning from 2013 to 2021 were included, encompassing 154 patients with infected skin wounds were the used studies' starting point. Photodynamic therapy had a significantly lower wound ulcer size (MD, -4.42; 95% CI, -7.56--1.28, p = 0.006), better tissue repair (MD, -8.62; 95% CI, -16.76--0.48, p = 0.04) and lower microbial cell viability (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04-0.42, p < 0.001) compared with red light exposure in subjects with infected skin wounds. The examined data revealed that photodynamic therapy had a significantly lower wound ulcer size, better tissue repair and lower microbial cell viability compared with red light exposure in subjects with infected skin wounds. However, given that all examinations had a small sample size, consideration should be given to their values.
Topics: Humans; Ulcer; Skin Ulcer; Skin Diseases, Infectious; Skin; Photochemotherapy; Wound Infection; Soft Tissue Injuries
PubMed: 38445778
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14747 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jan 2024This study aimed to assess the analgesic efficacy of oxycodone at doses of 10 mg and 20 mg in dressings after surgery of burn wounds.
INTRODUCTION
This study aimed to assess the analgesic efficacy of oxycodone at doses of 10 mg and 20 mg in dressings after surgery of burn wounds.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Twenty adult patients who underwent surgical treatment of third-degree burn wounds under general anaesthesia were included. Burn wounds were treated with dressings, to which oxycodone was added at 20 mg in Group 1 and 10 mg in Group 2. After the surgery, plasma oxycodone and noroxycodone concentrations were assayed, and pain intensity was assessed with Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).
RESULTS
In Group 1, no patient reported pain; in Group 2, four patients reported pain. The pain intensity, according to NRS, was 1-8. Plasma concentration of oxycodone in the blood serum was in the range of 1.24-3.15 ng/mL and 1.09-1.28 ng/mL in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Noroxycodone was not detected in the plasma. Adverse effects were not observed in any of the treated patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Oxycodone in dressings provides patients with adequate and safe analgesia.
PubMed: 38337478
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13030784 -
Cureus Jan 2024Changes to the undergraduate medical curriculum now offer a greater focus on community-based teaching, communication skills and medical humanities. Unfortunately, this...
BACKGROUND
Changes to the undergraduate medical curriculum now offer a greater focus on community-based teaching, communication skills and medical humanities. Unfortunately, this has been at the expense of surgical teaching. The senior house officer is usually the first port of call when a patient is being referred to a plastic surgery department. Therefore, a reasonable level of knowledge is required with regard to emergency presentations, examination skills, and clinical skills to appropriately manage the injury. The primary aims of this quality improvement project are to firstly improve the newly starting doctor's confidence in undertaking an on-calls in either trauma or burns following the induction programme and to also improve their level of satisfaction.
METHODS
The Quality Improvement Project (QIP) team consisted of a Foundation Year 2 doctor, a core surgical trainee, and a registrar. Three Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles were completed to improve the quality of the induction programme. In the first PDSA cycle, junior doctors were provided with a handbook that covered necessary topics regarding burns and plastic surgery. In the second cycle, a structured presentation which included case-based discussions, was incorporated into the trauma aspect of the induction. Finally, in the third cycle, a structured presentation which included case-based discussions, was incorporated into the burns aspect of the induction. Data was collected in the form of a questionnaire one month following the departmental induction for each cycle. The questionnaire assessed the doctor's confidence levels and degree of satisfaction with the induction programme. Students were also given the opportunity to complete written descriptive feedback at the end of the questionnaire. Furthermore, pre- and post-induction questionnaires on the day of induction for the December and April cohort of doctors were also obtained. Results: A total of 16 doctors completed the questionnaires. Overall satisfaction, confidence in undertaking trauma on-calls, and confidence in undertaking burns on-calls improved from 3.84/5, 1.83/5, and 2.67/5 in the first cycle to 4.6/5, 3.6/5, and 3.6/5 in the third cycle, respectively. Satisfaction with the clinical emergencies and case discussions aspect of the induction programme improved from 2.17/5 in the first cycle, to 4.6/5 in the third cycle. With regards to the pre- and post-induction questionnaire on the day of induction, the December cohort's correct answer percentage improved from 58.3% to 94.4%, and the April cohort improved from 47.2% to 93.3%.
CONCLUSION
Whilst it is unlikely to completely prepare new junior doctors for the transition into clinical practice in a unique speciality such as burns and plastic surgery, our study highlights the value of a thorough, multi-stage induction in ensuring junior doctors feel confident to deliver high quality and safe patient care.
PubMed: 38298306
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51452