Evaluation and Optimization of the Wallace Rule of Nines for the Estimation of Total Body Surface Area in Obese and Nonobese Populations.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the Wallace Rule of Nines is the most widely used method to measure total body surface area (TBSA) in burned patients due to its practicality and speed in its application; however, it often provides inaccurate estimations in obese patients, affecting the fluid resuscitation process. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to modify and optimize the Rule of Nines' values for its application in these patients. METHODS: We compared the estimations of the TBSA established by the Wallace Rule of Nines against the measurements of the three-dimensional (3D) software Skanect - Meshmixer 3.5Ⓡ in participants without different obesity grades. Based on our results, we generate an optimized guideline for the evaluation of TBSA in normal body mass index (BMI) and obese patients. RESULTS: In our study, 32 participants were recruited with a mean age of 28.5 ± 3.3 years. In the general population, we observed a poor correlation between the Wallace Rule of Nines and the 3D method measures in all body regions (e.g., Anterior Trunk: 18.0 vs. 16.61 ± 2.11, p = 0.0008) except the anterior arm. Interestingly, these differences narrowed in the Trunk and Leg regions as the participants' BMI increased (e.g., Anterior Trunk in Obesity Grade II patients: 18.0 vs. 18.66 ± 1.69, p = 0.3089). CONCLUSIONS: We found important differences in TBSA determination using the 3D Skanect-MeshmixerⓇ software compared with the Wallace Rule of Nines. Therefore, we generated a modified and optimized Wallace Rule of Nines estimations based on BMI. Future studies are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of this optimized table.

Effect of exogenous lipase on subcutaneous adipose tissue in a porcine animal model.

BACKGROUND: Topical exogenous lipase has been approved for cosmetic use and has been used to mobilize fat from adipocytes. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of exogenous lipase in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. METHODS: Three different concentrations of exogenous lipase 1× (2 Units per ml), 5× (10 units per ml), and 10× (20 units per ml) were applied in a porcine model. Normal saline (NS) solution (as negative control) and phosphatidylcholine (as positive control) were also injected. Skin and subcutaneous tissue biopsies, up to the fascia, were obtained from each injection site on the 3rd day after injection. The number of cells per 20× field was counted as an indirect measurement of the size of the adipocytes. RESULTS: For 1× lipase, the number of cells per field was 47.80 (±7.63) versus 27.26 (±4.93), and 34.66 (±6.84) for NS, and phosphatidylcholine, respectively. For 5× lipase, the count was 36.06 (±4.74) versus 24.13 (±5.18), and 33.2 (±9.34). For 10× lipase, it was 40.06 (±4.35) versus 29.26 (±2.34) and 32.66 (±6.30) (p < .05 for all groups). CONCLUSIONS: A higher number of cells per field were observed in the lipase samples, inferring a decreased volume of adipocytes. No inflammation and/or loss of cell architecture were evidenced in the exogenous lipase groups.