Potassium permanganate in treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: A randomized clinical trial.

Background and Aims: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a severe complication in diabetes patients, often resulting in significant morbidity and mortality due to non-healing. This study investigated the effectiveness of 5% topical potassium permanganate on these ulcers. Methods: A clinical trial was conducted on 23 patients with Wagner grade I and II DFU. Patients in the control group received standard treatment, while those in the intervention group also received 5% potassium permanganate topically. Data were recorded at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days for analysis. Results: Among 23 patients studied, 7 (30.4%) were male and 16 (43.7%) female, with an average age of 59 ± 4 years. Both groups showed a statistically significant decrease in wound size and infection over time (p < 0.001). The intervention group, however, had a more substantial reduction in wound size and infection rate (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Potassium permanganate, when applied topically, is both well-tolerated and effective in enhancing wound healing and reducing infection in DFU, suggesting its potential as a complementary treatment.

Effect of vitamin D on clinical outcomes in patients with thermal injury.

Evaluating complications and mortality risks in burn patients is crucial for effective treatment planning and improving survival rates. This study investigated the relationship between the serum vitamin D level and the clinical outcomes of adult burns patients. This was a prospective cohort of adult patients hospitalized due to thermal burns at a burn centre in the north of Iran. Based on the level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D measured upon admission, patients were divided into two groups of patients with sufficient 25 hydroxyvitamin D level and insufficient 25 hydroxyvitamin D level. Descriptive statistics were used for baseline demographics. Univariate analysis was conducted using Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, independent samples, and Fisher's exact tests. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to adjust for the effects of confounding variables. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 28.0 software. A total of 220 patients were included in the study. The average total body surface area burned was 30.52 ± 9.34. Patients with insufficient vitamin D levels had longer hospital stays (12.53 vs. 11.45) and longer stays in the intensive care unit (ICU) (3.32 vs. 2.40) than those with appropriate vitamin D levels. Participants with insufficient vitamin D levels exhibited a numerically higher incidence of infections than those with adequate levels (p < 0.05). The multivariate regression found that vitamin D deficiency levels were associated with increased infection rates and prolonged hospital stay. This study suggests that vitamin D deficiency is a significant risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes in burn patients. Further research is needed to confirm these associations and to explore potential interventions to optimize vitamin D status in this patient population.

Predictive value of serum albumin and calcium levels in burn patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection: A comprehensive analysis of clinical outcomes.

In the ongoing challenge to reduce burn-associated mortality rates, this study explores the predictive capacity of clinical factors in burn patients, focusing on vitamin D, calcium, and serum albumin levels during hospitalisation in cases with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Our research involves a comprehensive analysis of 100 burn patients, encompassing crucial clinical parameters such as the burn severity index, serum albumin, vitamin D, and calcium levels at admission. Data were meticulously entered into IBM Statistics SPSS software version 28 and subjected to statistical analysis. The study reveals an average patient age of 39.75 years and a notable 34% mortality rate. Additionally, the average lengths of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays are determined to be 11.33 and 7.79 days, respectively. Significantly, a correlation between calcium and albumin variables and treatment outcomes is established, showcasing their potential to predict variable changes in patient mortality rates. Furthermore, a noteworthy association is observed between serum calcium levels and the duration of ICU hospitalisation. In conclusion, albumin and calcium variables emerge as sensitive and specific indicators for predicting outcomes in burn patients. Importantly, the independence of these factors from the physician's experience and diagnosis reduces human error and thus increases the accuracy of mortality prediction in this patient population.

Beyond the burn: An observational study of cardiovascular risk in burn survivors in the north of Iran.

Burn survivors experience profound physiological changes following injury, which may have lasting implications for cardiovascular health. This study aims to investigate the cardiovascular risk profile among burn survivors treated at a burn center in northern Iran. This observational study was conducted from 2022 to 2023 at the burn centre affiliated with Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran. This study assessed a cohort study of 210 burn survivors, focusing on individuals with ≥20% TBSA burn injuries who had recovered and returned to their daily lives. This study assessed patients' lipid profiles, Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Score (FGCRS) and risk factors, including demographics, clinical variables and physical activity. Statistical analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean age was 49.23 years, and the mean TBSA burned was 37.06%. The risk of cardiovascular disease in 66% of the study population was less than 10%, and in 13%, it was more than 20%. Significant associations were identified between CVD risk and sex, diabetes, hypertension, BMI, TBSA burned, years after burn, physical activity level and LDL. Of the lipid profile measures, LDL, triglycerides and TC/HDL exceeded the desirable levels. This research highlights the heightened cardiovascular risk in burn survivors, emphasizing the necessity for targeted interventions and regular monitoring. Identifying modifiable risk factors enables healthcare practitioners to develop tailored strategies, enhancing cardiovascular health in this vulnerable population and improving overall outcomes and quality of life.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of a smartphone-based educational intervention on the outcomes of children's burns: A randomized controlled trial.

Children's burns are a major public health concern due to their long-term physical, psychological, and social impacts, as well as their high financial burden. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone-based educational program on outcomes of children with severe burns. This study was designed as a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the effectiveness of a developed mobile application. A total of 93 participants were included in the final analysis. The participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control groups. Participants in both groups received usual self-care training at discharge, but those in the intervention group used an Android-based application for 2 months. The primary goal of the burn application was scar recovery, and the secondary goals were to increase child caregivers' satisfaction rate and decrease unplanned hospital readmissions. Data collection was conducted using valid and reliable questionnaires. Data were analysed using SPSS software. The study showed that the mobile application significantly affected the frequency of patient visits to the burn clinic and the satisfaction of caregivers of children with burns with the treatment process (p-value <0.05). Also, there was a significant relationship between the duration of application use and wound healing status ((p-value <0.001). These findings suggest that smartphone-based educational programs can be valuable for optimizing care for children with severe burns. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term impact of this intervention and its potential application in different healthcare settings.

Health care needs, eHealth literacy, use of mobile phone functionalities, and intention to use it for self-management purposes by informal caregivers of children with burns: a survey study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess health care needs, electronic health literacy, mobile phone usage, and intention to use it for self-management purposes by informal caregivers of children with burn injuries. METHODS: This cross-sectional research was carried out in 2021 with 112 informal caregivers of children with burns in a burn center in the north of Iran. The data collection tools were questionnaires that included the participants' demographics, their E-Health Literacy, their current mobile phone usage, and their desires for mobile phone use for burn care services. RESULTS: Most informal caregivers had smartphones (83.0%) and Internet access (81.3%). Most participants occasionally used phone calls (63.4%), the Internet (45.5%), and social media (42.9) to receive information about psychosocial disorders, infection control, wound care, pain, itch, physical exercise, and feeding. Most participants have never used some of the mobile phone functionalities to receive burn-related information, such as applications/Software (99.1%) and e-mail (99.1%). Nevertheless, most informal caregivers desire to use mobile applications for self-management purposes in the future (88.4%). The mean eHealth literacy score was 25.01 (SD = 9.61). Informal caregivers who had higher education levels, access to the Internet, and lived in urban areas had higher eHealth literacy (P < 001). CONCLUSION: The current research delivers beneficial information about the healthcare needs of informal caregivers and their preference to use mobile functionality to receive burns-related healthcare and rehabilitation information post-discharge. This information can help design and implement mobile health (mHealth) interventions to enhance the self-care skills of informal caregivers.

Comparing intralesional triamcinolone and verapamil-triamcinolone injections in keloids: A single-blinded randomised clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: In this clinical trial, we investigated the efficacy of two treatment methods for keloids resulting from surgical incisions: intralesional triamcinolone injections alone versus in combination with verapamil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups: one received triamcinolone alone (Group T) and the other received a triamcinolone-verapamil blend (Group VT). Regular treatments were conducted until the keloids were nearly flat or for a maximum of eight sessions. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements, but Group VT saw quicker resolution of skin redness and needed fewer sessions. Though the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores were generally similar across both groups, Group VT exhibited greater improvements, leading to lower final scores. The VT group also attained normal scar flexibility faster than the T group. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the combination of verapamil and triamcinolone provides a more effective treatment for keloids, thereby highlighting the potential of verapamil in scar reduction.

Polyacrylic acid/ polyvinylpyrrolidone hydrogel wound dressing containing zinc oxide nanoparticles promote wound healing in a rat model of excision injury.

Developing and designing efficient wound dressings have gained increasing attention and shown beneficial results in improved wound healing effects. This study was conducted to improve wound healing properties and introduce a novel potential wound dressing. A novel hydrogel based on polyvinylpyrrolidone/poly acrylic acid containing Zinc oxide nanoparticles was prepared as an antibacterial wound dressing and examined in a rat excisional wound model. This hydrogel prepared by free radical polymerization using potassium persulfate (KPS) as an initiator, N, N-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) as a cross-linker, poly acrylic acid (PAA) as a monomer in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Analyses such as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to study morphology structure. After choosing the optimal sample, in vivo characterization of excisional wound injury on a rat model was done. The healing rate and histological analysis were calculated and compared among the groups. The therapeutic potential of the PAA-PVP-ZnO-%2 was investigated in a rat model of excisional injury compared to the control group. Results showed that the polyacrylic acid/polyvinylpyrrolidone hydrogel wound dressing containing zinc oxide nanoparticles accelerated wound contraction, had antibacterial effects, and promoted wound healing compared to other groups.

Antibiofilm and antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus cell free supernatant against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from burn wounds.

The present study investigated the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects of indigenous Lactobacillus probiotic strains on Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from burn wound infection in laboratory conditions. The effect of 7 probiotic strains isolated from infant faeces on the pathogenicity factors of P. aeruginosa, including protease, elastase, antibiofilm and antipyocyanin was measured. Also, diffusion methods in the well and micro broth dilution were used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of probiotics. All tests were performed in triplicate. A negative control and a positive control were used for each test. SPSS version 22 software was used for statistical analysis, and a p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 30 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were isolated. The elastolytic activity of P. aeruginosa isolates decreased after adding Cell free supernatant (CFS) of each Lactobacillus. L1, L4, L5, and L6 strains had a 100% inhibitory effect on pathogen isolates. L3 and L7 strains had the lowest inhibitory effect. The inhibitory effect of CFS extracted from lactobacilli on protease production by P. aeruginosa. L1, L4, L5, and L6 strains had an inhibitory effect on all tested isolates. L2, L3, and L7 strains had a less inhibitory effect. L4 strain had the highest inhibitory effect on pyocyanin production by P. aeruginosa (50%), followed by L5 (43.3%), L1 (40%), and L6 (23.3%) strains. L3 and L7 strains had no inhibitory effect on the pyocyanin production of P. aeruginosa isolates. It was found that the CFS of 4 isolates (L1, L4, L5, and L6) was the most active extract and had a 100% inhibitory effect against biofilm formation of all P. aeruginosa strains. The L3 strain had the least inhibitory effect against the biofilm formation of pathogens. Overall, this study showed that probiotics could be promising alternatives to combat the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa in burn wounds.

An 11-year retrospective study on the epidemiology of paediatric burns in the north of Iran.

Burn injuries in children are distressing physical and emotional events with long-term disability. However, there is little research on the epidemiology of paediatric burns. This information is essential for the development of prevention intervention and acute management. This study aimed to describe epidemiologic characteristics and clinical outcomes of paediatric burns in a burn center in the north of Iran. A retrospective, single-center study was conducted of children (<18 years) admitted to the burns center between 2011 and 2021. The data were analysed by SPSS 24.0 software. The chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test were used to assess categorical variables, and Student's t-tests or One-Way ANOVA was used to evaluate continuous variables. 2951 paediatric burns with mean age 5.30 ± 5.27 years, were admitted during the 11 years, with 1777 boys (60.2%) and 1174 girls (39.8%). By age groups, the majority of children (59.7%) were between 0 and 4 years old, followed by 5 to 8 years (15.7%), 13 to 18 years (14.6%), and 9 to 12 years (10.0%), respectively. The most cause of injury was Hot liquids & vapours (1604, 54.4%). The mean age for burns with fire & flames, hot liquids & vapours, contact, chemical, and electrical was 4.46 ± 4.84, 5.70 ± 5.39, 5.44 ± 5.42, 3.93 ± 3.86, and 3.53 ± 4.06 years, respectively. The total body surface area (TBSA) burned was 14.96 ± 11.94. The longest length of stay (LOS) related to fire and flame was 5.63 ± 7.57 days. The mortality rate was 1.56%. There were significant differences among aetiology groups for the cost per % TBSA (F = 15.784, P < 0.001), which correlated with the burn depth, TBSA, aetiology, LOS, and age. The Ministry of Health should establish strategies for burn prevention and incorporate data surveillance for burn injuries. Community education on kitchen and cooking safety could positively impact the prevalence and outcomes of paediatric burns.

The Effect of Drug Abuse on Clinical Outcomes of Adult Burn Patients Admitted to a Burn Center in the North of Iran.

Objective: Burn trauma is a life-threatening incident that may be accompanied by several risk factors that increase morbidity and mortality. Drug abuse is one of the lifestyle dangers on the rise globally and can have an impact on the outcomes of burn injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of drug abuse on the clinical outcomes of adult burn patients who were admitted to a burn center in the North of Iran. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included adult burn patients who were referred to Velayat Hospital, between March 1, 2021, and March 20, 2022. The hospital information system (HIS) was used to select patients with a history of drug use and then were compared with burn victims who had never used drugs before. In both groups, demographic information, the cause of the burn, the comorbid diseases, total body surface area, length of stay, and outcomes were collected and recorded for both groups. Results: This study included 114 inpatients, 90 of whom (78.95%) were men. The mean age of the patients was 43±15 years. The mean length of hospitalization in the drug-user group was significantly higher than in the non-drug abuse group (p=0.004). The drug abuse group had significantly higher rates of comorbid diseases (p=0.021), inhalation injury (p<0.001), mortality (p=0.002), and pneumonia (p<0.001). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the Infection and Sir's rates (p=0.583) between the groups. Conclusion: Drug abuse is a risk factor in adult burn patients, which can affect the length of stay and burn-related morbidities.

Epidemiology of work-related burn injuries: A ten-year retrospective study of 429 patients at a referral burn centre in the north of Iran.

Work-related burns can have a destructive impact; however, knowledge of the epidemiology of work-related burn injuries in Iran is limited. This study aimed to describe epidemiological characteristics of work-related burn injuries in a burn centre in the north of Iran. This study was a retrospective single-centre study of the medical records of work-related burns between 2011 and 2020. Data collection was done using the hospital information system (HIS). The data were analysed by using descriptive statistical methods and SPSS 24.0 software. Of the 9220 cases treated in the burn centre, 429 (4.65%) had work-related burns. There was an increasing trend of work-related burns during the ten years. The mean age of patients was 37.53 (SD = 13.72). Most patients were male (n = 377, 87.9%), with a male-to-female ratio of 7.25/1. The mean total body surface area burn was 23.39% (SD = 20.03). Most work-related burns occurred in the summer season (46.9%, n = 201), and the upper limb was the most common anatomical site of burns (n = 123, 28.7%). The most common mechanism of injury was fire & flames (266, 62.0%). Inhalation injury was observed in 52 (12.1%) patients, and mechanical ventilation was undertaken in 71 (16.6%) patients. The mean length of stay in the hospital was 10.38 (SD = 10.37) days, and the overall mortality rate was 11.2%. The most common activities associated with burns at the time of the incidents were food preparation and serving related (108, 25.2%), followed by welders (n = 71, 16.6%) and electricians (n = 61, 14.2%). This research is the basis for evaluating work-related burns and identifying the causes of these injuries to develop education and prevention programmes, especially for young male workers.

Acute burns during the COVID-19 pandemic: A one-year retrospective study of 611 patients at a referral burn centre in northern Iran.

Patients with acute burns are more vulnerable to COVID-19 because of physiologically weak immune systems. This study aimed to assess and compare individual characteristics, clinical features, and clinical outcomes of acute burn among COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. A retrospective study, with data collected from 611 acute burn patients with or without a COVID-19 diagnosis referred to a burn centre in Iran. Data were collected from April 2020 to 2021. The mean age of acute burns patients with COVID-19 was higher compared with acute burns patients with non-COVID-19 (47.82 vs. 32.59 years, P < .001). Acute burns occurred more frequently in COVID-19 patients with comorbidities compared with non-COVID-19 patients (48.72% vs. 26.92%, P = .003). 58.97% of COVID-19 patients and 55.42% of non-COVID-19 patients had grade II & III and II burns, respectively (P < .001). The mean total body surface area of the burn was higher in COVID-19 patients compared with non-COVID-19 patients (32.69% vs. 16.22%, P < .001). Hospitalisation in the intensive care unit (ICU) was higher in COVID-19 patients than in non-COVID-19 patients (76.92% vs. 15.73%, P < .001). Length of stay in hospital and ICU, the cost of hospitalisation, and waiting time for the operating room was higher in COVID-19 patients compared with non-COVID-19 patients (15.30 vs. 3.88 days, P < .001; 9.61 vs. 0.75 days, P < .001; 30 430 628.717 vs. 10 219 192.44 rials, P = .011; 0.84 vs. 0.24 min, P < .001, respectively). Intubation and mortality in-hospital were higher in COVID-19 patients compared with non-COVID-19 patients (41.02% vs. 6.99%, P < .001; 35.90% vs. 6.12%, P < .001, respectively). Therefore, it is recommended that health managers and policymakers develop a care plan to provide high-quality care to acute burns patients with COVID-19, especially in low-income countries.

A Smartphone Application for Caregivers of Children With Severe Burns: A Survey to Identify Minimum Data Set and Requirements.

Recent advances in digital health and increasing access to mobile health (mHealth) tools have led to more effective self-care. This study aimed to identify the minimum data set (MDS) and the requirements of a smartphone application (app) to support caregivers of children with severe burns. The study was performed in three phases in a burn center in the north of Iran in 2022. In the first phase, a literature review was performed. In the second phase, interviews were conducted with 18 caregivers. The third phase was performed in two stages: first, an initial questionnaire was prepared in which the content validity ratio and content validity index were calculated. The final questionnaire included 71 data elements about the MDS and requirements and open-ended elements. Then, the data elements were surveyed by 25 burn experts using the Delphi technique. The minimum acceptable mean score for each item was 3.75. Out of the 71 elements in the first Delphi round, 51 were accepted. In the second Delphi round, 14 data elements were assessed. The most important elements for the MDS were a family relationship, TBSA, the primary cause of the burn, anatomical location, itch, pain, and infection. User registration, educational materials, caregiver-clinician communication, chat box, and appointment booking were the most highlighted functional requirements. Safe login was the most important element for the nonfunctional requirements. It is recommended that health managers and software designers use these functionalities in designing smartphone apps for caregivers of children with burns.

Design and usability evaluation of a mobile-based-self-management application for caregivers of children with severe burns.

Paediatric burns are a major public health issue because of long-term physical, psychological and social consequences and the high cost of treatment. The aim of this study was to design and evaluate a mobile-based self-management application for caregivers of children with severe burns. A participatory design technique was employed to develop the Burn application, which included three main phases: the determination of application requirements, the design and evaluation of the low-fidelity prototype, and the design and evaluation of the high-fidelity prototypes. In the first phase, application requirements were determined via validated paper questionnaires using the Delphi technique. In the second step, a low-fidelity prototype was prepared using conceptual models and evaluated through a focus group with specialists. Seven specialists reviewed the application and evaluated how this prototype meets functional requirements and objectives. The third phase was performed in three stages. First, the high-fidelity prototype was designed and developed by the JAVA programming language. Second, a cognitive walk-through was carried out to show how users can interact with the mobile application and how it works. Third, this program was installed on the mobile phones of 28 caregivers of burned children, eight IT experts, and two general surgeries, and the prototype's usability was evaluated. In the present study, most caregivers of children with burns stated that after discharge, they face problems regarding infection control and wound care (4.07) and how to perform physical activity (4.12). User registration, educational materials, caregiver-clinician communication, chat box, and appointment booking, safe login were the most important characteristic of the Burn application. Mean usability evaluation scores were in the range of 7.92 ± 0.238 to 8.10 ± 0.103, which is considered at a "good" level. From the Burn program design experience, it can be concluded that co-design with health care specialists can significantly support and meet the specialists' and patients' needs and ensure the program's usefulness. In addition, application evaluation by users involved and not involved in the application design process can help enhance usability.

Epidemiology of chemical burns: An 11-year retrospective study of 126 patients at a referral burn centre in the north of Iran.

The etiology and outcomes of chemical burns vary worldwide, influenced by the local population structure, industry distribution, and geographical and social environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of chemical burns among patients referred to a burn centre in the north of Iran. A single-centre, retrospective study was conducted on patients with chemical burns between 2011 and 2021. Data collection was carried out using the hospital information system (HIS), and data collected from medical records included gender, age, marital status, occupations, burn season, place of residence, intention to burn, location of the accident, percent of total body surface area (%TBSA), the primary cause of burns, the body region of the burn, length of hospital stay (days), infection, and discharge status. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods and SPSS 24.0 software. Of the 10 133 burn patients treated in a burn centre in the north of Iran between 2011 and 2021, 1.2% had chemical burns. The average age of patients was 34.45 (SD = 22.16) years, and most chemical burns cases were male (70.6%, n = 89). Chemical burns occurred most frequently in patients aged 20 to 49 years (69.8%, n = 107), and most of the burns were accidental (84.9%, n = 107). The home was the most common place of chemical burn injury, accounting for 49.2% (62 cases), followed by the workplace (43.7%, n = 55), respectively. Most chemical burns occurred in the summer season (36.5%, n = 46), and acid (74.6%, n = 94) was the most common cause of chemical burns. The mean TBSA was 16.41 (SD = 15.10). The most common burn area was the lower limb (34.9%, n = 44), and the overall mortality rate was 4.8%. The average length of stay in the hospital was 6.53 (SD = 5.57) days. Community education on household safety, restricting non-specialists' access to chemical substances, and the promotion of early consultation could reduce chemical burn prevalence and improve outcomes.

Evaluation of the Spiral Chest CT Scan Findings in Patients with Multiple Trauma.

Objective: To evaluate the spiral chest computed tomography (CT) scan findings in patients with multiple trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This retrospective study was performed on multiple trauma patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in the north of Iran in 2020. All patients with multiple trauma who had undergone a chest spiral CT were included in this study. Furthermore, the data analysis was performed through descriptive and analytical statistics using SPSS software. Results: A total of 600 patients were included over the study period. The mean age of patients was 48.2±20.3 years. Of the total, 496 (65.3%) patients had blunt chest injuries, and 104 (34.7%) had penetrating chest injuries. Falling was the most common mechanical cause of chest trauma in 270 patients (45%). Surgical interventions were performed in 110 (18.3%) patients. A total of 276 (46%) patients had chest injuries identified by CT scans. Many patients (15.6%) had ground-glass lung opacity in the CT scan reports. Lung consolidation, pneumothorax, lung contusion, hemothorax, and rib fractures were the most common. Conclusion: Due to the high frequency of typical findings in spiral CT scan examinations, obtaining a reliable history of trauma severity, injury mechanism, and a detailed physical examination is recommended before prescribing a CT scan for patients.

Effects of Flaxseed Oil and Olive Oil on Markers of Inflammation and Wound Healing in Burn Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objectives: To study the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of flaxseed oil and olive oil on inflammatory markers for facilitating wound healing. Methods: One hundred and twelve patients were randomly selected to four groups with a total burn surface area (TBSA) of 20-50%. The four groups includes olive oil (OO), flaxseed oil (FO), mixture of olive oil and flaxseed oil (OF), and control group and received 30g of oils for three weeks. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), ferritin and albumin level as inflammatory markers, as well as cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) as the lipid profile were explored. Wound healing was assessed by photographing on days 2, 8, 15, and 22 (during three weeks of intervention) and were analyzed in imageJ software. Results: The greatest reduction in the level of hs-CRP and ferritin was observed in the OF (-21.38±44.41) (-132.79±165.36), while the lowest reduction was reported in the control group (-36.36±79.03) (141.08±262.36). Compared to control group, OO significantly increased albumin (0.88±0.65). Reduction of wound healing at the end of the first week of intervention was not significant in the study groups. However, the stereology examination showed significant improvement in wound healing at the end of the second and third weeks in the OF. Conclusion: Based on the findings, combination of herbal oils reduce inflammation and improve wound healing and showed positive effects on the size of wounds in burn patients.