Measuring Physical Function in the PICU: Development and Testing of a Children's Version (Age 2-18 yr) of the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool.

OBJECTIVES: To adapt and develop a reliable and easily administered outcome measure of physical and respiratory function in critically ill children in the PICU. DESIGN: Modified Delphi study to adapt the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment (CPAx) tool for use in children 2-18 years old, with subsequent prospective testing in a single-center cohort. SETTING: Single-center tertiary PICU. SUBJECTS: Delphi process in 27 panelists (including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and pediatric intensivists from seven countries from January 2018 to March 2018). Cohort study in 54 patients admitted to PICU for greater than 24 hours over a 3-month period (April 2018 to June 2018), with median age 5.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 3-12.75 yr), 33 of 54 male, and 38 of 54 invasively ventilated. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Three Delphi iterations were required to reach greater than or equal to 80% consensus in all the children's CPAx (cCPAx) items. In the subsequent cohort study, six physiotherapists used the cCPAx tool and scored 54 participants, with a total 106 observations. The median cCPAx tool score was 14.50 (IQR, 3-25) out of a possible total of 50. Inter-rater reliability for 30 randomly selected participants was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.998). Completion rate of cCPAx in the 54 patients occurred in 78 of 106 occasions (74%). CONCLUSIONS: The cCPAx tool content that was developed using Delphi methodology provided a feasible and clinically relevant tool for use in assessing physical morbidity in PICU patients 2-18 years old. Overall, the cCPAx scores were low, demonstrating low levels of physical function and high levels of immobility during PICU care.

Surgeon's practices and beliefs in Australia and New Zealand regarding the donor site wound for paediatric skin grafts.

AIM: Children's burns care in Australasia is performed by paediatric surgeons and by plastic surgeons. The aim was to determine practices regarding the donor site wound (DSW), and to explore any differences by training scheme or nature of unit (paediatric vs. mixed). METHODS: Online survey of Australasian burns surgeons. RESULTS: Forty surgeons responded. 23/40 paediatric surgeons, 23/40 worked in a stand-alone children's burns unit. All used powered dermatomes. Alginates were the most common DSW dressing. Idealised dressings favour patient factors over cost. Plastic, and mixed-practice, surgeons use a broader range of dermatome settings in children >1 year. Mixed practice surgeons use thicker settings. All surgeons see pain as a common DSW problem. Paediatric surgeons recognise itch as a problem. CONCLUSIONS: While there are differences related to training scheme and the mix of patients being treated, there is a broader commonality of practice.

Analysis of Falls within Paediatric Hospital and Community Healthcare Settings.

PURPOSE: To identify characteristics of paediatric falls within a healthcare setting. DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of falls occurring within inpatient, outpatient, emergency and community healthcare settings of children aged 0-<18 years was conducted using data from the Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CHQ-HHS) Clinical Incident Database and Electronic Medical Record between January 1st 2015 and December 31st 2017. One-sample and two-sample Chi-squared tests with post-hoc tests were performed to assess relationships between categorical variables. RESULTS: The final dataset contained 385 fall events. Children 0-2 years fell most frequently (46.75%) and falls were higher in males (55.58%). Falls from bed were the most common mechanism (30.65%). The incidence rate of inpatient falls was 0.53 falls per 1000 bed days in the tertiary hospital setting and 1.2% of presentations to inpatient community health facilities. Falls from bed were most common in the tertiary hospital inpatient setting (39.84%, p < .001) and the emergency department (72.13%, p < .001). Falls from furniture/equipment constituted 26.04% of outpatient falls. Most falls occurred in the presence of parents/caregivers (79.48%) and 4.66% of fallers sustained multiple falls. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a comprehensive review of the characteristics of fall events in CHQ-HHS over a three-year period and summarises the existing literature in paediatric fall prevention. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Risk assessment and management plans should focus on education, particularly surrounding bed safety. Our findings have informed the development of an integrated evidence-based paediatric-specific fall risk assessment tool and management plan to prevent falls in hospital and community healthcare settings.

CyFiT telehealth: protocol for a randomised controlled trial of an online outpatient physiotherapy service for children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth and telemonitoring is an emerging area of study in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), with the potential of increasing access to care, and minimising infection control risks to patients without compromising their health outcomes. To date, limited evidence is available to support the use of telehealth in paediatric population with CF in a clinical setting. This study aims to investigate the utility of a multimodal telehealth-based outpatient physiotherapy service and assess its effect on quality of life, functional exercise capacity, hospital admission and intravenous antibiotic requirements, lung function, processes of care, participation in activities of daily living, and health economics associated with operating an innovative service. METHOD: This single centre, prospective, parallel, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial aims to recruit 110 children with CF between the ages 8 to 18 years of age. Participants will be randomised to the Usual Outpatient Physiotherapy Service group (Usual OPS) or the telehealth intervention group (CyFiT OPS). Quality of life, participation in activity of daily living, functional exercise capacity and patient perception of care will be examined every six months using the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R), Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE), Preferences for Activities of Children (PAC) questionnaire, Modified Shuttle Test-25 (MST25), and Measure of Process of Care (MPOC-20) questionnaire. Physiological measurements collected during routine clinical visits such as spirometry, body weight and height, information will be retrospectively retrieved via a chart review at the end of the study. DISCUSSION: We anticipate that this multi-modal telehealth service will deliver a comparable service to traditional face-to-face models. An alternative to existing outpatient physiotherapy services may potentially increase patient options for access to care and patient-orientated outcomes such as quality of life. If deemed appropriate, the new model of care can be integrated into clinical practice immediately. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ( ACTRN12617001035314 ) last updated 17th July 2018.

Exercise training for improving outcomes post-burns: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of different modalities of exercise and to evaluate the safety of exercise-based interventions post-burns. DATA SOURCES: Six databases were searched from inception to October 2017 using "burn," "exercise" and synonyms as keywords. Relevant authors, key journals and reference lists of included studies were hand-searched. REVIEW METHODS: Articles reporting on exercise interventions in patients post-burn and considering physical, physiological or psychological outcomes were considered. Two authors independently screened 2253 records and selected 19 articles for inclusion. The quality of the evidence was assessed at the study level and at the outcome level. RESULTS: Unbiased effect size estimators (pooled Hedges' g) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated if there were two or more trials with homogeneous outcomes. There were no significant differences post-exercise training in VO2peak ( g = 0.99; 95% CI: -0.4 to 2.4: P = 0.18), resting energy expenditure ( g = -0.51; 95% CI: -1.99 to 0.97: P = 0.5) and muscle strength ( g = 0.51; 95% CI: -0.03 to 1.05: P = 0.07) between groups. Evidence suggested exercise had a beneficial effect on body composition ( g = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.05 to 1.14: P = 0.03), need of surgical release of contractures (risk ratio = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.2 to 0.7; P = 0.004) and health-related quality of life. However, a lack of evidence existed regarding the safety of exercise training post-burns. CONCLUSION: Limited evidence suggests that exercise has a beneficial effect on physical and physiological outcomes in patients post-burn. Further trials using high-quality methodology are required, with focus on reporting of adverse events, health-related quality of life and psychological outcomes.

Paediatric horse-related trauma.

AIM: This retrospective cohort study reported on the epidemiology of horse-related injuries for patients presenting to the only tertiary paediatric trauma hospital in Queensland. The secondary outcome was to examine the use of helmets and adult supervision. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was examined in relation to helmet use. Morbidity and mortality were also recorded. METHODS: Included were all patients presenting with any horse-related trauma to the Royal Children's Hospital in Brisbane from January 2008 to August 2014. Data were retrospectively collected on patient demographics, hospital length of stay (LOS), mechanism of injury (MOI), safety precautions taken, diagnoses and surgical procedures performed. RESULTS: Included in the analysis were 187 incidents involving 171 patients. Most patients were aged 12-14 years (36.9%) and female (84.5%). The most common MOI were falls while riding horses (97.1%). Mild TBI (24.6%) and upper limb fractures (20.9%) were common injuries sustained. Patients who wore helmets had significantly reduced hospital LOS and severity of TBI when compared with those who did not wear helmets (P < 0.001 and P = 0.028, respectively). Morbidity was reported in 7.5% of patients. There were three deaths in Queensland. CONCLUSION: Helmet use is recommended for non-riders when handling horses, in addition to being a compulsory requirement whilst horse riding. Prompts in documentation may assist doctors to record the use of safety attire and adult supervision. This will allow future studies to further investigate these factors in relation to clinical outcomes.

Antenatal ultrasound features in fetuses with gastroschisis and its prediction in neonatal outcome.

BACKGROUND: Gastroschisis is the most common major congenital anomaly managed by paediatric surgeons. The significance of certain associated antenatal ultrasound features in determining fetal outcome is under discussion. AIM: The study aims to define if associated antenatal ultrasound features of gastroschisis are useful prognostic markers for fetal outcome. By establishing the significance of features, including extra- and intra-abdominal bowel dilatation, stomach herniation, stomach dilatation, bowel matting, growth restriction, abnormal umbilical artery (UA) Doppler ultrasounds, and abnormal amniotic fluid volume, it is hoped clinicians will have enhanced ability to counsel parents about the likely outcomes for their infant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of ultrasound images, reports and medical records of 101 pregnancies affected by fetal gastroschisis managed by the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Maternal and Fetal Medicine Department over a 13 and a half year period was performed. The presence of ultrasound features during antenatal surveillance corresponded to fetal outcome measures, including the diagnosis of postnatal complex gastroschisis, the number of operations required, length of parenteral feeding and length of stay in neonatal intensive care. RESULTS: The only statistically significant predictor of complex cases of gastroschisis was extra-abdominal bowel dilatation. Although a statistically significant feature, approximately three-quarters (44/59) of all infants with gastroschisis with associated extra-abdominal bowel dilatation had simple gastroschisis. CONCLUSIONS: Extra-abdominal bowel dilatation is a statistically significant marker of complex gastroschisis and associated morbidity. Its presence in infants who had uncomplicated outcomes, suggests that clinically, its usefulness in antenatal counselling is still debatable.

Trauma in children due to wheeled recreational devices.

AIM: The aim of this study was to describe trauma in children secondary to the use of wheeled recreational devices (WRDs). METHODS: This study retrospectively described trauma secondary to use of WRDs sustained by children 16 years or younger over a period of 12 months at two tertiary paediatric hospitals in Brisbane, Queensland. Data were analysed from the Paediatric Trauma Registry at these two facilities. Data were also retrieved from The Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian to provide information regarding deaths in Queensland from the use of WRDs for the period January 2004 to September 2013. Outcome measures included age, gender, types of injuries, Injury Severity Scores, admission to Intensive Care, and length of hospital stay for all hospital admissions greater than 24 h. RESULTS: A total number of 45 children were admitted with trauma relating to WRDs during the 12 months, representing 5.3% of all trauma admissions of greater than 24 h during this time period. Of these, 34 were male with a median age of 11.0 years (IQR = 9-13). Limbs accounted for the majority (54.5%) of injuries, with other common injuries being spine/cranial fractures (14.5%), lacerations (12.7%), internal organ injuries (9.1%), and intracranial bleeds (9.1%). There were six admissions to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit and one death. CONCLUSIONS: WRDs contribute significantly to injuries sustained by children. A large proportion of these injuries may be preventable, suggesting that mandating the use of protective equipment in Queensland may be of great benefit.

Negative pressure wound therapy facilitates closure of large congenital abdominal wall defects.

The degree of viscero-abdominal disproportion often makes single-stage reduction difficult in large abdominal wall defects, without risking respiratory or hemodynamic compromise. As a consequence, clinicians have adopted a number of different methods to control these defects. Repair may be in the neonatal period, or later in life. Delayed repairs require epithelialization of the gastroschisis or omphalocele. Definitive repair may be in single or multiple stages. This paper describes four children in whom negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was used to facilitate closure of these complex defects.

The influence of communal spaces on patient activity in rehabilitation: a mixed methods study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine whether patients are more active in communal spaces compared to their bedrooms and explore patient perspectives on communal spaces for activity, rest, and wellbeing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study observed participants via behavioural mapping in a mixed inpatient rehabilitation unit for up to three days. Physical, social, and cognitive activity levels in communal spaces were compared with activity in bedrooms using independent t-tests. Three focus groups explored participants' perspectives on communal spaces for activity, rest and wellbeing using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-three participants (age 71.6 ± 13years, 39%male) were observed, and a subset (n = 12) (age 67.3 ± 16.9, 50%male) participated in focus groups. Participants spent a greater proportion of time being physically active (mean difference 22.7%, 95%CI 8.7-36.6, p = 0.002) and socially active (mean difference 23.6%, 95%CI 9.1-38.1, p = 0.002) in communal spaces than bedrooms. No difference in cognitive activity was found. Participants perceived communal spaces to positively influence mood and activity. Reduced independence was a barrier, while visitors, activities, and an inviting design attracted people to communal areas. CONCLUSION: Communal spaces may positively influence patient activity and mood during inpatient rehabilitation. Future studies should seek strategies to optimise engagement in communal environments.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONOptimising patient activity throughout the day in inpatient rehabilitation is important to support recovery.Communal spaces in inpatient rehabilitation hospitals can positively influence patient activity and mood.Strategies to promote use of communal spaces in the inpatient rehabilitation hospital are needed.

A physiotherapy led Soft Tissue Injury Clinic is an efficient and cost effective model of care. A paediatric specific interrupted time series study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of introducing a physiotherapist-led paediatric Soft Tissue Injury Clinic model as an alternative to a medically led Fracture Clinic model for conservative hospital management of soft-tissue injuries on: patient wait times; healthcare resource use; and cost-effectiveness. DESIGN: Interrupted time-series analysis (including consecutive eligible-cases). SETTING: Children's hospital, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 245 cases (117 Soft Tissue Injury Clinic model sample, 128 Fracture Clinic model sample) of patients (<18 years) who presented to a specialist children's hospital emergency department and diagnosed with a soft tissue injury requiring non-surgical outpatient management. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were referred from the emergency department to either an orthopaedic-led fracture clinic (Fracture Clinic model) or physiotherapist-led clinic (Soft Tissue Injury Clinic model) for follow-up and further management as clinically indicated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Time from emergency department discharge to commencement of definitive outpatient management (primary); healthcare resource use and costs from hospital funder perspective (secondary) and cost-per-day less waiting (cost-effectiveness). RESULTS: The Soft Tissue Injury Clinic was associated with (mean per-person difference (95%CI), P-value) fewer wait days (-8 (-11, -5) days, P<0.001), fewer orthopaedic costs P<0.001, >99% probability of fewer days waiting, 81% probability of less total cost and 81% probability of dominance (cheaper and fewer days to access definitive care). There were no adverse events in either model. CONCLUSIONS: The physiotherapist-led Soft Tissue Injury Clinic represented a safe and efficient alternative referral pathway for patients presenting to the emergency department with soft tissue injuries requiring conservative management.

The use of exercise in burns rehabilitation: A worldwide survey of practice.

INTRODUCTION: Exercise-based interventions have been used to enhance the recovery of burn patients affected by hypermetabolism, muscle wasting and contractures. Although the benefits of exercise in burn population have been previously reported, the extent of exercise prescription in burn patients worldwide remains unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the extent and characteristics of exercise use in specialised and non-specialised burn centres worldwide. METHODS: A web-based survey was developed in English and translated into Spanish and Chinese languages. Distribution of the surveys was made via email using personal contacts of the authors and through six scientific societies related to burn care in 2018. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and comparisons between frequency distribution on variables of interest using the Chi-Square test and contingency tables. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-six surveys were completed (103 from the English version, 20 from the Chinese version, and 33 from the Spanish version). The response rate varied from 36.2% (English version) to 9.3% (Chinese version). Fifty eight percent of the surveyed clinicians worked in cities of 1 million inhabitants or more, and 92.3% worked in hospital-based burn centres. Exercise was used by 64.1% of the participants at the intensive care unit level, 75% in burn wards prior to complete wound healing, and 80.1% in rehabilitation units after wound healing. The type of exercise offered, parameters assessed, and characteristics of exercise programs varied notably among burn centres and clinicians consulted. CONCLUSION: The majority of the surveyed clinicians used exercise for rehabilitation of patients following burn injuries. Further investigation is required to elucidate the access to exercise interventions prescribed by health professionals in remote areas, in less developed countries, and the extent of home-based exercise performed by patients.

Exercise testing for children with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Exercise testing is routinely used to measure exercise capacity in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Various tests are available, however the psychometric properties of these measures have not been systematically reviewed for this population. METHOD: A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, CINHAL, Cochrane, and PEDro) was performed to identify papers that: (a) reported original psychometric data, (b) examined a measure of exercise capacity, (c) examined children with CF aged eight to 18 years; and (d) were published in English after 1950. The level of psychometric evidence was evaluated using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. RESULTS: Searches identified 1025 papers. Forty-six papers were included, covering 15 tests: incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test using a cycle ergometer (CPET(cycle)) or treadmill (CPET(treadmill)), 6 minute walk test (6MWT), modified shuttle test (MST), 3-minute step test (3MST), 2 minute walk test (2MWT), Bratteby walk test, intermittent sprint test, speed ramp test, incremental step test, forward-backwards jump test (FBJT), astride jump test (AJT), motor quotient test, Munich fitness test, and Glittre ADL test. CONCLUSION: There is a plethora of exercise tests available with varying psychometric robustness. The CPET, 6MWT, and MST have fair to good psychometric properties, but each with their clinical advantages and limitations. Thus, a Selection Guide was developed to assist clinicians and researchers in selecting the most appropriate exercise test for various situations.

Effect of multiple physiotherapy sessions on functional outcomes in the initial postoperative period after primary total hip replacement: a randomized controlled trial.

UNLABELLED: Stockton KA, Mengersen KA. Effect of multiple physiotherapy sessions on functional outcomes in the initial postoperative period after primary total hip replacement: a randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether increasing physiotherapy input from once to twice per day will result in earlier achievement of functional milestones (ie, independence in mobility and transfers) and decreased length of stay (LOS) in patients undergoing a primary total hip replacement. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Metropolitan private hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=57) with primary total hip replacement were randomly assigned to the twice daily (treatment, n=30) and once daily (control, n=27) groups. Patients who chose to attend hydrotherapy were excluded from the randomization process; however, they gave consent for outcome measures to be collected for comparison with the randomized groups. INTERVENTIONS: The control group received usual care, and the treatment group received twice-daily physiotherapy from day 1 after surgery to discharge. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Iowa Level of Assistance at postoperative days 3 and 6 and LOS. RESULTS: This study demonstrates that patients who received twice-daily land-based physiotherapy after primary total hip replacement attained earlier achievement of functional milestones than patients that received once-daily physiotherapy. A statistically significant (P=.041) but not clinically significant difference was evident in the Iowa Level of Assistance score at day 3. There was no difference between the groups in Iowa Level of Assistance measures on day 6 or on LOS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received twice-daily physiotherapy showed a trend toward earlier achievement of functional milestones; however, this finding did not translate to decreased LOS.

Prospective randomised controlled trial of Algisite™ M, Cuticerin™, and Sorbact® as donor site dressings in paediatric split-thickness skin grafts.

BACKGROUND: This is a parallel three-arm prospective randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing Algisite™ M, Cuticerin™, and Sorbact® as donor site dressings in paediatric split-thickness skin grafts (STSG). All three were in current use within the Pegg Leditschke Children's Burn centre (PLCBC), the largest paediatric burns centre in Queensland, Australia. Our objective was to find the best performing dressing, following on from previous trials designed to rationalise dressings for the burn wound itself. METHODS: All children for STSG, with thigh donor sites, were considered for enrolment in the trial. Primary outcome measures were days to re-epithelialisation, and pain. Secondary measures were cost, itch, and scarring at 3 and 6 months. Patients and parents were blinded to group assignment. Blinding of assessors was possible with the dressing in situ, with partial blinding following first dressing change. Blinded photographic assessments of re-epithelialisation were used. Scar assessment was blinded. Covariates for analysis were sex, age, and graft thickness (as measured from a central biopsy). RESULTS: There were 101 patients randomised to the Algisite™ M (33), Cuticerin™ (32), and Sorbact® (36) arms between April 2015 and July 2016. All were analysed for time to re-epithelialisation. Pain scores were not available for all time points in all patients. There were no significant differences between the three arms regarding pain, or time to re-epithelialisation. There were no significant differences for the secondary outcomes of itch, scarring, or cost. Regression analyses demonstrated faster re-epithelialisation in younger patients and decreased donor site scarring at 3 and 6 months with thinner STSG. There were no adverse effects noted. CONCLUSIONS: There are no data supporting a preference for one trial dressing over the others, in donor site wounds (DSW) in children. Thinner skin grafts lead to less donor site scarring in children. Younger patients have faster donor site wound healing. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ACTRN12614000380695).Royal Children's Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/14/QRCH/36).University of Queensland Medical Research Ethics Committee (#2014000447).

Efficacy of hypnosis on pain, wound-healing, anxiety, and stress in children with acute burn injuries: a randomized controlled trial.

No randomized controlled trial has investigated the efficacy of hypnosis for reducing pain and improving wound-healing in children with burns. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate whether hypnosis decreases pain, anxiety, and stress and accelerates wound-healing in children undergoing burn wound procedures. Children (4-16 years) with acute burns presenting for their first dressing change were randomly assigned to a Hypnosis Group who received hypnosis plus standard care or a Standard Care Group who received standard pharmacological and nonpharmacological intervention. Repeated measures of pain intensity, anxiety, stress, and wound-healing were taken at dressing changes until ≥95% wound re-epithelialization. Data for 62 children were analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis using Generalized Estimating Equations (n = 35 Standard Care Group; n = 27 Hypnosis Group). An effect on the primary outcomes of pain and wound healing was not supported {self-reported pain intensity largest Mean Difference [MD] = -0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.91 to 0.22), P = 0.12; MD for re-epithelialization = -0.46 [95% CI: -4.27 to 3.35], P = 0.81}. Some support was found for an effect on the secondary outcomes of preprocedural anxiety (MD = -0.80 [95% CI: -1.50 to -0.10], P = 0.03 before the second dressing change) and heart rate as a measure of stress (MD = -15.20 [-27.20 to -3.20], P = 0.01 and MD = -15.39 [-28.25 to -2.53], P = 0.02 before and after the third dressing change). Hypnosis may be effective for decreasing preprocedural anxiety and heart rate in children undergoing repeated pediatric wound care procedures but not for reducing pain intensity or accelerating wound healing.

Bathroom scald burns in Queensland Children.

AIM: To evaluate the current characteristics of bathroom scald injuries in Queensland Children. METHOD: Data was collected from patients who presented with a bathroom scald injury to the Stuart Pegg Paediatric Burns Centre at the Royal Children's Hospital and Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, Brisbane from January 2013 to December 2014. RESULTS: Bathroom scald burns represented 2.6% of total burns cases with an inpatient rate of 39%. The family home is the location of injury in 84% of cases and in 79% the patient was aged 2 years of age or younger. Total body surface area ranged from 0.5% to 20% with a median of 1.75% (IQR 0.63, 3.38%). In our study 8% of patients underwent grafting and 24% received follow up for scar management. Injuries occurred in rental properties in 47% of tempering valve survey respondents. The rate of installation of tempering valves was 23%. DISCUSSION: Bathroom scald burns continue to be over-represented in inpatient data. Tempering valves were not consistently installed after injury, this intervention would require further legislation to be an effective prevention strategy. CONCLUSION: This study provides important insights into paediatric bathroom scald injuries and will assist with the development of prevention strategies.

Variability in split-thickness skin graft depth when using an air-powered dermatome: A paediatric cohort study.

AIM: Split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) taken using calibrated powered dermatomes are assumed to yield a graft of uniform thickness, though this assumption has never been analysed statistically. This study aims to test that assumption in a paediatric population. METHOD: STSGs from a consecutive cohort of paediatric patients were analysed for mean thickness, measured from a central biopsy. All STSGs were taken from the thigh at a dialled thickness of 0.007in. Data were analysed using non-parametric methods. RESULTS: There were 140 STSGs taken from 91 children. The median thickness was 6.94 thousandths of an inch, with a spread of thicknesses about this median (IQR 5.05-9.28). There were no significant differences when results were analysed by surgeon, patient age or gender, swipe number within the case, or the number of previous passes with the same blade. CONCLUSION: STSG thickness is inconsistent, with a broad spread about a median value. This study provides no data to suggest there are pre-operative predictors of STSG thickness being significantly more or less than that dialled on a powered dermatome.

Cardiovascular risk profile in burn survivors.

OBJECTIVE: Burn patients have prolonged derangements in metabolic, endocrine, cardiac and psychosocial systems, potentially impacting on their cardiovascular health. There are no studies on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) after-burn. The aim of our study was to record lipid values and evaluate CVD risk in adult burn survivors. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study patients ≥18 years with burn injury between 18-80% total burn surface area (TBSA) from 1998 to 2012 had total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides measured via finger prick. Means were compared to optimal ranges. Multivariate regression models were performed to assess the association of lipids with age, years after-burn and total body surface area % (TBSA). A p value <0.05 was considered significant. The Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Score (FGCRS) was calculated. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included in the study. Compared to optimal values, patients had low HDL and high triglycerides. Greater %TBSA was associated with statistically significant elevation of triglycerides (p=0.007) and total cholesterol/HDL ratio (p=0.027). The median FGCRS was 3.9% (low) 10-year risk of CVD with 82% of patients in the low-risk category. Patients involved in medium/high level of physical activity had optimal values of HDL, TC/HDL and triglycerides despite the magnitude of TBSA%. CONCLUSION: Adult burn survivors had alterations in lipid profile proportional to TBSA, which could be modified by exercise, and no increase in overall formally predicted CVD risk in this cross sectional study.

Starchy liquid burns do not have worse outcomes in children relative to hot beverage scalds.

AIM: To characterise children presenting with hot beverage scalds versus scalds caused by starchy water. METHODS: Retrospective survey of prospectively collected database of all children presenting over a two-year period. RESULTS: There were 138 starch scalds and 262 hot beverage injuries. Children with hot beverage injuries were significantly younger (18.2 months; IQR 14.1, 27.8) than those suffering starch scald injuries (51.4 months; 18.7, 102.3; p<0.001). Perineal burns were more common in the starch group than the hot beverage scald group (10.9% vs. 2.4%, p<0.001). Chest/breast and abdominal burns were more common in the hot beverage group than the starch group (60.7% vs. 36.9%, p<0.001). Children under three years of age in both groups are significantly less likely to receive adequate first aid at the scene (p<0.001). There are no differences in the need for skin grafting or scar management when comparing hot beverage scalds and scalds caused by starchy liquids. CONCLUSIONS: Scald injuries caused by starchy liquids do not appear to cause a more severe injury than hot beverage scalds. There is a different pattern of injury from starchy liquids in older children. Children under three years old are less likely to receive appropriate first aid at the scene.