Management of purpura fulminans skin loss at a regional burns centre: Sixteen-year experience.

INTRODUCTION: Purpura fulminans (PF) is a rare syndrome of cutaneous purpura which is the consequence of severe circulatory shock causing intravascular thrombosis, haemorrhagic necrosis, and consequent tissue loss. The aim of this study was to present our 16-year experience of managing PF in a regional burns centre. METHODS: We performed a single-centre retrospective case series of all patients admitted to the St Andrews Burns Centre at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, Essex, UK, between June 2006 and July 2022 with a diagnosis of PF. Data were extracted by retrospectively searching hospital case notes. RESULTS: Thirteen individuals were identified [five children (mean age 5, range 1-14) and eight adults (mean age 39, range 24-54)]. The total body surface area of cutaneous necrosis ranged from 5% to 80%, with a mean of 27.2%. Patients were treated with an established surgical sequence of total wound debridement and immediate coverage with a cadaveric allograft, followed by staged wound autografting. The mean time from disease onset to wound autografting was 37.3 days (range 20-64 days). Eight individuals (61.6%) required major amputation of at least one limb (proximal to the ankle or wrist joint). Only one mortality (of 80% total body surface area skin loss) was observed in the identified cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The large body surface areas often involved in PF cases make management of these wounds well suited for burns centres, wherein established facilities and multidisciplinary teams exist that are familiar with managing large cutaneous burns. We provide a suggested algorithm to aid the management of PF.

Epidemiology And Outcomes Of Radiator Burns At A High Throughput Burns Centre.

Indoor radiator burns can cause significant morbidity and mortality, especially in vulnerable patients. However, the epidemiology and clinical outcomes are poorly characterized. A retrospective study of all radiator burns referred to a tertiary regional burns centre between 2013-2019 was conducted. Four hundred and forty-seven patients (median age 25.6 years, male:female ratio 1.4:1) were referred; 109 (24%) admitted, 201 (45%) managed in outpatients and 137 (31%) managed locally. The incidence of burns leading to referral was 0.65/100,000/year, but increased annually. Contact burns consisted of 99.6%. Age distribution was bimodal: <5 years (43%), >65 years (27%), although all ages were affected. Median TBSA was 0.75% (0.1-11.5%), but 79% had injuries <2%. Childhood burns were predominantly superficial dermal grab injuries, usually manageable as outpatients. Elderly patients had larger burns usually secondary to falls or impaired sensorium, and were more likely to die (p<0.05). Burns due to impaired sensorium were deeper and more likely to require surgery (p<0.05). Sixty-three (14%) patients required surgery. Thirty-day mortality was 1.1%. Age was the only significant predictor of mortality. This study quantifies the epidemiology and outcomes of a growing problem. It identifies at risk populations (extremes of age), and important features of the clinical assessment.

Les brûlures en milieu clos liées à un radiateur peuvent être responsables de morbidités et de mortalité non négligeables, particulièrement chez les patients fragiles. Toutefois, l'épidémiologie et l'évolution en sont mal connues. Nous avons étudié rétrospectivement les 447 brûlures (âge médian des patients 25,6 ans ; 1,4 hommes pour 1 femme) liées à ces appareils adressées dans un CTB de référence entre 2013 et 2019. Parmi celles- ci, 109 (24%) ont été hospitalisées, 201 suivies par nous en externe et 137 (31%) pris en charge dans une structure non spécialisée. L'incidence annuelle est de 0,65/100 000/an, en augmentation régulière. Quasiment toutes (99,6%) sont dues à un contact. Bien que tous les âges puissent être affectés, on observe 2 pics d'incidence, avant 5 ans (43% des patients) et après 65 ans (27%). La surface atteinte s'étendait de 0,1 à 11,5% (médiane 0,75%), 79% des brûlures touchant moins de 2% SCT. Les enfants souffraient le plus souvent de brûlures superficielles, suivies en externe, après avoir empoigné le matériel. Chez les sujets âgés, les brûlures, consécutives à une chute ou à contact prolongé en raison de troubles sensoriels (ces dernières plus souvent profondes et nécessitant un traitement chirurgical ­ p< 0,05), sont plus étendues et plus souvent mortelles (p< 0,05). Soixante- trois (14%) patients ont eu besoin de chirurgie, la mortalité à 30 jours était de 1,1% ; l'âge étant le seul facteur prédictif de mortalité. Cette étude précise l'épidémiologie et l'évolution d'un problème émergeant, la population à risque (âges extrêmes) et met en avant certaines particularités cliniques.

St Andrew's COVID-19 Surgery Safety (StACS) study: Skin cancer.

BACKGROUND: Skin cancer represents the most common malignancy worldwide and it is imperative that we develop strategies to ensure safe and sustained delivery of cancer care which are resilient to the ongoing impact of COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: This study prospectively evaluates the COVID-19 related patient risk and skin cancer management at a single tertiary referral centre, which rapidly implemented national COVID-19 safety guidelines. METHOD: A prospective cohort study was performed in all patients who underwent surgery for elective skin cancer service management, during the UK COVID-19 pandemic peak (April-May 2020). 'Real-time' 30-day hospital database deceased data were collected. Random selection was undertaken for patients who either underwent operative (surgery group) management or remained on the waiting list (control group); these groups were also prospectively followed-up within a controlled cohort study design and telephoned at the end of June 2020 for the control group or 30 days post-operatively. RESULTS: Of the 767 patients who had operations, there were no COVID-19 related deaths. Both the surgery (n = 384) and control (n = 100) groups were matched for age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, presence of comorbidities, smoking and positive COVID-19 contact. There were no differences in post-operative versus any symptom development (1.3%, 5/384 vs. 4%, 4/100, p = 0.093), or proportion of positive tests (8.6%, 33/384 vs. 8%, 8/100; p = 0.849), between the surgery and control groups. CONCLUSION: These data support continued and safe service provision, and no increased risk to skin cancer patients who require surgical management, which is vital for continuation of cancer treatment in the context of a pandemic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

St Andrew's COVID-19 surgery safety (StACS) study: The Burns Centre experience.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has the potential to significantly impact burns patients both directly through infective complications of an immunocompromised cohort, and indirectly through disruption of care pathways and resource limitations. The pandemic presents new challenges that must be overcome to maintain patient safety; in particular, the potential increased risks of surgical intervention, anaesthesia and ventilation. This study comprehensively reviews the measures implemented to adapt referral pathways and mitigate the risk posed by COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic, within a large Burns Centre. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was designed to assess patients treated at the Burns Centre during the UK COVID-19 pandemic peak (April-May 2020), following implementation of new safety measures. All patients were analysed for 30-day mortality. In addition, a prospective controlled cohort study was undertaken on all inpatients and a random sample of outpatients with telephone follow-up at 30 days. These patients were divided into three groups (operative inpatients, non-operative inpatients, outpatients). COVID-19 related data collected included test results, contact with proven cases, isolation status and symptoms. The implemented departmental service COVID-19 safety adaptations are described. RESULTS: Of 323 patients treated at the Burns Centre during the study period, no 30-day COVID-19 related deaths occurred (0/323). Of the 80 patients analysed in the prospective controlled cohort section of the study, 51 underwent COVID-19 testing, 3.9% (2/51) were positive. Both cases were in the operative group, however in comparison to the non-operative and outpatient groups, there was no significant increase in COVID-19 incidence in operative patients. CONCLUSIONS: We found no COVID-19 related mortality during the study period. With appropriate precautions, burns patients were not exposed to an increased COVID-19 risk. Similarly, burns patients undergoing operative management were not at a significantly increased risk of contracting COVID-19 in comparison to non-operative groups.

The Use Of Dermal Regeneration Templates For Primary Burns Surgery In A UK Regional Burns Centre.

The gold standard of treatment for major burns is early burn excision and autografting. In major burns this is complicated by a lack of donor site availability. Another challenge after burn injury is achieving optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes. Dermal regeneration templates (DRT) are biomatrices that help to address these problems. Within our centre the most commonly used are two-stage Integra® and single-stage Matriderm®. We review the use and outcomes of DRT in primary burns reconstruction within our regional burns centre. All patients undergoing primary burn reconstruction using Integra® (n=59) or Matriderm® (n=35) over a 13-year period were included. Integra® was used in patients with significantly larger burns (20.4% TBSA vs 1.7% TBSA). Comparable levels of graft take were seen in both groups. Major infections were significantly higher in the Integra® group (11/35 compared to 3/59). There was no significant difference in haematoma development, hypertrophic scarring or the need for secondary reconstructive surgery. Burn contractures developed in 15 patients treated with Matriderm® and 21 with Integra®. DRT have been used safely and effectively and have played an increasingly important role in our service over the last 13 years. Integra® is used primarily in large burns with limited donor sites and Matriderm® in smaller burns in cosmetically sensitive areas.

Le traitement de référence des brûlures graves est l'excision précoce et la greffe autologue. Dans ces brûlures graves, ce traitement peut s'avérer difficile par le manque de disponibilité de sites donneurs. De plus, l'obtention de résultats satisfaisants tant sur le plan cosmétique que fonctionnel est un véritable challenge dans les suites de brûlures. Les matrices dermiques (DRT) sont des biomatériaux qui peuvent aider à résoudre ces problèmes. Dans notre centre, les matrices le plus souvent utilisées sont Integra® double couche et Matriderm ®. Nous avons étudié l'utilisation des matrices dermiques et leurs résultats dans la chirurgie primaire des brûlures dans notre centre de traitement des brûlures de province. Tous les patients ayant bénéficié d'une chirurgie primaire pour brûlure par Integra® (n=59) et par Matriderm® (n=35) dans les 13 dernières années ont été inclus. Integra® a été utilisé pour des patients présentant des brûlures significativement plus étendues (20,4% TBSA vs 1,7% TBSA). Le taux de prise des greffes est comparable dans les deux groupes. Les infections sévères sont plus élevées de façon significative dans le groupe traité par Integra® (11/59 contre 3/35). Il n'y a pas de différence significative en ce qui concerne les hématomes, l'évolution hypertrophique des cicatrices ou la nécessité de chirurgie secondaire. Des rétractions cicatricielles sont apparues chez 15 patients traités par Matriderm® et chez 21 patients traités par Integra®. L'utilisation des matrices dermiques nous semble sûre et utile et a été largement développée ces 13 dernières années dans notre centre. Integra® est utilisé en chirurgie primaire pour les brûlures très étendues où les sites donneurs font défaut alors que Matriderm® est utilisé pour les brûlures de petite surface à enjeu fonctionnel et cosmétique.

The ten-year experience of firework injuries treated at a uk regional burns & plastic surgery unit.

Fireworks are used worldwide to celebrate national, religious, cultural festivals and holidays. However the use of fireworks is associated with preventable injuries. We aim to review cases of burns and trauma caused by fireworks presenting to a regional burns and plastic surgery unit in the United Kingdom. We hope our findings will help to guide future firework-related safety practices in the UK. A retrospective review was performed of all patients presenting to our tertiary burns and plastic surgery unit with burns and/or trauma sustained from fireworks over a ten-year period from October 2004 to October 2014. A total of 93 patients were identified. Medical case notes were reviewed, patient demographics, aetiology of injury, management and patient outcomes were recorded. A cohort of 93 patients with burn injuries caused by fireworks were identified from our database. A total of 74% injuries occurred in October and November. Mechanism of injury included contact, flash, flame burns and injury secondary to blast force. Most injuries sustained were to the hands, followed by head and neck, torso, limbs and perineum in descending order of frequency. A total of 38.7% of patients required surgery for their wounds. Fireworks not only result in significant burn injuries, but also eye injuries, soft tissue defects and fractures requiring a spectrum of plastic surgical interventions. The number and severity of accidents can be minimised by raising awareness regarding safety precautions.

Les feux d'artifices (FA) sont utilisés mondialement, dans des contextes festifs variés (religieux, nationaux, culturels, locaux). Les accidents qui y sont liés sont évitables. Nous avons étudié les brûlures et les traumatismes liés aux FA se présentant dans notre CTB, espérant que ceci permettra la mise en place de mesures de prévention dans l'ensemble du Royaume Uni. Nous avons revu rétrospectivement les dossiers des 93 patients pris en charge dans notre CTB entre octobre 2004 et octobre 2014 après un accident de FA. Les données démographiques, étiologiques, de prise en charge et évolutives ont été colligées. Les ¾ des accidents étaient survenus en octobre et novembre. Les mécanismes vulnérants étaient le contact, le flash, la flamme et le blast. Les mains étaient la région la plus fréquemment touchée, suivies par ordre décroissant par la région cervico-céphalique, le torse, les membres et le périnée. Trente huit virgule sept pour cent des patients pont du être opérés. Les accidents de FA entraînent non seulement des brûlures mais aussi des atteintes oculaires, des pertes de substance cutanées et des fractures pouvant nécessiter des interventions dans un large spectre de la chirurgie reconstructrice. Le nombre et la gravité de ces accidents peut être diminués par une application accrue des mesures de précaution.

Improving mortality outcomes of Stevens Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis: A regional burns centre experience.

INTRODUCTION: Stevens Johnson Syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are rare, potentially fatal desquamative disorders characterised by large areas of partial thickness skin and mucosal loss. The degree of epidermal detachment that occurs has led to SJS/TEN being described as a burn-like condition. These patients benefit from judicious critical care, early debridement and meticulous wound care. This is best undertaken within a multidisciplinary setting led by clinicians experienced in the management of massive skin loss and its sequelae. In this study, we examined the clinical outcomes of SJS/TEN overlap & TEN patients managed by our regional burns service over a 12-year period. We present our treatment model for other burn centres treating SJS/TEN patients. METHODS: A retrospective case review was performed for all patients with a clinical diagnosis of TEN or SJS/TEN overlap admitted to our paediatric and adult burns centre between June 2004 and December 2016. Patient demographics, percentage total body surface area (%TBSA), mucosal involvement, causation, severity of illness score (SCORTEN), length of stay and survival were appraised with appropriate statistical analysis performed using Graph Pad Prism 7.02 Software. RESULTS: During the study period, 42 patients (M26; F: 16) with TEN (n=32) and SJS/TEN overlap (n=10) were managed within our burns service. Mean %TBSA of cutaneous involvement was 57% (range 10-100%) and mean length of stay (LOS) was 27 days (range 1-144 days). We observed 4 deaths in our series compared to 16 predicted by SCORTEN giving a standardised mortality ratio (SMR) of 24%. CONCLUSION: Management in our burns service with an aggressive wound care protocol involving debridement of blistered epidermis and wound closure with synthetic and biological dressings seems to have produced benefits in mortality when compared to predicted outcomes.

Treatment of nasal burns: analysis of 150 cases.

Nasal burns present a challenge for the plastic surgeon in terms of immediate management, choice of primary treatment and secondary reconstruction with the goals of good aesthetic and functional outcome. We present a retrospective analysis of the management of 150 patients with nasal burns treated in our center between July 2005 and July 2011. We rationalized our conservative and all surgical treatments of this subset of burns patients and organized them in a simple and structured way. The reconstructive options for most complex full thickness nasal injury is determined by the integrity of adjacent facial tissues which would always be preferred when available. Microsurgical free tissue transfer is dependent upon the fitness of the patient and the availability of unburned skin at the donor site. Secondary nasal reconstruction is based on an assessment of the residual functional and cosmetic problems. Airways narrowing from scar contracture or loss of support are managed using standard plastic surgical and rhinoplasty principles. Cosmetic refinements range from flap debulking to the importation of new tissue on to the nose. Our experience with this challenging group of patients has led us to develop a simple treatment algorithm for the management of nasal burns.

Les brûlures nasales présentent un défi pour le chirurgien plastique en terme de prise en charge immédiate, de traitement primaire ou de reconstruction avec un objectif de bon résultat esthétique et fonctionnel. Nous présentons une analyse rétrospective de 150 patients souffrant de brûlures nasales traités dans notre centre entre Juillet 2005 et Juillet 2011. Nous avons codifié nos traitements chirurgicaux d'une manière simple et structurée. Les options reconstructives dépendent de l'intégrité des tissus faciaux de voisinage qui seront toujours préférés s'ils sont disponibles. Le transfert microchirurgical libre dépend de la condition physique du patient et de la disponibilité d'une zone donneuse. Les reconstructions nasales secondaires dépendent de l'évaluation des séquelles fonctionnelles et esthétiques. Les sténoses en rapport avec le tissu cicatriciel ou la perte de support sous jacent sont soumises aux principes de la chirurgie plastique et de la rhinoplastie .Les améliorations cosmétiques vont du dégraissage des lambeaux au transfert de tissu. Notre expérience avec ce groupe de patients nous a conduit à développer un algorithme de traitement simple pour la prise en charge des brûlures nasales.

Periorbital burns ­ a 6 year review of management and outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Periorbital burns are an infrequent but potentially devastating injury. This study aimed to elucidate the spectrum of such injuries presenting to a UK burns centre and the outcome achieved in the cases requiring periorbital reconstruction for the restoration of function and form. METHODS: Patients admitted to a UK regional burns centre between January 2005 and January 2011 with periorbital burns were identified from the Patient Administration System (PAS), theatre logs and the International Burns Injury database (IBID). Multiple parameters were assessed using patient notes, ITU and hospital image databases. RESULTS: Over 6 years, 167 patients with facial burns requiring surgery were treated, including 103 patients with eyelid burns. The mean burn size was 33% total body surface area. The eyelid burn depth varied; 67% superficial partial thickness, 17% deep dermal and 16% full thickness. Two patients lost complete vision in one eye, one patient underwent amniotic membrane grafting. In total 16 patients required periorbital reconstruction to maintain eye closure, with 1.8 operations on average per patient. Acute surgery was required in 11 patients, whilst late intervention (>3 months) was needed in 5, 2 patients had both acute and delayed surgery. Of the 5 late intervention patients 4 were treated with full thickness skin grafts and 1 with a Z plasty. Average time for final reconstruction with delayed surgery was 4.5 months. CONCLUSION: The goal in management of periorbital burns is preservation of vision, prevention of future complications and restoration of an acceptable aesthetic outcome. Total visual loss is thankfully rare, but early ophthalmology intervention is vital given the evidence of corneal damage as a brief therapeutic window exists.

The use of Biobrane® to dress split-thickness skin graft in paediatric burns.

Biobrane(®) is commonly used in paediatric burns to cover partial thickness burns and donor sites of split thickness skin (SSG). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of Biobrane(®) in dressing SSG adjacent to skin graft donor sites or partial thickness burns. A retrospective review was undertaken to determine the use of Biobrane(®) in dressing SSG, where the grafted areas were adjacent to donor sites or partial thickness burns. Between 2009 and 2012, we reported five cases of using Biobrane(®) to dress SSG, where the grafted areas were adjacent to partial thickness burns and two cases where the grafted areas were adjacent to donor sites. Biobrane(®) promoted adherence of the SSG to the wound, prevented shearing, and allowed fluid drainage. At the same time, Biobrane(®) also facilitated healing of the adjacent donor sites or partial thickness burns.

Biobrane® est couramment utilisé dans les brûlures pédiatriques pour couvrir les brûlures d'épaisseur partielle et les sites donneurs de greffe de peau mince. Le but de cette étude est d'évaluer l'utilisation de Biobrane® sur les greffes de peau mince adjacentes aux sites donneurs des greffes de peau ou des brûlures d'épaisseur partielle. Une étude rétrospective a été menée pour éxaminer l'utilité de Biobrane® sur les greffes de peau mince où les zones greffées étaient adjacentes aux sites donneurs ou aux brûlures d'épaisseur partielle. Entre 2009 et 2012, nous avons enregistré cinq cas de l'utilisation de Biobrane® pour ce type de greffe, où les zones greffées étaient adjacentes à des brûlures d'épaisseur partielle, et deux cas où les zones greffées étaient à côté de sites donneurs. Biobrane® a promu l'adérence de la greffe à la plaie, a empêché de cisaillement, et a permis le drainage du fluide. Dans le même temps, Biobrane® a également facilité la guérison des sites donneurs adjacentes ou les brûlures d'épaisseur partielle.

Madura foot - mind the soil.

'Madura foot' or mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous soft-tissue infection, caused by either true fungi (eumycetoma) or Gram-positive aerobic bacteria (actinomycetoma). The infection is endemic to equatorial, tropical or sub-tropical regions. However, sporadic cases have been reported in the Western world mostly in the migrant population. The disease follows a slow progression from the time of traumatic inoculation to presentation of symptoms, characterised by a triad of chronic indurated swelling, draining sinuses and discharging granules. The granules are diagnostic as they represent collections of fungal hyphae or bacterial filaments. We present a case of a 4-year eumycetoma of the left foot in a 16-year-old Somalian girl, resident in the UK for over a year. She underwent aggressive surgical debridement with a 6-month course of anti-fungal medication. We emphasise the need for suspicion of this rare dermatosis, in view of the increasing immigrant population.

The sandwich omental flap for abdominal wall defect reconstruction.

We present a case of a large full thickness abdominal wall defect following excision of a huge basal cell carcinoma, uniquely reconstructed with a sandwich omental flap, vicryl/prolene (vypro II) mesh and split thickness skin graft.

The horn shaped fascio-cutaneous flap usage in cutaneous malignancy of the leg.

The cover of defects in the leg is a surgical challenge, especially in the elderly patient. We report our experience in 24 patients, who underwent excision of a cutaneous malignancy and subsequent cover of the defect with a horn shaped fascio-cutaneous flap. The patients' average age was 77 with a range of 61-89 years. The average size of the defect covered was 4x4 cm, with a range from 3x3 to 8x8 cm. There were no flap losses. Two complications presented following discharge from hospital, one required further surgery. These findings indicate that this technically simple flap is reliable, with a low complication rate (8%), and produces an aesthetic result. It provides an alternative to split skin grafting for cutaneous malignancy defects of the leg.

Malignant melanoma metastasis to the sentinel node in the popliteal fossa.

Malignant melanoma metastasis to regional nodes is a well-recognised clinical event. Increasingly, sentinel lymph-node biopsy is being advocated for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. The lymphatic spread of tumour from the lateral aspect of the lower leg and foot is classically described as draining directly to the groin. We discuss the role of lymphoscintigraphy and popliteal dissection with reference to a recent case of a patient with a malignant melanoma at the level of the lateral malleolus that was shown to drain directly to a sentinel node in the popliteal fossa.

Groin dissections in epidermolysis bullosa: a report of groin dissection for the control of metastatic squamous carcinoma in patients with epidermolysis bullosa.

Epidermolysis bullosa predisposes to the development of squamous cell carcinoma. Despite regular surveillance, the majority of severely affected epidermolysis bullosa patients die from metastatic spread. There are no reports on regional control of metastatic spread. We describe our experience with two cases of groin dissection in epidermolysis bullosa. By anticipating the pitfalls in the perioperative care of patients with epidermolysis bullosa, we feel confident that they should make a full recovery.