Versatility in the use of cadaveric skin grafts for wound management.

BACKGROUND: Cadaveric skin grafts were initially used for the management of acute burn wounds. The biological coverage of the wound improves the quality of the wound bed, which prepares it to receive an autologous skin graft. The benefits of cadaveric skin graft in burn wounds have led to its use in the management of acute and chronic wounds of diverse etiologies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of cadaveric skin graft and subsequent autologous split-thickness skin graft (STSG) in the management of wounds of diverse etiologies at a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of patients with wounds of different etiologies managed with cadaveric skin grafts followed by a second procedure in which autologous STSG was performed from May 2017 through May 2022 in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department of German Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients with wounds of different etiologies were included. The mean affected body surface area (BSA) was 1.87%. The mean engraftment percentage of the cadaveric skin graft was 96.6%. The mean engraftment percentage of the STSG was 90.6%. All patients demonstrated improvement in local edema and inflammation, reduced secretions, and reduced pain after treatment. Two patients (8%) had complications, with 1 case of delayed healing of the donor site and 1 case of hypertrophic scarring. CONCLUSIONS: Cadaveric skin graft with subsequent STSG is a simple, safe, and effective alternative for the management of complex wounds of diverse etiologies. This technique is particularly useful in patients with multiple comorbidities who are at risk of recurrence and of developing multiple wounds during their lifetime.

Immediate Results of the Use of Split-Thickness Skin Autografts With and Without Acellular Dermal Matrix in Patients with Burns: A Comparative Study in a Colombian Population.

Dermal substitutes have become fundamental tools for covering skin defects, most recently with biological subtypes such as glycerolized acellular dermal matrix (GADM). However, literature regarding this matter is scarce in Latin America and Colombia. In this descriptive observational study, we compared the use of partial skin autografts (PSA) combined with GADM and autografts without GADM. Patients were selected from the burn unit of a hospital in northeastern Colombia between 2021 and 2022. Two study groups were defined: one receiving GADM plus PSA and the other control receiving only a partial split-thickness autograft. A total of 29 patients with 68 body areas were included, with an average age of 20 years. Most cases involved third-degree burns caused by flame. Hospitalization time was the same for both groups (41 days). The percentage of grafts taken was similar in both groups; in the GADM with autografts group, it was 94.7% compared with 96% in the control group. The presence of complications was similar in both groups. GADM produced in local tissue banks is a cost-effective alternative. It can be used in a single surgical procedure without increasing complications, providing a postsurgical course similar to autografts alone. Granting the potential long-term benefits that dermal matrices give for healing in these patients, which should be evaluated in subsequent studies.

Anterior Neck Resurfacing Using Multiple Free Flaps in Patients With Burn Sequelae of the Anterior Neck and Chest.

BACKGROUND: It has been established that patients with burn sequelae of the anterior neck and chest have a significant degree of flap descent and deficit in neck extension when resurfaced with a single free flap. A protocol was developed to avoid flap descent in these patients by resurfacing the neck with multiple free flaps. The purpose of this article is to present our protocol for treatment and long-term results of this technique. METHODS: Twenty-five 25 patients with burn sequelae of the anterior neck and anterior thorax were retrospectively identified. Ten patients were treated with a single free flap (group 1), and 15 patients were treated with multiple free flaps (group 2). Patients were followed up for an average of 7 years after their definitive reconstructive procedure at which time measurements including flap descent from sternal notch, deficit of neck extension, and subjective reports of discomfort were obtained. RESULTS: Patients in group 1 demonstrated 8 cm (interquartile range [IQR], 1.75 cm) of flap descent, whereas patients in group 2 demonstrated 0.5 cm (IQR, 0 cm) of flap descent. Patients in group 1 demonstrated 12.5 degrees (IQR, 10 degrees) of deficit in neck extension, whereas patients in group 2 demonstrated 0 degrees (IQR, 0 degrees) of deficit in neck extension. Analysis demonstrated significantly greater descent and deficit in neck extension in group 1 compared with group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with burn sequelae of the neck and anterior chest experience less flap descent and deficits in neck extension when resurfaced with multiple free flaps.

Evaluation of contraction of the split-thickness skin graft using three dermal matrices in the treatment of burn contractures: A randomised clinical trial.

Burn injuries commonly result in serious sequelae (such as skin contractures) in surviving patients, for which no single optimal solution is known. The goal of this study was to compare the late contraction of autologous skin grafts with or without dermal matrices used in the treatment of patients with burn contractures. This parallel design prospective, randomised and controlled clinical trial included patients with burn contracture treated using autologous skin grafts and dermal matrix. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the four groups: Integra® matrix (n = 10), Pelnac® matrix (n = 10), Matriderm® matrix (n = 9) or a Control Group (n = 10, without dermal matrix, only skin graft). The boundaries of skin defect were marked and transferred to a flat sterile surface for area measurement. The current area of the skin grafts was measured during surgery and compared with those obtained at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Twelve months after surgery, the Control Group presented lower rates of skin graft contraction than Integra® (p < 0.01), Matriderm® (p = 0.01) and Pelnac® (p < 0.01) groups. Pelnac® resulted in larger skin graft contraction than Matriderm® (p < 0.01) and Integra® (p = 0.02), while differences between Integra® and Matriderm® were not significant (p = 0.16). The comparison between intraoperative and 12 months after surgery showed that the worst mean rates of skin graft contraction were from the Pelnac® (51.79%) and Matriderm® (59.17%). In patients with burn contractures, the use of these three dermal matrices did not reduce or avoid the occurrence of late contraction of the skin graft, so their use for this purpose should be carefully evaluated.

miR-31, miR-155, and miR-221 Expression Profiles and Their Association With Graft Skin Tolerance in a Syngeneic vs Allogeneic Murine Skin Transplantation Model.

Grafting is the preferred treatment for severe skin burns. Frequently, allogeneic tissue is the only transient option for wound coverage, but their use risks damage to surrounding tissues. MicroRNAs have been associated with acute rejection of different tissues/organs. In this study, we analyzed the expression of miR-31, miR-155, and miR-221 and associate it with graft tolerance or rejection using a murine full-thickness skin transplantation model. Recipient animals for the syngeneic and allogeneic groups were BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, respectively; donor tissues were obtained from BALB/c mice. After 7 days posttransplantation (DPT), the recipient skin and grafts in the syngeneic group maintained most of their structural characteristics and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 and TGF-ß3 expression. Allografts were rejected early (Banff grades II and IV at 3 and 7 DPT, respectively), showing damage to the skin architecture and alteration of TGF-ß3 distribution. miRNAs skin expression changed in both mouse strains; miR-31 expression increased in the recipient skin of syngeneic grafts relative to that of allogeneic grafts at 3 and 7 DPT (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively); miR-221 expression increased in the same grafts at 7 DPT (P < .05). The only significant difference between donor tissues was observed for miR-155 expression at 7 DPT which was associated with necrotic tissue. Only miR-31 and miR-221 levels were increased in the blood of BALB/c mice that received syngeneic grafts after 7 DPT. Our data suggest that local and systemic miR-31 and miR-221 overexpression are associated with graft tolerance.

Treating complex palmar-plantar wounds using a bilaminar 'trapdoor' technique: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: Due to the similarities of glabrous skin, the plantar region is an excellent donor area for covering complex palmar-plantar wounds. However, taking grafts from the plantar area often results in significant morbidity at the donor site or non-integration of the graft due to the greater thickness of the plantar corneal layer. METHOD: This is a prospective case series including patients with burns or wounds who have been treated with a dermal graft using the bilaminar 'trapdoor' technique. This procedure is used to remove a thin graft from the deep plantar dermis after the partial elevation of the first layer including the entire epidermis and superficial part of the dermis. RESULTS: At the donor area in the four patients in this case series, we observed healing at around 10 days, and absence of hypertrophic scar in all patients. There was complete re-epithelialisation between two and three weeks from the periphery to the centre of the deep dermal graft, and from the glandular epithelium transferred with the graft. During the follow-up, patients presented aesthetic and functional features of glabrous and amelanotic skin, with similar resistance to those of the adjacent areas of the wound in the palmar-plantar region. CONCLUSION: This technique has some advantages, such as less surgical time, minimal morbidity in the plantar donor area, easy integration of the grafts, and maintenance of the functional and aesthetic properties of glabrous skin both in the plantar donor area and in the palmar-plantar recipient region. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Complications using tissue expanders in burn sequelae treatment at a reference university hospital: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: tissue expanders have high relevance in plastic surgery and among indications it is worth mentioning their use in the treatment of burn reconstruction. Although it shows good results, its use requires special care because some complications can interrupt the reconstruction process. The objective of this study was to report the experience of the Clinics Hospital (University of Sao Paulo) with the use of tissue expanders to treat burn sequelae, establishing the incidence of complications, and identifying risk factors for their occurrence. METHODS: a retrospective, observational, and analytical study, evaluating the use of expanders in burns sequelae treatment from 2009 to 2018. RESULTS: 245 expanders were placed in 84 patients, 215 were female, with a mean age of 19.96 years, being 40% in the trunk and 20% in the scalp, with a predominance of rectangular shape in 76.7% of cases. Complications were classified as major and minor.Complications occurred in 17.95% of cases, and extrusion and infection were the most common. There was a higher incidence of complications in expanders used in the upper and lower limbs as well as in those who did not undergo concomitant expansion (p <0.05), with an even higher chance of major complications in patients submitted to additional expansion. From 2009 to 2018, we observed a decrease in the incidence of complications. CONCLUSION: the complication rate (17.95%) is similar to other studies of the literature, there was a higher rate of complication with expanders placed in the limbs and a higher rate of major complications when additional expansion was done.

Análise do uso de matriz de regeneração dérmica em crianças / Analysis of the use of dermal regeneration matrix in children

OBJETIVO: Analisar as utilizações e do desfecho imediato da MRD Integra® no fechamento cutâneo de lesões extensas em crianças atendidas no serviço de Cirurgia Pediátrica do Hospital Infantil Joana de Gusmão no período de janeiro de 2002 a dezembro de 2017. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, analítico e vertical que avaliou os arquivos de todas as crianças submetidas a aplicação de MRD no período de janeiro de 2002 a dezembro de 2017, totalizando 155 pacientes. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 155 pacientes submetidos ao implante de MRD, totalizando 191 implantes. A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino (58,06%) e pré-púberes (32,02%). Os diagnósticos mais prevalentes foram queimadura em fase aguda (35,97%), retração cicatricial (32,8%) e retração cicatricial e cicatriz hipertrófica (14,28%). A pega total do implante foi observada em 68,42% dos pacientes, numa média de 19,16 dias. O número de implantes submetidos ao tratamento conjunto com curativos de pressão negativa (CPN) foi de 86 (46,24%). A porcentagem média de pega parcial foi de 82,30%. Dos 191 implantes, 58 tiveram complicações (30,36%). CONCLUSÕES: As MRD são uma opção atual para cobertura cutânea em crianças, com utilizações diversas, taxa aceitável de complicações e bom resultado imediato.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the uses and the immediate outcome of MRD Integra® in the cutaneous closure of extensive lesions in children seen at the Pediatric Surgery service of Hospital Infantil Joana de Gusmão from January 2002 to December 2017. METHODS: This is a retrospective, analytical and vertical study that evaluated the files of all children submitted to the application of MRD from January 2002 to December 2017, totaling 155 patients. RESULTS: 155 patients submitted to MRD implantation were analyzed, totaling 191 implants. Most patients were male (58.06%) and prepubertal (32.02%). The most prevalent diagnoses were acute burns (35.97%), scar retraction (32.8%) and scar retraction and hypertrophic scarring (14.28%). Total implant take-up was observed in 68.42% of patients, with an average of 19.16 days. The number of implants submitted to joint treatment with negative pressure dressings (CPN) was 86 (46.24%). The average percentage of partial catch was 82.30%. Of the 191 implants, 58 had complications (30.36%). CONCLUSIONS: MRDs are a current option for skin coverage in children, with different uses, an acceptable rate of complications and a good immediate result.

Complications using tissue expanders in burn sequelae treatment at a reference university hospital: a retrospective study / Complicações com o uso de expansores teciduais para tratamento de sequela de queimaduras em um hospital universitário de referência: estudo retrospectivo

ABSTRACT Background: tissue expanders have high relevance in plastic surgery and among indications it is worth mentioning their use in the treatment of burn reconstruction. Although it shows good results, its use requires special care because some complications can interrupt the reconstruction process. The objective of this study was to report the experience of the Clinics Hospital (University of Sao Paulo) with the use of tissue expanders to treat burn sequelae, establishing the incidence of complications, and identifying risk factors for their occurrence. Methods: a retrospective, observational, and analytical study, evaluating the use of expanders in burns sequelae treatment from 2009 to 2018. Results: 245 expanders were placed in 84 patients, 215 were female, with a mean age of 19.96 years, being 40% in the trunk and 20% in the scalp, with a predominance of rectangular shape in 76.7% of cases. Complications were classified as major and minor.Complications occurred in 17.95% of cases, and extrusion and infection were the most common. There was a higher incidence of complications in expanders used in the upper and lower limbs as well as in those who did not undergo concomitant expansion (p <0.05), with an even higher chance of major complications in patients submitted to additional expansion. From 2009 to 2018, we observed a decrease in the incidence of complications. Conclusion: the complication rate (17.95%) is similar to other studies of the literature, there was a higher rate of complication with expanders placed in the limbs and a higher rate of major complications when additional expansion was done.

RESUMO Introdução: os expansores teciduais são de importante relevância na cirurgia plástica, e dentre suas indicações destaca-se seu uso no tratamento de sequelas de queimaduras. Ainda que apresente bons resultados, seu uso requer cuidados especiais pois a incidência de complicações não é desprezível. Objetivo: relatar a experiência do Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSP com a utilização de expansores teciduais para tratamento de sequelas de queimaduras, estabelecendo a incidência de complicações e identificando possíveis fatores de risco para ocorrência das mesmas. Método: estudo retrospectivo, observacional e analítico, avaliando o uso de expansores no tratamento de sequelas de queimaduras no período de 2009 a 2018 no Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSP. Resultados: no período de análise estabelecido, foram colocados 245 expansores, sendo 215 em pacientes do sexo feminino, com idade média de 19,96 anos, sendo 40% em tronco e 20% em couro cabeludo, predominando uso do retangular em 76,7% dos casos. As complicações foram divididas em maiores e menores. As complicações ocorreram em 17,95% dos casos, sendo extrusão e infecção as de maior incidência. Houve maior incidência de complicação em expansores utilizados nos membros superiores e inferiores bem como naqueles que não realizaram expansão concomitante (p<0,05), havendo ainda maior chance de complicações absolutas nos pacientes submetidos à expansão adicional. Observou-se também diminuição no número de complicações entre 2009 e 2018. Conclusão: a taxa de complicação (17,95%) é semelhante a da literatura, observando-se maior taxa de complicação nos expansores colocados em membros e maior taxa de complicações absolutas quando realizada expansão adicional.

Barreiras e facilitadores no manejo da sede pré-operatória do paciente queimado à luz do Knowledge Translation / Barreras y facilitadores en el manejo de la sede pre operatoria del paciente quemado a la luz del Knowledge Translation / Barriers and facilitators in the management of preoperative thirst of the burned patient in the light of Knowledge Translation

RESUMO Objetivo Explorar a percepção dos profissionais de saúde sobre barreiras e facilitadores e as estratégias de enfrentamento para a implantação do Modelo de Manejo da Sede no pré-operatório do paciente queimado. Método Qualitativo, ancorado no referencial teórico Knowledge Translation. A técnica de grupo focal foi escolhida para coleta de dados, sendo formada por oito profissionais-chave, a fim de identificarem barreiras e facilitadores na implantação da evidência e apontarem estratégias de enfrentamento para os nós críticos encontrados. Utilizou-se a técnica de Análise de Conteúdo Temática para avaliar os dados. Resultados Emergiram cinco categorias: Estrutura física, ambiente e insumos; Particularidades do paciente queimado; Recursos humanos; Atitude da equipe; Capacitação e educação da equipe. As estratégias de enfrentamento foram levantadas para cada barreira identificada. Conclusão As principais barreiras identificadas foram encontradas nas categorias Recursos humanos e Atitude da equipe. Já os principais facilitadores foram Particularidades do paciente queimado e Capacitação e educação da equipe. A identificação possibilitou o planejamento das estratégias de enfrentamento sobre nós críticos, proporcionando a sustentação das evidências científicas na prática clínica.

RESUMEN Objetivo Explotar la percepción de los profesionales de salud sobre barreras y facilitadores y las estrategias de enfrentamiento para la implantación del Modelo de Manejo de la Sede en la fase pre operatoria del paciente quemado. Método Cualitativo, basado en el modelo teórico Knowledge Translation. Se eligió la técnica de grupo focal para recopilación de datos, compuesta de ocho profesionales, con la finalidad de identificar barreras y facilitadores en la implantación de la evidencia e identificar estrategias de enfrentamiento para los ejes críticos encontrados. Se utilizó la técnica de Análisis de Contenido Temático para evaluar los datos. Resultados se produjeron cinco clases: Estructura física, ambiente y materiales: Particularidades del paciente quemado; Recursos humanos, Actitud del equipo; Capacitación y Educación del equipo. Se crearon estrategias de enfrentamiento para cada barrera identificada. Conclusión las principales barreras fueron identificadas en las categorías Recursos Humanos y Actitud del equipo. Sin embargo, los principales facilitadores fueron Particularidades del paciente quemado y Capacitación y Educación del equipo. Identificarlo posibilitó la planificación de las estrategias de enfrentamiento sobre los ejes críticos además de sostener las evidencias científicas en la práctica clínica.

ABSTRACT Objective To explore the perception of health care professionals about barriers and facilitators, and coping strategies for the implementation of the Thirst Management Model in the preoperative period of the burned patient. Method This is a qualitative study, anchored in the conceptual framework Knowledge Translation. The focus group technique was chosen for data collection, composed by eight key professionals, to identify barriers and facilitators in evidence implementation and to point out coping strategies for the critical nodes found. Thematic Content Analysis technique was used to evaluate the data. Results Five categories emerged: Physical structure, environment and supplies; Particularities of the burned patient; Human Resources; Team attitude; Team training and education. Coping strategies were raised for each barrier identified. Conclusion The main barriers identified were found in the Human Resources and Team Attitude categories. The main facilitators were Particularities of the burned patient and Team training and education. The identification allowed planning coping strategies for critical nodes, providing support for scientific evidence in clinical practice.

Síndrome compartimental no primeiro interósseo dorsal: relato de caso / Compartment syndrome in the first dorsal interosseous compartment: case report

Resumo O diagnóstico da síndrome compartimental em regiões que não são frequentemente afetadas, por possuírem uma boa relação continente-conteúdo, pode se tornar difícil, uma vez que o cirurgião terá dificuldades em alcançar um diagnóstico apenas por um sinal ou sintoma isolado. Assim, muitas vezes, pode-se protelar a conduta adequada, desencadeando danos ao paciente. A paciente era uma mulher, de 29 anos, que foi atendida com dor em mão esquerda por queimadura, com lesão em região anterior à tabaqueira anatômica de tamanho significativo. A paciente já havia sido submetida a cirurgia na sua cidade de origem com desbridamento de pele e tecido subcutâneo há 30 dias, com evolução sem melhora do quadro doloroso. Estava em uso de antibioticoterapia (ceftriaxona 1 g de 12 em 12 horas) e analgesia com dose terapêutica de morfina de 8 em 8 horas.

Abstract In areas that are not commonly affected by compartment syndrome because they have a good content/container ratio, diagnosis of the condition can be a challenge, since surgeons will find it difficult to make a diagnosis on the basis of an isolated sign or symptom. As a result, the correct treatment can very often be delayed, causing harm to the patient. In this case, the patient was a 29-year-old woman who was seen for a painful left hand secondary to a large burn injury to the area anterior of the anatomical snuffbox. She had already undergone surgery in her home town 30 days previously, with debridement of skin and subcutaneous tissue, but the pain had not improved. She was on antibiotic therapy (ceftriaxone, 1g every 12 hours) and analgesia, with therapeutic morphine doses every 8 hours.

Healing of deep dermal burns by allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Deep dermal and full-thickness burns are not only difficult to treat, but they are also associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recent reports have proposed the use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for inducing tissue repair in burn injuries. OBJECTIVE: We aim to evaluate the effect of allogeneic MSC transplantation on full-thickness burns with delayed healing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study includes five patients with AB B/B burns. All patients received conservative treatments, including cleaning, debridement of necrotic tissue, and silver based dressing on the burn wounds. Cryopreserved allogeneic MSCs were thawed and rapidly expanded and used for application in burned patients. MSCs were implanted into preclotted platelet-rich plasma onto the surface of burn wounds. RESULTS: All treated burn wounds showed early granulation tissue and rapid re-epithelialization after MSC transplantation. Healing took between 1 and 5 months after MSC transplantation. Repair of burn wounds was associated with slight discoloration of the regenerated skin without hypertrophic scarring or contractures. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence of healing in deep- and full-thickness burns by allogeneic MSC transplantation. Rapid healing of burn patients, after MSC transplantation, improves their quality of life and reduces the length of hospitalization. Future studies incorporating a larger number of patients may confirm the results obtained in this work.

Histological Evaluation of the Skin After Fat Grafting: A Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat graft is often employed to treat body contour defects. There is currently increased interest in the regenerative properties of fat grafting. OBJECTIVES: The authors evaluated the histological changes of fat grafting in a blinded randomized controlled trial of staged fat grafting-abdominoplasty. METHODS: Ten women between 24 and 55 years of age with a body mass index <30 kg/m2 and previous cesarean scar were submitted to fat grafting followed by staged abdominoplasty. The C-section scar served as a landmark for standardization of fat grafting site and control. One side of the abdomen was fat grafted and the other was left intact (control). At the time of abdominoplasty, 4 months later, a full-thickness skin sample from each hemi abdomen (fat-grafted area and control) was collected and sent to histological analysis. RESULTS: All of the fat-grafted samples showed extracellular lipids and signs of fat graft viability, whereas no such changes occurred in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in fat-grafted vs control samples regarding skin inflammatory infiltrate (P = 0.582), dermis thickness (P = 0.973), vascular density (P = 0.326), and amount of elastic fibers (P = 1). CONCLUSIONS: The histological evaluation of women's abdominoplasty surgical site skin after 4 months of fat grafting showed signs of fat graft in 100% of the grafted sides but no change in skin inflammatory infiltrate, dermis thickness, vascularity density, or elastic fiber quantity.

Gender Disparities Among Burn Surgery Leadership.

Gender disparities have been described in the plastic surgery and general surgery literature, but no data have been reported in burn surgery. The aim of this study is to determine gender disparities among burn surgery leadership. A cross-sectional study was performed. Burn surgeons included were directors of American Burn Association (ABA)-verified burn centers, past presidents of the ABA, and International Society for Burn Injuries (ISBI), and editors of the Journal of Burn Care & Research, Burns, Burns & Trauma, Annals of Burns & Fire Disasters, and the International Journal of Burns and Trauma. Training, age, H-index, and academic level and leadership position were compared among surgeons identified. Among the 69 ABA and ISBI past presidents, 203 burn journals' editorial board members, and 71 burn unit directors, females represented only 2.9%, 10.5%, and 17%, respectively. Among burn unit directors, females completed fellowship training more recently than males (female = 2006, male = 1999, P < .02), have lower H-indexes (female = 8.6, male = 17.3, P = .03), and are less represented as full professors (female = 8.3%, male = 42.4%, P = .026). There were no differences in age, residency, research fellowship, or number of fellowships. Gender disparities exist in burn surgery and are highlighted at the leadership level, even though female surgeons have a similar age, residency training, and other background factors. However, gender diversity in burn surgery may improve as females in junior faculty positions advance in their careers.

Pediatric Burn Treatment Using Tilapia Skin as a Xenograft for Superficial Partial-Thickness Wounds: A Pilot Study.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Nile tilapia skin as a xenograft for the treatment of partial-thickness burn wounds in children. This is an open-label, monocentric, randomized phase II pilot study conducted in Fortaleza, Brazil. The study population consisted of 30 children between the ages of 2 and 12 years with superficial "partial-thickness" burns admitted less than 72 hours from the thermal injury. In the test group, the tilapia skin was applied. In the control group, a thin layer of silver sulfadiazine cream 1% was applied. Tilapia skin showed good adherence to the wound bed, reducing the number of dressing changes required, the amount of anesthetics used, and providing benefits for the patients and also for healthcare professionals, by reducing the overall work load. The number of days to complete burn wound healing, the total amount of analgesics required throughout the treatment, burn improvement on the day of dressing removal, and pain throughout the treatment were similar to the conventional treatment with silver sulfadiazine. Thus, tilapia skin can be considered an effective and low-cost extra resource in the therapeutic arsenal of pediatric superficial partial thickness burns.

Perfil epidemiológico de crianças de 0-18 anos vítimas de queimaduras atendidas no Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica e Queimados de um Hospital Universitário no Sul do Brasil / Epidemiological profile of 0­18-year-old child victims of burns treated at the Plastic Surgery and Burns Service of a University Hospital in Southern Brazil

Introdução: Lesões geradas por queimaduras representam um importante problema de saúde pública, constituindo a quarta causa de morte na infância no Brasil e Estados Unidos. Além disso, poucas são as doenças que trazem prejuízos tão importantes, com considerável morbidade pelo desenvolvimento de sequelas físicas e psicossociais. Diante disso, o objetivo deste estudo é traçar o perfil epidemiológico de crianças de 0-18 anos atendidas em um hospital escola de Curitiba, Paraná. Métodos: Estudo transversal e retrospectivo realizado através da análise de 625 prontuários de internação de crianças de 0-18 anos vítimas de queimaduras, entre janeiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2017. Foram coletadas informações sobre idade, sexo, tempo de internação, óbito, região corporal atingida, extensão da superfície corporal, grau de profundidade, agente etiológico e abordagem terapêutica. Resultados: A maior parte da amostra era composta por lactentes (43%), com média de idade de 12,6 anos. O sexo mais afetado foi o masculino e os pacientes permaneceram cerca de 14,5 dias internados. No estudo, 98% das queimaduras apresentaram como etiologia o agente térmico, principalmente por líquido quente. Em relação ao grau de profundidade, a maioria das queimaduras foram de 2º grau (61,3%), atingindo até 25% de superfície corporal queimada (SCQ), sendo o tronco o mais afetado. Dentre as modalidades de tratamento, 44% dos pacientes necessitaram de intervenção cirúrgica com debridamento e enxertia. Conclusão: Crianças mais novas são mais propensas a sofrerem queimaduras principalmente no ambiente domiciliar e, além disso, uma equipe preparada e capacitada é de crucial importância no prognóstico destes doentes.

Introduction: Injuries caused by burns represent a significant public health problem, constituting the fourth leading cause of childhood death in Brazil and the United States. In addition, few diseases carry such substantial losses as burns, with considerable morbidity due to the development of physical and psychosocial sequelae. This study aimed to outline the epidemiological profile of 0­18-year-old children treated for burns at a teaching hospital in Curitiba, Paraná. Methods: This cross-sectional, retrospective study involved analysis of 625 medical records of 0­18-year-old children who were victims of burns from January 2010 to December 2017. Information was collected on age, sex, length of hospitalization, death, body region affected, burned body surface area (BSA), depth, etiologic agent, and therapeutic approach. Results: A plurality of the sample were infants (43%), and the average age of the sample was 12.6 years. Most of the sample was comprised males, and the patients remained hospitalized for an average of 14.5 days. Of the burns, 98% were caused by thermal agents, particularly hot liquids. Most burns were second-degree burns (61.3%), reaching up to 25% of the BSA, and the most affected region was the trunk. Among the treatment modalities, 44% of the patients needed surgical intervention with debridement and grafting. Conclusion: Younger children are more prone to burns, especially in the home environment. A prepared and qualified team is of crucial importance for optimizing outcomes in these patients.

Lesões por queimaduras com evolução para neoplasia: úlceras de Marjolin / Burn lesions with progression to neoplasia: Marjolin's ulcer

Introdução: A Úlcera de Marjolin é definida como a malignização de cicatrizes, geralmente, crônicas, decorrentes de diversos tipos de lesão, sendo mais comum lesões por queimaduras. Métodos: Foi realizado levantamento bibliográfico nas plataformas BVS, PubMed, SciELO e Cochrane, tendo como critério de inclusão estudos publicados nos últimos 5 anos, que envolvem a espécie humana, disponíveis na web nos idiomas inglês ou português. Resultados: Analisados um total de 31, dos quais apenas 6 compuseram a amostra final. Discussão: As úlceras de Marjolin são encontradas em cicatrizes antigas de queimaduras, podem ocorrer em qualquer local, sendo mais comuns em membros superiores e inferiores. O diagnóstico inicia-se com a suspeita clínica baseada em características das lesões: lesões ulcerativas crônicas que não cicatrizam, com bordas elevadas e endurecidas e odor desagradável, podendo apresentar descarga purulenta. Esse só pode ser efetivado, entretanto, por meio do histopatológico da lesão. O período de latência entre a injúria da lesão e a sua malignização é, em média, de 30 a 35 anos. O tratamento deve ser individualizado, uma vez que depende de diversos fatores. Contudo, considera-se o padrão ouro a excisão cirúrgica. Conclusão: O conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde acerca dessa condição faz-se imprescindível para o melhor prognóstico do paciente. De modo que possíveis casos de malignização não tenham o seu diagnóstico subestimado, permita a terapêutica adequada à minimização das recidivas, e medidas profiláticas sejam efetivadas, no que tange à prevenção da queimadura e à minoração de fatores de risco para a malignização.

Introduction: Marjolin's ulcer is defined as a malignancy within scars that is usually chronic and results from several lesion types, with burn injuries being the most common. Methods: A bibliographic survey was conducted of the Virtual Health Library, PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online, and Cochrane databases using the inclusion criteria of studies published in the last 5 years, human studies, and published in English or Portuguese. Results: A total of 31 studies were analyzed, of which only 6 were included in the final sample. Discussion: Marjolin's ulcer is found in old burn scars and can occur anywhere, but it is more common in the upper and lower limbs. The diagnosis begins with the clinical suspicion based on lesion characteristics: chronic unhealed ulcerative lesions with high and hardened edges, an unpleasant odor, and purulent discharge. However, the diagnosis can only be made histopathologically. The latency period between injury and malignancy is 30­35 years. Although treatment should be individualized since it depends on several factors, surgical excision is considered the gold standard. Conclusion: Knowledge about this condition is essential to better patient prognosis and prevent underestimation of possible cases of malignancy, allowing for appropriate therapy to minimize recurrence and enabling prophylactic measures to prevent burn injury and reduce risk factors for malignancy.

Anterior Neck Resurfacing Using a Single Free Flap: Comparison of Flap Descent in Patients With Burn Sequelae of the Neck/Chest and Patients With Burn Sequelae of Only the Neck.

BACKGROUND: Burn sequelae involving the anterior neck and thorax produce a difficult challenge for reconstruction because contracture of anterior thoracic burns in addition to functional movement of the chest wall can result in downward displacement of the neck unit. The purpose of this study was to understand the influence of burn sequelae of the anterior thorax on anterior neck flap descent, function, and aesthetics. METHODS: Ten patients with burn sequelae of only the anterior neck (group 1) and 10 additional patients with burn sequelae of the anterior neck and thorax (group 2) were retrospectively identified. All 20 patients were treated with scar release and a single extended circumflex scapular free flap for neck resurfacing. Patients were followed for an average of 10 years, at which time flap descent from the sternal notch, deficit of neck extension, and subjective reports of discomfort were measured. RESULTS: Patients in group 1 experienced a median flap descent of 0 [interquartile range (IQR), 1.62 cm] and a median deficit of 0° (IQR, 5°) during neck extension. Patients in group 2 experienced a median flap descent of 8 cm (IQR, 1.75 cm) and a median deficit of 12.5° (IQR, 10°) during neck extension. Retrospective analysis of the 10 patients with burn sequelae of the anterior neck and thorax (group 2) demonstrated a significantly greater degree of flap descent and deficit of neck extension compared with the 10 patients with burn sequelae of only the anterior neck (group 1). Patients in group 1 also subjectively reported less discomfort at follow-up compared with patients in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that patients with burn sequelae involving the anterior neck and thorax have a significantly greater degree of flap descent and neck extension compared with patients with burn sequelae involving only the anterior neck. Flaps of a larger surface area or use of multiple flaps for neck resurfacing may be considered to avoid significant flap descent associated with burn sequelae involving both the anterior neck and thorax.