Pediatric burns: Kids' Inpatient Database vs the National Burn Repository.

OBJECTIVE: Burn injuries are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in young children. The Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) and National Burn Repository (NBR) are two large national databases that can be used to evaluate outcomes and help quality improvement in burn care. Differences in the design of the KID and NBR could lead to differing results affecting resultant conclusions and quality improvement programs. This study was designed to validate the use of KID for burn epidemiologic studies, as an adjunct to the NBR. METHODS: Using the KID (2003, 2006, and 2009), a total of 17,300 nonelective burn patients younger than 20 y old were identified. Data from 13,828 similar patients were collected from the NBR. Outcome variables were compared between the two databases. RESULTS: Comparisons revealed similar patient distribution by gender, race, and burn size. Inhalation injury was more common among the NBR patients and was associated with increased mortality. The rates of respiratory failure, wound infection, cellulitis, sepsis, and urinary tract infection were higher in the KID. Multiple regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders demonstrated similar mortality rate but significantly longer length of stay for patients in the NBR. CONCLUSIONS: Despite differences in the design and sampling of the KID and NBR, the overall demographic and mortality results are similar. The differences in complication rate and length of stay should be explored by further studies to clarify underlying causes. Investigations into these differences should also better inform strategies to improve burn prevention and treatment.

A Novel Local Autologous Bone Graft Donor Site After Scalp Tissue Expansion in Aplasia Cutis Congenita.

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a rare condition often presenting as an absent area of cutaneous scalp. The calvarium and dura may also be affected. Scalp reconstruction with tissue expansion is often needed for large defects. Patients involving deficient calvarial bone present a dilemma for the reconstructive surgeon, because bone graft donor sites are limited in young children.A thick, bony rim has been noted to form around the periphery of scalp tissue expanders. The authors present a series of 3 patients with ACC for whom this bony hyperostosis was used as donor particulate bone graft at the time of scalp tissue expansion. There was 85 to 100% graft ossification on postoperative computed tomography scan. There were no bone graft-related complications.In conclusion, the hyperostotic rim that forms after scalp tissue expansion can be successfully used as particulate bone graft, decreasing the number of procedures needed for patient with ACC and obviating the need for other donor sites.

Mandibular distraction for Robin sequence associated with laryngomalacia.

INTRODUCTION: Protocols for the treatment of Robin sequence (RS) consider the presence of laryngomalacia as a contraindication to mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO). The authors report their institutional experience of MDO applied to infants with RS and associated laryngomalacia. METHODS: An 8-year (2005-2013) retrospective review of all infants with RS and laryngomalacia who underwent MDO at a tertiary care children's hospital was performed. Patients were excluded if they possessed an airway anomaly other than laryngomalacia. Laryngomalacia was identified on laryngoscopy before MDO. Laser supraglottoplasty was performed at the discretion of the otolaryngologist. Recorded variables included preoperative and postoperative AHI, syndromic diagnosis or genetic anomalies, cardiac, central nervous system (CNS), and gastrointestinal (GI) abnormalities. The primary outcomes measured were avoidance or decannulation of tracheostomy and decrease in postoperative AHI. RESULTS: Eleven infants met inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 28 months. 18.2% of patients had a syndromic diagnosis, 36.4% cardiac, 9.1% CNS, and 72.7% GI abnormalities. Mean preoperative AHI was 46.1 ± 31.8 and mean postoperative AHI was 4.1 ± 3.0 (P = 0.002). All patients without a tracheostomy before intervention avoided tracheostomy after MDO. One patient had a tracheostomy before MDO and was subsequently decannulated. One patient died 1 year after MDO due to complex congenital heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with RS and laryngomalacia can be successfully treated with MDO to relieve upper airway obstruction. Close cooperation with a pediatric otolaryngologist and treatment of laryngomalacia can significantly enhance tracheostomy avoidance in infants with Robin sequence.

Novel Utilization of the Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface Technique after Unsuccessful Nerve Release for Bilateral Frontal Migraines.

Regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) is a surgical technique whose indications include preventing or treating painful neuromas after amputation or peripheral nerve injuries. The procedure involves implanting the distal end of a transected peripheral nerve containing sensory fibers into a selected free muscle graft. Although RPNI procedures have primarily been used after limb amputations, select case reports detail the potential for RPNI to mitigate other sources of neuropathic pain, introducing novel uses to its clinical utility. We present the case of a 49-year-old woman who presented to our clinic in June 2021 with chronic frontal migraines with right retro-orbital pain. Bilateral supraorbital and supratrochlear nerve releases with fat grafting were performed in August 2018 via a blepharoplasty approach; however, this procedure was unsuccessful in reducing her neuropathic pain. After discussion with the patient, we elected to proceed with transection of bilateral supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves with RPNI. The postoperative course was uneventful. Follow-up visits up to 1-year postoperative revealed that she had adequate pain control, discontinued her migraine medications, and reported satisfaction with the procedure. The novel RPNI surgical technique may be a low-risk adjunctive option in the surgical management of refractory supraorbital and supratrochlear neuralgia. Future studies should include a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing supraorbital and supratrochlear neurectomy alone to neurectomy with RPNI in refractory supraorbital and supratrochlear neuralgia management. Further exploration of RPNI may reveal additional uses and modifications, which may revolutionize the treatment of neuralgia and other similar ailments.

Chitosan Sponges Are Associated With Higher Rates of Wound Complications Compared to Calcium Sulfate Beads.

Background In this study, we aimed to determine if there is a difference in the rates of wound dehiscence, delayed union, nonunion, and unanticipated surgery after the use of bioabsorbable local antibiotic-delivery systems (LADS), specifically comparing antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate pellets (Osteoset-T, Wright Medical Technology Inc., Arlington, TN, USA, hereafter referred to as beads) and chitosan sponge (Sentrex BioSponge, Bionova Medical, Germantown, TN, USA, hereafter referred to as sponges) in the management of acute and chronic extremity wounds. Methodology We conducted a retrospective comparative cohort study in the setting of a level 1 trauma center. All patients who received either beads or sponges as an adjunct to surgical debridement from January 2010 to December 2017 were included, and 136 patients met the inclusion criteria. The intervention studied was extremity wounds that were treated with bioabsorbable LADS, either beads or sponges. The main outcome measurement was wound dehiscence and the need for unanticipated surgery. Results Of the 136 patients in the study cohort, 78% (106/136) were treated with beads, and 22% (30/136) were treated with sponges. Of the 136 patients, 50 (37%) experienced wound dehiscence, and 49 patients required unanticipated surgery. Overall, 62% (31/50) of patients with wound dehiscence and 67.4% (33/49) of patients requiring unanticipated surgery were seen in the bead cohort (p = 0.0001 and 0.025, respectively). However, in multivariable analyses, we found that the odds of having wound dehiscence and undergoing unanticipated surgery were, respectively, 4.9 (p = 0.001) and 2.8 (p = 0.021) times more likely to occur in the sponge than in the bead group. Conclusions Sentrex sponges appear to be associated with higher rates of wound dehiscence and the need for unanticipated surgery compared to Osteoset beads.

The no-vertical scar technique for oncoplastic breast reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Oncoplastic reconstruction can optimize breast conserving therapy. Nipple loss is a concern in patients with significant ptosis and breast hypertrophy particularly with pedicle undermining during tumor resection. The modified Robertson technique (No-Vertical Scar reduction) has been previously described for breast reduction in large, ptotic patients using a wide, bell-shaped inferior pedicle with only inframammary fold and peri­areolar incisions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the No-Vertical Scar (NVS) technique applied to oncoplastic reconstruction. METHODS: Women undergoing oncoplastic breast reduction using a NVS, Wise, or Vertical method were assessed. Predictive variables included patient demographics, comorbidities, and sternal notch to nipple (SNN) distance. Outcome variables were delayed wound healing, surgical site infection, seroma, fat necrosis, nipple necrosis, use of a free nipple graft, and time between surgery and adjuvant radiation. RESULTS: Fifty patients met inclusion criteria using NVS (N = 15), Wise (N = 16), and Vertical (N = 19) methods. The NVS group had a significantly higher BMI (p=.009), greater sternal notch to nipple distance (p=<0.001) and increased resection volume (p=<0.001) as compared to Wise and Vertical groups. There was no significant difference in complications (p=.25). No nipple necrosis occurred, and no free nipple grafts were required. CONCLUSION: The NVS approach is a useful technique for oncoplastic reconstruction in select patients with macromastia and severe Grade II or Grade III ptosis. The wide, bell-shaped pedicle is versatile for obliterating a lumpectomy cavity and optimizing nipple perfusion if pedicle undermining occurs during resection.

Evaluation of Prepectoral Breast Tissue Expander Reconstruction Intraoperative Fill: Air or Saline?

SUMMARY: Staged implant-based breast reconstruction with immediate tissue expanders (TEs) is the most common method of breast reconstruction after mastectomy. TEs traditionally are filled with saline for expansion. Some surgeons have advocated initial intraoperative fill of the TE with air to avoid excess pressure on ischemic mastectomy skin flaps. The purpose of the study was to compare intraoperative air versus saline tissue fills. All patients who underwent prepectoral TE reconstruction after mastectomy from 2017 to 2019 were reviewed. The primary predictive variable was whether saline or air was used for initial tissue expansion. Outcome variables included mastectomy skin necrosis, nipple necrosis, infection, number of expansions, hematoma, and explantation. A total of 53 patients (88 TEs) were included in the study: 28 patients (44 TEs) who underwent initial intraoperative fill with air and 25 patients (44 TEs) who underwent an initial saline fill were assessed. There were no significant differences in complication rates between initial TE fill with saline versus air, including nipple necrosis, wound dehiscence, cellulitis, abscess, or TE removal ( P = 1.0). The number of postoperative TE fills in the initial air fill group was 3.2 compared to 2.7 in the initial saline fill group ( P = 0.27). Prepectoral TE initial fill with air has similar postoperative outcomes compared to initial saline fill. The authors found no benefit to initially filling prepectoral TEs with air intraoperatively. Given the additional effort of exchanging air for saline during the first postoperative fill, there was no clinical advantage of filling prepectoral TEs with air. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

A case report of gender-affirming mastectomy in a transgender individual with breast cancer.

Background: Gender-affirming mastectomy (GAM), in contrast to simple mastectomy (SM), utilizes preservation of subcutaneous and breast tissue to produce a cosmetically favorable result for transgender patients, however does not remove all future malignancy risk. Here we present a case report of a transmale patient who was evaluated for GAM and subsequently found to have a malignant breast mass, necessitating multi-disciplinary intervention and coordination between breast and plastic surgery teams. This patient's unique and rare presentation with breast cancer prior to GAM emphasized the paucity of previously detailed cases in the literature and demonstrated the likely degree of variability in decision-making for treatment of these patients without universal guidelines for management. Case Description: The patient is a 47-year-old African American transgender male who was found to have a 3-cm breast mass on routine pre-operative mammographic screening prior to GAM. Pathology confirmed grade II invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and further genetic testing showed the patient was BRCA2 positive. The breast and plastic surgery teams coordinated the GAM to best address the mass while achieving cosmetic goals. This case was complicated by positive nipple margins on intra-operative cold specimen, which necessitated deviation from the initial plan to perform bilateral nipple grafts, and instead utilized excess areolar tissue from the left nipple to reconstruct the contralateral right nipple. Graft survival and overall repair quality at 6 weeks was satisfactory to both patient and provider. Conclusions: This case highlights several of the challenges encountered when considering or performing GAMs in transmale patients with underlying breast cancer. Surgical considerations for these patients differ from cisgender individuals undergoing mastectomy for oncologic breast findings. Further research is needed to better determine the ideal operative practice and ideal follow-up screening for these patients.

The Effects of Postoperative Physician Phone Calls for Hand and Wrist Fractures: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background In this study, we sought to determine if postoperative physician phone calls following hand and wrist fracture surgery improve patient outcomes, satisfaction, and treatment adherence. Methodology We prospectively enrolled 24 consecutive adult patients who underwent outpatient surgery for isolated hand and wrist fractures at a single, metropolitan, safety-net hospital over one year to receive an additional physician phone call starting on postoperative day one. We measured preoperative and postoperative Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (bMHQ) composite score, overall satisfaction on a five-point Likert scale, compliance with treatment recommendations, presence of complications, discharge instructions reading level, and clarity of discharge and follow-up instructions. The surgical team was blinded to the treatment arm. Results The bMHQ score improved 26% after surgery; however, there was no difference in absolute score change between groups (12.2 vs. 6.5, p = 0.69). Most patients were satisfied throughout all stages of care, but postoperative satisfaction did not differ between groups (1.4 vs. 2.5, p = 0.21). There was a stronger correlation between patient hand function and satisfaction starting one month after surgery (R2 = 0.502, p = 0.002) than preoperatively (R2 = 0.252, p = 0.029). Immediately following surgery, most patients stated that discharge instructions were clear, and the average readability was below the average patient education level. Despite this, 13% removed their splint or Kirschner wires, 67% did not follow up within a week of recommendation, 62% did not complete postoperative treatment, and 33% had complications. Conclusions Postoperative phone calls by physicians did not improve compliance with recommendations, patient-rated outcome measures, or clinical outcomes among our hand and wrist fracture patient population.

Comparison of Breast Reconstruction Outcomes Using Oxychlorosene versus Triple Antibiotic Solution for Pocket Irrigation.

Background: Breast pocket irrigation with antiseptic solutions is performed to reduce contamination with breast implants. The optimal antiseptic irrigation solution and the efficacy of individual practices are unclear. Oxychlorosene sodium is frequently used at our institution. Oxychlorosene is bactericidal with a mechanism of action of oxidation and hypochlorination. The purpose of our study was to compare the outcomes of oxychlorosene sodium irrigation with triple antibiotic solution (TAS) in implant-based breast reconstruction. Methods: All patients who underwent implant-based reconstruction after mastectomy were reviewed. The primary predictive variable was type of solution used for pocket irrigation (TAS or oxychlorosene). Outcome variables included surgical site infection, device removal, and wound complications. Results: Between 2013 and 2018, 331 implant-based breast reconstructions were performed. Of these, 62% (n = 206) received oxychlorosene for surgical pocket irrigation (group I), and 38% (n = 125) received TAS (group II). Group I had an 11.7% (n = 24) 90-day surgical site infection rate, with 4.9% (n = 10) requiring oral antibiotics, 2.4% (n = 5) requiring intravenous antibiotics without device removal, and 4.4% (n = 9) requiring prosthetic removal. Group II had an 11.2% (n = 14) 90-day infection rate, with 5.6% (n = 7) requiring oral antibiotics, 2.4% (n = 3) requiring intravenous antibiotics without device removal, and 3.2% (n = 4) requiring removal (P = 0.90). When comparing the cost of oxychlorosene irrigation with TAS irrigation, oxychlorosene was less expensive. Conclusions: Oxychlorosene and TAS have similar surgical site infection rates in prosthetic breast reconstruction. Ease of preparation and cost make oxychlorosene a more favorable option for antibiotic irrigation in reconstructive breast surgery with prosthetic devices.

Prospective measurements of intra-abdominal volume and pulmonary function after repair of massive ventral hernias with the components separation technique.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of components separation on abdominal volume and pulmonary function after repair of hernias with loss of domain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Immediate postoperative abdominal compartment syndrome is a feared complication after hernia repair in patients with a "loss of abdominal domain." Replacement of the viscera within an unyielding stiff abdominal wall may compromise the perfusion of the intestines, elevate the diaphragm, and interfere with ventilation. The components separation technique, used to repair these massive hernias, employs bilateral relaxing incisions in the external oblique muscle and fascia to approximate the rectus abdominis muscles in the midline. METHODS: Nineteen consecutive patients with large ventral hernias were enrolled. Intra-abdominal volumes were prospectively measured before and after hernia repair, using computer analysis of abdominal CT scans. Pulmonary function tests were similarly obtained before and after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using paired student's t test. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (ID# NCT00894582). RESULTS: Nine women and 10 men ages 24 to 76 with an average BMI of 30 kg/m had an average hernia size of 915 mL. Intra-abdominal volume increased significantly after separation of parts hernia repair from an average of 7640 to 8166 mL (P=0.01). Diaphragm height did not change significantly (37.1 cm to 37.5 cm, P=0.42). Intraoperative peak airway pressures remained within normal limits for all patients. Pulmonary function testing revealed no significant differences before and after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The components separation repair technique acts to restore lost abdominal domain by increasing its volume, and can be performed on patients with large ventral hernias with acceptable outcomes and without measurable changes in pulmonary function.

Repair of massive ventral hernias with the separation of parts technique: reversal of the 'lost domain'.

Massive ventral hernia repairs are sometimes complicated by the "loss of domain". The separation of parts hernia repair reverses the loss of domain by increasing intra-abdominal volume, but not by elevating the hemidiaphragms into the thoracic cavity. Hernia repair in patients with a "loss of abdominal domain" is thought to be associated with postoperative pulmonary difficulties. A retrospective chart review was performed on 102 patients treated by a single surgeon. The 10 patients with matching preoperative and postoperative abdominal CT scans were computer-analyzed for intra-abdominal volume changes and diaphragm height measurements. Postoperative pulmonary complications in these 102 patients were recorded. Intra-abdominal volume increased after separation of parts hernia repair from 8600 +/- 2800 mL to 9700 +/- 2700 mL (P = 0.01). Diaphragm height did not statistically change. Two of the 102 patients had prolonged intubations, and seven other patients were ventilated briefly. The separation of parts technique is able to close large ventral hernias without a high incidence of pulmonary complications as a result of its ability to expand the abdominal domain without a change in diaphragmatic height.

Incisions and reconstruction approaches for large sarcomas.

Large intraabdominal, retroperitoneal, and abdominal wall sarcomas provide unique challenges in treatment due to their variable histology, potential considerable size at the time of diagnosis, and the ability to invade into critical structures. Historically, some of these tumors were considered inoperable if surgical access was limited or the consequential defect was unable to be closed primarily as reconstructive options were limited. Over time, there has been a greater understanding of the abdominal wall anatomy and mechanics, which has resulted in the development of new techniques to allow for sound oncologic resections and viable, durable options for abdominal wall reconstruction. Currently, intra-operative positioning and employment of a variety of abdominal and posterior trunk incisions have made more intraabdominal and retroperitoneal tumors accessible. Primary involvement or direct invasion of tumor into the abdominal wall is no longer prohibitive as utilization of advanced hernia repair techniques along with the application of vascularized tissue transfer have been shown to have the ability to repair large area defects involving multiple quadrants of the abdominal wall. Both local and distant free tissue transfer may be incorporated, depending on the size and location of the area needing reconstruction and what residual structures are remaining surrounding the resection bed. There is an emphasis on selecting the techniques that will be associated with the least amount of morbidity yet will restore and provide the appropriate structure and function necessary for the trunk. This review article summarizes both initial surgical incisional planning for the oncologic resection and a variety of repair options for the abdominal wall spanning the reconstructive ladder.

A New Approach to Minimize Acellular Dermal Matrix Use in Prosthesis-based Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are often used to improve lower-pole contour, as well as allow for single-stage reconstruction, but numerous studies have shown an increased complication rate using ADM. As such, our group has developed a minimal-ADM-use technique to lower complications while effectively recreating lower-pole contour. METHODS: A total of 380 postmastectomy prosthesis-based breast reconstructions were performed in 265 patients by a single surgeon. One hundred eight reconstructions were performed using the traditional ADM technique, with a large piece of ADM along the entire inferior and lateral borders. Two hundred twenty-five reconstructions were performed with the minimal-use technique, patching only the lateral area of the reconstruction. Thirty-five reconstructions were performed without the use of any ADM for high-risk reconstructions, most often in morbidly obese patients. RESULTS: Comparing the traditional technique with the minimal-use technique, the seroma rate dropped from 3% to 0%. The rate of infection and reconstruction loss fell from 9% to 1%. Upon greatly reducing or eliminating the use of ADM use in obese patients, the seroma rate decreased from 15.4% to 5.7%, and the reconstruction loss rate decreased from 38% to 9%. CONCLUSIONS: This article describes a new surgical approach to minimize the amount of ADM necessary to create an aesthetically pleasing breast reconstruction. We believe that this approach helps avoid the complications of seroma, infection, and loss of the reconstruction. In certain obese patients, total avoidance of ADM may be the better choice.

Pediatric reduction mammaplasty: A retrospective analysis of the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID).

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Pediatric breast reduction mammaplasty is a procedure commonly performed in children suffering from excess breast tissue, back pain, and social anxiety. Minimal information exists regarding demographics, epidemiology, and complications in adolescents. As health care reform progresses, investigating the socioeconomic and patient-related factors affecting cost and operative outcomes is essential. METHODS: The Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) was used from 2000 to 2009. Patients with an International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision code of macromastia and procedure code of reduction mammaplasty 20 and less were included. Demographic data, including age, sex, payer mix, and location, were collected. Significant independent variables associated with complications and duration of stay were identified with bivariate and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1,345 patients between the ages 12 and 20 were evaluated. The majority of patients were white (64%), from a zip code with greatest income (36%), and had private insurance (75%). Overall comorbidity and complication rates were 30% and 3.2%, respectively. Duration of stay was associated with race, income quartile, insurance type, having complications, and hospital type. African-American race, Medicaid, lower income, and private-investor owned hospitals were predictive of greater hospital charges. CONCLUSION: In this large retrospective database analysis, pediatric reduction mammaplasty had a relatively low early complication rate and short duration of stay. Complications, total charges, and duration of stay discrepancies were associated with race, location, and socioeconomic status. Although demonstrably safe, this is the first study demonstrating the negative effect of race and socioeconomic status on a completely elective procedure involving children. These results demonstrate the intricate association between socioeconomic and patient-related factors influencing overall outcomes in the pediatric population.

Augmented SIEA flap for microvascular breast reconstruction after prior ligation of bilateral deep inferior epigastric arteries.

The superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap is an excellent option for free tissue transfer breast reconstruction. Similar to the free transverse rectus myocutaneous (TRAM) and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps, the SIEA pedicle supplies the fasciocutaneous tissues of the lower abdomen. The SIEA flap does not involve removal of or potential damage to the rectus muscles. Nonetheless, the vascular pedicle may be a challenge to dissect and variable in its presence and caliber. This article presents a case report and an extended delay technique to augment the SIEA system in a patient with prior bilateral deep inferior epigastric artery ligation.

Why we are here: early reflections on the role of reconstructive plastic surgery in the 2013 Boston marathon bombings.

The 2013 Boston Marathon bombings resulted in a large and unexpected influx of patients requiring acute multidisciplinary surgical care. The authors describe the surgical management experience of these patients at Brigham & Women's Hospital and Brigham & Women's Faulkner Hospital, with a particular focus on the important role played by reconstructive plastic surgery. The authors suggest that this experience illustrates the value of reconstructive plastic surgery in the treatment of these patients specifically and of trauma patients in general, and argue for the increasing importance of promoting our identity as a specialty.

High-frequency oscillatory ventilators in burn patients: experience of Riley Hospital for Children.

The objective of the study is to review a single institution's experience with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) and compare patient characteristics, outcomes, and complications with other reported studies of HFOV use in burn patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and respiratory failure. This study is a retrospective chart review of the burn patients treated with HFOV in Pediatric Burn Unit at Riley Hospital for Children from October 1996 to April 2007. Patient data were collected, including demographics, percentage of TBSA burn, percentage of full-thickness burn, mechanisms of burn, settings on conventional mechanical ventilation and HFOV, and blood gas data before initiation of HFOV and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 72 (3 days), 120 (5 days), 168 (7 days), 240 (10 days), and 336 hours (14 days). Length of stay, mortality, and complications were also included. HFOV was used 24 times in 21 patients between October 1996 and April 2007 with a mean age of 10 ± 11 years. At initiation of HFOV, the PaO2/FiO2 and oxygenation index values were 109 ± 26 and 36 ± 12, respectively. At stop, the PaO2/FiO2 improved to 166 ± 24 with an average increase from before HFOV of 57 ± 39 (P < .002). At 5 days of HFOV, oxygenation index improved to 14.1 ± 1.7 (P < .02) but did not significantly improve at discontinuation of HFOV at 28.8 ± 6.2 (P = .11). The mortality rate during admission to the burn unit was 29%. Barotrauma occurred in 38% of patients during HFOV. Severe hypercapnea was present briefly in 49% of patients, and this was refractory to standard treatment in 19%. In our experience, HFOV in severe burn patients has significant, early, and sustained improvement in oxygenation. Earlier institution of HFOV seems to significantly lower rates of barotraumas.

Development of a porcine delayed wound-healing model and its use in testing a novel cell-based therapy.

PURPOSE: A delayed full-thickness wound-healing model was developed and used for examining the capacity of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), either alone or in platelet-rich fibrin gels, to promote healing. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Four pigs received electron beam radiation to the dorsal skin surface. Five weeks after radiation, subcutaneous fat was harvested from nonirradiated areas and processed to yield ASCs. Two weeks later, 28 to 30 full-thickness 1.5-cm(2) wounds were made in irradiated and nonirradiated skin. Wounds were treated with either saline solution, ASCs in saline solution, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) fibrin gel, ASCs in PRP, or non-autologous green fluorescence protein-labeled ASCs. RESULTS: The single radiation dose produced a significant loss of dermal microvasculature density (75%) by 7 weeks. There was a significant difference in the rate of healing between irradiated and nonirradiated skin treated with saline solution. The ASCs in PRP-treated wounds exhibited a significant 11.2% improvement in wound healing compared with saline solution. Enhancement was dependent on the combination of ASCs and PRP, because neither ASCs nor PRP alone had an effect. CONCLUSIONS: We have created a model that simulates the clinically relevant late radiation effects of delayed wound healing. Using this model, we showed that a combination of ASCs and PRP improves the healing rates of perfusion-depleted tissues, possibly through enhancing local levels of growth factors.