<% vol = 15 number = 1 nextlink = 46 prevlink = 44 titolo = "INTERNATIONAL ABSTRACTS" volromano = "XV" data_pubblicazione = "March 2002" header titolo %>

LANDMARKS IN BURN PREVENTION

This review of the literature considers landmarks in burn prevention. Historical cases are reviewed and an account is given of data sources and surveillance systems. Prevention strategies are described, with special reference to the prevention of hot water burns in domestic settings. The use of lower tap water temperature and temperature-regulating valves is recommended. Burns in residential fires can be prevented by the installation of smoke detectors, automatic sprinklers, and the elimination of ignition sources (e.g. cigarettes, matches, and lighters). Burns due to the ignition of clothing, fireworks, flammable products, and chemicals are considered, as also electrical burns. Stress is laid on the importance of education.


Liao C.-C., Rossignol A.M.
Burns, 261: 422-34, 2000

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF SUICIDAL BURNS ADMITTED TO THE HARARE BURNS UNIT

The purpose of this study (conducted in Harare, Zimbabwe) was to collect information on patients who had attempted suicide by self-inflicting burning. Forty-seven patients were included in the study (42 female, 5 male). All the patients had doused themselves with paraffin or petrol. The commonest circumstances leading to the suicide attempt was conflict in a love relationship. The median TBSA burned was 60% (range, 10-90%). The majority of patients were difficult to resuscitate because they removed intravenous lines.


Mzezewa S., Jonsson K., Åberg M., Salemark L.
Burns, 26: 460-4, 2000

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CHILDHOOD BURNS IN THE CRITICAL CARE MEDICAL CENTER OF KINKI UNIVERSITY IN OSAKA, JAPAN

This study describes the characteristics of paediatric burns with a view to the preparation of a programme of prevention of severe burns in children. A retrospective study was carried out of burn victims aged 15 yr or younger over a 15-yr period (1982-1997), during which time 73 burned children were hospitalized. The average percentage of burned body area was 21.5 ± 20.5%. The hot water bath and other hot liquids were most commonly involved. Hot bath scalding accounts for about half of the cases. Non-bath scalding occurred in about one-third of the burns. All the injuries were suffered in the home when a family member was present. The data will be used in a prevention programme. The importance of education for children and family members as to the danger of burns in the home environment is stressed.


Fukunishi K., Takahashi H., Kitagishi H., Matsushima M., Kanai T., Ohsawa H., Sakata I.
Burns, 26: 465-9, 2000

“TRAIN SURFERS”: ANALYSIS OF 23 CASES OF ELECTRICAL BURNS CAUSED BY HIGH-TENSION RAILWAY OVERHEAD CABLES

“Train surfers” are young men who in Rio de Janeiro, mainly for reasons of defiance, travel on the roofs of trains. They are often involved in accidents when they come into contact with the overhead electric high-tension (3000 V) cables. In the last ten years, over 200 such accidents have occurred, and this paper describes 23 cases, involving males aged between 10 and 22 yr (average, 16.3 yr). Ten of the persons died. It was found that all the young men who suffered such accidents had social and psychological problems. The 23 accidents are classified according to the sex and age of the patient, the BSA percentage, the surgery required, the length of hospital stay, and associated lesions.


Sternick I., Gomes R.D., Serra M.C., Redwansksi H.N., Pitanguy I.
Burns, 26: 470-3, 2000

KEROSENE STOVE AS A CAUSE OF BURNS ADMITTED TO THE AIN SHAMS BURN UNIT

In Egypt, kerosene stoves are a common cause of burn injury, especially in the underprivileged section of the population. Between May 1995 and December 1996, out of the 759 patients presenting to the burns unit of Aim Shams University in Cairo, 304 (40%) had burns caused by kerosene stove fires. A survey is made of these cases, with considerations of demographics and seasonal variations, extent of burn, treatment and hospital stay, and mortality and morbidity. It is concluded that there should be a campaign in the mass media to prohibit the use of these dangerous stoves, or that they should be modified to make them safer.

Mabrouk A., El Badawy A., Sherif M.
Burns, 26: 474-7, 2000


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