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GRANT
PROJECT UPDATES AND FINDINGS
Since its inception, the IAFF Burn
Foundation has awarded more than $2 million to burn research. Foundation-funded
research has been published in numerous professional medical journals
and has resulted in many important advances in burn care treatment
and improved quality of life issues for burn survivors.
Recent
Advances
Pilot
Study of Incorporation of the International Classification of External
Causes of Injury (ICEC1)
Michael Peck, MD
University of North
Carolina
At present the research
team has been incorporating the ICEC1 into the National Burn Registry,
which will allow national data collection of all large category
burns. Burns can then be categorized more precisely by cause. The
team is working on the development of a research tool, which will
establish a quality control system of data assessment. Incorporation
of ICEC1 data into the Burn Registry will then be performed.
Calculating
Status of Calcitonin Levels in Children Following Recovery from
Acute Burn Injury
Michele Gottschlich,
PhD, RD
Cincinnati Shriners
Hospital
Calcitonin is an important
hormone regulating bone formation, and essential for children to
grow. The effect of a burn injury on this hormone has been unknown.
The research team has identified and reported that a high percentage
of the burned children have low Calcitonin levels in the acute and
recovery periods. This finding can explain some of the bone changes
which may now be correctible with Calcitonin replacement. This information
can help prevent growth stunting.
The
Incidence and Impact of Protein Energy Malnutrition in the Burn
Injury Population
Leslie De Santi, RN
Brigham and Women's
Burn Center
The research
team has identified that malnutrition is commonly seen on admission
of inpatients with burns. This problem is particularly prevalent
in those over 65 years of age, where over 50% of patients were initially
malnourished. This disorder increases the burn mortality and complications.
It is likely that a malnourished individual will have increased
complications and mortality. Aggressive early nutritional intervention
is necessary to diminish the resulting poor outcomes of untreated
early malnutrition.
Equilibrium
of Inert Materials Used to Treat Burn Scars
Reg Richard, MSPT
Miami Valley Burn
Center
The objective of this
study was to determine the performance of common inert materials
placed on burn scars, to transfer pressure to the surface (pressure
garment). A number of materials have been tested using a Tekscan®
pressure mapping system. Static pressure distribution has been performed
as well as dynamic measurements through video recordings. The study
has been completed. Researchers found that the pressure transmitted
with every material was quite varied. The conclusion therefore is
that when treating burn scars with pressure, the type, thickness,
density and other factors of materials need to be assessed in order
to determine the most appropriate treatment material.
The
Station Nightclub Fire: A Study of Long Term Psychological Impact
Jeffrey Schneider, MD
Spaulding Rehabilitation
Hospital
The team to date has analyzed
110 of the 330 survivors of the night club fire to determine the
long-term psychological impact of such a massive fire. Once the
study of all the victims is completed, this research will help to
improve long-term treatment of casualties/survivors from such disasters.
National
Study of Emergency Department Visits for Burn Injuries 1993-2004
Carlos Camargo, MD
Massachusetts General
Hospital
The research team determined
that the emergency department visit rates for burn injuries have
decreased from 1993 to 2004. Burns evaluated were noted to be 50%
higher in men versus women. The high-risk age bracket was found
to be individuals ages 10-30 years, not the elderly as previously
reported. Treatment modalities have significantly changed over time.
This large data will be used to determine trends in burn incidents
and in treatment modalities.
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