• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.589-603
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have reported that protein supplementation contributes to the attenuation of inflammation. Serious trauma such as burn injury usually results in the excessive release of inflammatory factors and organs dysfunction. However, a few reports continued to focus on the function of protein ingestion in regulating burn-induced inflammation and organ dysfunction. MATERIALS/METHODS: This study established the rat model of 30% total body surface area burn injury, and evaluated the function of blended protein (mixture of whey and soybean proteins). Blood routine examination, inflammatory factors, blood biochemistry, and immunohistochemical assays were employed to analyze the samples from different treatment groups. RESULTS: Our results indicated a decrease in the numbers of white blood cells, monocytes, and neutrophils in the burn injury group administered with the blended protein nutritional support (Burn+BP), as compared to the burn injury group administered normal saline supplementation (Burn+S). Expressions of the pro-inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) and chemokines (macrophage chemoattractant protein-1, regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted factor, and C-C motif chemokine 11) were dramatically decreased, whereas anti-inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13) were significantly increased in the Burn+BP group. Kidney function related markers blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, and the liver function related markers alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase were remarkably reduced, whereas albumin levels were elevated in the Burn+BP group as compared to levels obtained in the Burn+S group. Furthermore, inflammatory cells infiltration of the kidney and liver was also attenuated after burn injury administered with blended protein supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, nutritional support with blended proteins dramatically attenuates the burn-induced inflammatory reaction and protects organ functions. We believe this is a new insight into a potential therapeutic strategy for nutritional support of burn patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.407-412
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• 2008

Purpose: Hydrofluoric acid(HF) is one of the most dangerous mineral acids with the dissociated fluoride ions. The initial corrosive burn is caused by free hydrogen ion, and the second and more severe burn is caused by penetration of fluoride ions into subcutaneous tissues. Silver is a cation producing dressing, an effective antimicrobial agent, but older silver-containing formulations are rapidly inactivated by wound environment, requiring frequent replenishment. But, $Acticoat^{(R)}$ is a relatively new form of silver dressing which helps avoid the problems of earlier agents. The aim of this study is to evaluate effects of $Acticoat^{(R)}$, silver-containing dressing on the treatment for HF injury wound. Methods: From september 2006 to september 2007, the study was carried out with 10 patients who had HF partial thickness burns. $Acticoat^{(R)}$ dressing and 10% calcium gluconate wet gauze dressings in 10 cases. As a principle, in the emergency treatment, partial or complete removal of the nail and early bullectomy along with copious washing with normal saline was done, depending on the degree of HF invasion of the wound. Wound was dressed with $Acticoat^{(R)}$ and 10% calcium gluconate solution. The effect of dressing was investgated by serial bacterial culture and wound exudates assessment. Results: We therefore reviewed 10 cases of HF-induced chemical burns and treatment principle. The 10 cases who came to the hospital nearly immediately after the injury healed completely without sequelae. Conclusion: As the industrial sector develops, the use of HF is increasing more and more, leading to increased incidences of HF-induced chemical burns. The education of patients regarding this subject should be empathized accordingly. In conclusion, $Acticoat^{(R)}$ dressing is a better choice for HF partial thickness burn injuries because of shorter healing time, less pain and more comfortable dressing.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.421-426
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• 2010

Purpose: Patients with serious burns are prone to chondritis due to lack of soft tissue in the auricle, which can cause severe defects in the auricular morphology. In addition, skin damage occurs frequently in the vicinity of post-burn wounds, presenting difficulties in reconstruction surgery. An auricular reconstruction has functional and cosmetic significance. The aim of this study is to develop appropriate reconstruction methods for auricular defects. Methods: Thirty seven patients, who were treated for auricular defects from 2005 to 2009, were enrolled in this study. A local flap, multiple regional flaps and cartilage framework with or without a temporal fascial flap were applied in reconstruction surgery according to the location of the auricular defect. Results: The age of the subjects ranged from 11 to 56. Some subjects had defects that cover more than half of the helical rim with most exhibiting post-burn scars in the vicinity, for whom a multiple regional flap was used. A single use of a tubed flap was sufficient for subjects with defects that covered less than half of the helical rim. A regional flap was also used for reconstruction in subjects with defects covering both the helical rim and antehelix. Conclusion: Achieving satisfactory results from the skin flaps and skin grafts for post-burn auricular defects in both functional and cosmetic aspects is a difficult task. Therefore, selecting an appropriate surgical method through proper diagnosis of the auricular defect and the state of the available skin in the vicinity is essential.

• Journal of the Korean Burn Society
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.53-57
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• 2019

Dichloromethane is widely used as a solvent in paint removers. Unlike inhalation injury, contact injury caused by dichloromethane is not well known. Two patients who had undergone skin grafting to treat chemical burn of the hand caused by dichloromethane exposure were evaluated, and a literature review was done. Two healthy men aged 37 and 40 years visited our hospital with chief complaints of pain on the hands due to dichloromethane exposure. The patients had not worn protective clothing. Multiple bullae were initially noted. On the next day, fluctuation in bullae and purulent discharge were observed, and central eschar change was noted. On the 18th day after the burn, escharectomy and full-thickness skin graft were performed. Therefore, workers who use dichloromethane should wear protective clothing at workplaces. If exposed to the chemical, the worker should be instructed to do a quick wash and visit the hospital.

• Journal of the Korean Burn Society
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.43-45
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• 2021

Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) has been used as a safe, conventional and harmless diagnostic tool. However, thermal injuries have frequently been reported during MRI scanning due to the heat generated by the reaction with the magnetic field. It is recommended that metal-containing monitoring devices such as pulse oximetry and ECG monitoring leads should be removed prior to the start of the MRI scan, but these monitoring devices are inevitably placed in children or patients in the intensive care unit who have low compliance with the scan. Since the interaction between the metal probe or wire loop of pulse oximetry and the magnetic field can result in high thermal conduction, full-thickness burn can occur over the entire body surface during the MRI examination. Several cases of thermal burns from pulse oximetry on the fingers have been reported. However, we present a case of a full-thickness burn arising left earlobe in a 2-month-old child caused by the high conduction heat from pulse oximetry metal probe.

• Journal of the Korean Burn Society
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.60-63
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• 2020

A 72-year-old man with diabetes, who underwent moxibustion, developed a foot wound but did not receive proper treatment. Examination showed a soft tissue defect (6×6 cm) on the dorsal aspect of the right foot with involvement of the first and second toes along with some phalangeal bone loss. The wound was treated with a skin graft and healed without complications. The right calf showed a raw surface (4×3 cm), which underwent epithelialization after conservative treatment. We observed four focal necrotic lesions (1.5×1.5 cm) on the right lower leg and anterior chest, which served as indicators of moxibustion, and debridement and primary closure were performed. Moxibustion is increasingly used as a therapeutic option; however, statistical data describing its adverse effects are limited. Moxibustion significantly increases skin temperature and can cause burn injuries. It is important to prevent moxibustion-induced adverse effects and avoid severe complications, particularly in patients with diabetes.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.173-178
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• 2015

Background Various focal heating devices are popular in Korea under the cultural influence of the traditional ondol under-floor method of home heating. These devices can cause severe burn-like injuries resulting from device malfunction or extended with low heat contact. In addition to injuries under these high heat contact, burns can be occurred by low heat exposure with prolonged periods despite the devices are properly functioning. In order to develop strategies to reduce the duration of periods of illness due to low-temperature burns, we analyzed and compared treatment methods and therapeutic periods for this type of injury. Methods This retrospective study included 43 patients burned under low heat conditions. Patients were divided into an operative group and a conservative group. The patients in the operative group underwent at least one surgical excision, and were further subdivided into early and late visit groups. The conservative group was treated only with dressings. We compared the treatment periods between the operative group and the conservative group, and also compared the preparation periods and treatment periods between the two operative groups. Results The average treatment period was significantly shorter in the operative group (P=0.02). In the early visit operative group, both wound preparation and treatment were briefer than in the late visit group. Conclusions We recommend that early proper burn care and early surgical intervention, including appropriate excision, are feasible ways to reduce the treatment period of lowtemperature burn patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.521-526
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• 2008

Purpose: Most burn scar contractures are curable with skin grafts, but free flaps may be needed in some cases. Due to the adjacent tissue scarring, local flap is rarely used, and thus we may consider free flap which gives us more options than local flap. However, inappropriate performance of free flap may lead to unsatisfactory results despite technical complexity and enormous amount of effort. The author will discuss the points we should consider when using free flaps in treating burn scar contractures Methods: We surveyed patients who underwent free flaps to correct burn scar contractures from 2000 to 2007. We divided patients into two groups. The first group was those in which free flaps were inevitable due to exposure of deep structures such as bones and tendons. The second group was those in which free flap was used to minimize scar contracture and to achieve aesthetic result. Results: We performed 44 free flap on 42 patients. All of the flaps were taken well except one case of partial necrosis and wound dehiscence. Forearm free flap was the most common with 21 cases. Most of the cases(28 cases) in which free flaps were inevitable were on the wrist and lower limbs. These were cases of soft tissue defect due to wide and extensive burns. Free flaps were done in 16 cases to minimize scar contracture and to obtain aesthetic outcome, recipient sites were mostly face and upper extremities. Conclusion: When using free flaps for correction of burn scar contractures, proper release and full resurfacing of the contracture should be carried out in advance. If inadequate free flap is performed, secondary correction is more challenging than in skin grafts. In order to optimize the result of reconstruction, flap thickness, size and scar of the recipient site should be considered, then we can achieve natural shape, and minimize additional correction.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.45-53
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• 2016

This study examined pruritus to provide the data based on burn patient pruritus. A self-report questionnaire survey was conducted among ninety five burn survivors, who were over 18 years of age with admission periods longer than two weeks. The results indicated that the average burn range was $18.95{\pm}17.10%$, severity was $48.83{\pm}23.96$, and distress was $46.42{\pm}25.80$. A significant difference in pruritus consequences was observed according to frequency. The patients consistently experienced pruritus, even if it happened less often, difficulty in falling asleep (F=4.817, p=.004), poor mood (F= 5.955, p=.015)), and loss of concentration (F=6.483, p<.000). A significant difference in the pruritus consequences according to duration was observed, lasting for 30 minutes for all groups, more than the population and less than 30 minutes, difficulty in falling asleep (F=7.452, p<.000), poor mood (F=3.655, p<.015), and loss of concentration (F=12.564, p<.000). The frequency, duration (r=.29, p=.004), severity (r=.45, p<.000), distress (r=.44, p<.000), and consequences of pruritus in burn patients (r=.29, p=.004) showed a positive correlation. The results of this study could be used as a base material for the care of burn patients experiencing pruritus.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.716-722
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• 2008

Purpose: Split or full thickness skin graft is generally used to reconstruct the palmar skin and soft tissue defect after release of burn scar flexion contracture of hand. As a way to overcome and improve aesthetic and functional problems, the authors used the preserved superficial fat skin(PSFS) composite graft for correction of burn scar contracture of hand. Methods: From December of 2001 to July of 2007, thirty patients with burn scar contracture of hand were corrected. The palmar skin and soft tissue defect after release of burn scar contracture was reconstructed with the PSFS composite graft harvested from medial foot or below lateral and medial malleolus, with a preserved superficial fat layer. To promote take of the PSFS composite graft, a foam and polyurethane film dressing was used to maintain the moisture environment and Kirschner wire was inserted for immobilization. Before and after the surgery, a range of motion was measured by graduator. Using a chromameter, skin color difference between the PSFS composite graft and surrounding normal skin was measured and compared with full thickness skin graft from groin. Results: In all cases, the PSFS composite graft was well taken without necrosis, although the graft was as big as $330mm^2$(mean $150mm^2$). Contracture of hand was completely corrected without recurrence. The PSFS composite graft showed more correlations and harmonies with surrounding normal skin and less pigmentation than full thickness skin graft. Donor site scar was also obscure. Conclusion: The PSFS composite graft should be considered as a useful option for correction of burn scar flexion contracture of hand.