Development of a value-based healthcare burns core set for adult burn care.

BACKGROUND: Value-based healthcare (VBHC) is increasingly implemented in healthcare worldwide. Transparent measurement of the outcomes most important and relevant to patients is essential in VBHC, which is supported by a core set of most important quality indicators and outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a VBHC-burns core set for adult burn patients. METHODS: A three-round modified national Delphi study, including 44 outcomes and 24 quality indicators, was conducted to reach consensus among Dutch patients, burn care professionals and researchers. Items were rated on a nine-point Likert scale and selected if ≥ 70% in each group considered an item 'important'. Subsequently, instruments quantifying selected outcomes were identified based on a literature review and were chosen in a consensus meeting using recommendations from the Dutch consensus-based standard set and the Dutch Centre of Expertise on Health Disparities. Time assessment points were chosen to reflect the burn care and patient recovery process. Finally, the initial core set was evaluated in practice, leading to the adapted VBHC-burns core set. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients, 63 burn care professionals and 23 researchers participated. Ten outcomes and four quality indicators were selected in the Delphi study, including the outcomes pain, wound healing, physical activity, self-care, independence, return to work, depression, itching, scar flexibility and return to school. Quality indicators included shared decision-making (SDM), the number of patients receiving aftercare, determination of burn depth, and assessment of active range of motion. After evaluation of its use in clinical practice, the core set included all items except SDM, which are assessed by 9 patient-reported outcome instruments or measured in clinical care. Assessment time points included are at discharge, 2 weeks, 3 months, 12 months after discharge and annually afterwards. CONCLUSION: A VBHC-burns core set was developed, consisting of outcomes and quality indicators that are important to burn patients and burn care professionals. The VBHC-burns core set is now systemically monitored and analysed in Dutch burn care to improve care and patient relevant outcomes. As improving burn care and patient relevant outcomes is important worldwide, the developed VBHC-burns core set could be inspiring for other countries.

Validity of laser speckle contrast imaging for the prediction of burn wound healing potential.

OBJECTIVE: To assess validity of Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) for the measurement of burn wound healing potential (HP) in a burn centre patient population, based on Laser Doppler Imaging (LDI) as reference standard. METHOD: A single-centre prospective observational cohort study was performed between September-December 2019. A total of 50 burns in 14 patients were included. Imaging and data collection were standardized. Correlation between LSCI and LDI flux values was tested. ROC curves were developed to test the discriminative ability of LSCI between LDI HP categories. RESULTS: Number of adults and children were equal. Mean total body surface area burnt was 5.5%. Main burn causes were scalds (64%) and flame burns (36%). LSCI set-up and imaging duration was 3 min and 10 s, respectively. LSCI was able to discriminate between wounds with early versus delayed HP (<14 versus ≥14 days) with sensitivity 71% and specificity 95% (p < 0.001). For HP ≤21 versus >21 days, similar sensitivity (74%) and specificity (95%) were found (p < 0.001). Correlations between LSCI and LDI flux values were moderate (<14 days) to absent (>21 days). CONCLUSION: LSCI shows good validity for the prediction of burn wound HP. It is a highly feasible, patient and physician friendly tool.

Within-patient randomized clinical trial comparing incisional negative-pressure wound therapy with suction drains in gender-affirming mastectomies.

BACKGROUND: Incisional negative-pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) is widely adopted by different disciplines for multiple indications. Questions about the most appropriate uses and value of iNPWT have been raised. METHODS: An open-label within-patient RCT was conducted in transgender men undergoing gender-affirming mastectomies. The objective was to determine the effect of iNPWT as a substitute for standard dressing and suction drains on wound healing complications. One chest side was randomized to receive the iNPWT intervention, and the other to standard dressing with suction drain. The primary endpoints were wound healing complications (haematoma, seroma, infection, and dehiscence) after three months. Additional outcomes were pain according to a numerical rating scale and patient satisfaction one week after surgery. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients were included, of whom 81 received both the iNPWT and standard treatment. Drain removal criteria were met within 24 h in 95 per cent of the patients. No significant decrease in wound healing complications was registered on the iNPWT side, but the seroma rate was significantly increased. In contrast, patients experienced both significantly less pain and increased comfort on the iNPWT side. No medical device-related adverse events were registered. CONCLUSION: Substituting short-term suction drains with iNPWT in gender-affirming mastectomies increased the seroma rates and did not decrease the amount of wound healing complications. Registration number: NTR7412 (Netherlands Trial Register).

Electrocautery in arthroscopic surgery: intra-articular fluid temperatures above 43 °C cause potential tissue damage.

PURPOSE: The use of electrocautery during arthroscopy may heat intra-articular saline and subsequently damage intra- and extra-articular tissue. Newer electrocautery devices have the ability to measure the outflow fluid temperature and switch off before reaching a certain threshold; however, the scientific evidence establishing these temperature thresholds' potential for inadvertent damage is lacking. The aim of this study was to analyse current available literature on temperature thresholds for tissue damage after exposure to heated fluid and provide a recommendation for the maximum temperature of intra-articular fluid to prevent tissue damage. METHODS: In February 2018, a systematic literature review was performed using the MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase databases. Inclusion was limited to studies investigating temperature thresholds for thermal damage to at least one of the tissues of interest: skin, bone, cartilage, soft tissues, and nerves. Studies not reporting specific temperature thresholds for thermal damage were excluded. RESULTS: Twenty articles were selected for the final evaluation and data extraction. Varying temperature thresholds, based on the lowest reported temperature causing tissue damage, were found for the different tissues of interest: 44 °C for dermal tissues, between 47 and 50 °C for bony tissues, 50 °C for cartilage, between 43 and 55 °C for soft tissues, and 43 °C for nerves. CONCLUSION: Based on the current literature, a temperature threshold for intra-articular fluid of 43 °C during an arthroscopic procedure is recommended to prevent tissue damage. Higher temperatures may cause damage to surrounding intra- and extra-articular tissues. The threshold for irreversible damage is likely to be higher. In clinical practise, one should be aware of possible heating of intra-articular fluid when using electrocautery and related risk of tissue damage. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Doxepin cream is not effective in reducing itch in burn scar patients: A multicenter triple-blind randomized clinical crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of doxepin hydrochloride 5% cream on reducing pruritus in burn scar patients compared to a placebo cream. METHOD: We conducted a multicenter triple-blind randomized clinical placebo-controlled crossover trial in which burn patients ≥18 years with an itch intensity ≥3 on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were randomized between a doxepin-placebo or placebo-doxepin treatment protocol. Patients used each cream during two weeks with a wash-out period of one week in between. Primary outcome was change in itch intensity in two weeks' time using the VAS. Secondary outcome included the impact of itch (Burn Itch Questionnaire). Other parameters were the use of hydrating cream, silicon treatment, pressure garments, and other antipruritic medication. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were included. The change in itch intensity (VAS) was not different during the doxepin and placebo period (p=0.994); neither the doxepin cream nor placebo cream reduced itch intensity. However, based on the Burn Itch Questionnaire, we observed a statistically significant decrease in itch intensity and improvement in impact scores in both treatment groups, but no difference in the degree of reduction between the groups. CONCLUSION: Doxepin cream was not effective in reducing pruritus in our burn patient study population.

A systematic review on surgical and nonsurgical debridement techniques of burn wounds.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a complete overview of all burn debridement techniques studied in recent literature and to find the best evidence with regard to efficiency and safety. METHOD: A systematic review was performed. Searches were conducted in electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Academic Search Premier. All studies published from 1990 onwards, on the efficiency and/or safety of burn debridement techniques in patients with thermal burn injuries of any age, were included. Primary outcomes were time to complete wound healing and time to complete debridement. Randomized trials were critically appraised. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies, including four randomized clinical trials, were included. Time to wound healing in the conventional tangential excision (seven studies), hydrosurgery (eight studies), enzymatic debridement (eleven studies), and shock waves group (one study) ranged from 13-30, 11-13, 19-33, and 16 days, respectively. Time to complete debridement ranged from 5-10, 4-23, and 1-9 days, respectively. Furthermore, secondary outcomes (including grafting, mortality, and scar quality) were compared between the debridement categories. CONCLUSION: Convincing evidence in favor of any of these techniques is currently lacking. Future studies regarding (new) debridement techniques need to use standardized and validated outcome measurement tools to allow improved standardization and comparisons across studies.

[Determining depth of burns using laser Doppler imaging]. / Brandwonddiepte bepalen met laser-Doppler-imaging.

Early accurate assessment of burn depth is important to determine the optimal treatment of burns (conservative versus surgery). Laser Doppler imaging (LDI) is a technique that allows accurate measurement of burn depth by measuring dermal perfusion. Although it has been demonstrated that LDI led to faster decisions as to whether or not to operate, this has not lead to shorter wound healing time or cost savings in Dutch burn care. LDI is used in all Dutch burn centres. In case of doubt about the depth of a burn in primary or secondary care, referral to a burn centre is advisable.

Indications and Predictors for Reconstructive Surgery After Hand Burns.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence, indications, and type of reconstructive surgery and predictors of the outcomes of reconstructive surgery after hand burns. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted that included all patients admitted with acute hand burns in the Dutch burn centers from January 1998 through December 2002. The details of reconstruction including frequency, timing, indication, and techniques were collected over a 10-year follow-up period. RESULTS: Hand burns were seen in 42% (n = 562 of 1,334) of all patients admitted with acute burns. Reconstructive surgery during the 10-year follow-up period was required in 15%. Contractures, especially of the first web space and little finger, were the most frequent indications for reconstructive surgery. Web spaces 1 to 3 and the little finger were the location most frequently operated on. The most frequently performed surgical technique was release of the contractures and the use of a random flap. Eighty percent of the reconstructive surgery patients required more than 1 reconstructive procedure, most often within 2 years of the initial injury. Secondary operations at the same location were required in 12%. In 40% of the patients, the first reconstructive surgery was performed within the first postburn year. Significant independent factors related to the need for reconstructive hand surgery were a larger area of full-thickness burns and surgical treatment of the hand during the acute phase. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstructive surgery was required in 15% of patients who sustained hand burns. The majority of the patients requiring reconstructive surgery of the hand needed 2 or more operations to correct the contractures of the hand. Contractures of the little finger and first web space were the locations most frequently operated on. Patients with more extensive burns and who required hand surgery during the acute phase were more likely to need reconstructive surgery. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

Assessing blood flow, microvasculature, erythema and redness in hypertrophic scars: A cross sectional study showing different features that require precise definitions.

BACKGROUND: In hypertrophic scar assessment, laser Doppler imaging (LDI), colorimetry and subjective assessment (POSAS) can be used to evaluate blood flow, erythema and redness, respectively. In addition, the microvasculature (i.e. presence of microvessels) can be determined by immunohistochemistry. These measurement techniques are frequently used in clinical practice and/or in research to evaluate treatment response and monitor scar development. However, until now it has not been tested to what extent the outcomes of these techniques are associated, whilst the outcome terms are frequently used interchangeably or replaced by the umbrella term 'vascularization'. This is confusing, as every technique seems to measure a specific feature. Therefore, we evaluated the correlations of the four measurement techniques. METHODS: We included 32 consecutive patients, aged ≥18 years, who underwent elective resection of a hypertrophic scar. Pre-operatively, we performed LDI (measuring blood flow), colorimetry (measuring erythema) and the POSAS (subjective redness) within the predefined scar area of interest (∼1.5cm). Subsequently, the scar was excised and the area of interest was sent for immunohistochemistry, to determine the presence of microvessels. RESULTS: Only a statistically significant correlation was found between erythema values (colorimetry) and subjective redness assessment (POSAS) (r=0.403, p=0.030). We found no correlations between the outcomes of LDI, immunohistochemistry and colorimetry. CONCLUSIONS: Blood flow, the presence of microvessels and erythema appear to be different hypertrophic scar features because they show an absence of correlation. Therefore, in the field of scar assessment, these outcome terms cannot be used interchangeably. In addition, we conclude that the term 'vascularization' does not seem appropriate to serve as an umbrella term. The use of precise definitions in research as well as in clinical practice is recommended.

Predictive validity of short term scar quality on final burn scar outcome using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale in patients with minor to moderate burn severity.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the predictive validity of the Patient and Observer Assessment Scale (POSAS), in order to determine whether it can be used to predict final scar quality. METHODS: Patients with a maximum TBSA burned of 20% who were treated in a Dutch burn center and participated in two scar assessments at 3 months and >18 months post-burn were included. Scar quality assessment consisted of the POSAS, Dermaspectrometer® (color) and Cutometer® (elasticity). Predictive validity was determined in three ways: (1) the discriminative ability to distinguish good from reduced long term scar quality, (2) correlations between POSAS items score at the two subsequent assessments and (3) linear regression was conducted to identify POSAS items as independent predictors. Additionally, reliability, construct validity and interpretability were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 141 patients were included with a mean TBSA burned of 5.2% (±4.5). The ability of the Patient scale to discriminate between good and reduced long term scar quality was adequate with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.728 (CI 0.640-0.804), the ability of the Observer scale was good with an AUC of 0.854 (CI 0.781-0.911). Correlations between items scored T3 and T>18 were at least adequate. On item level, pain and stiffness (Patient) and pliability and relief (Observer) were identified as significant predictors for reduced long term scar quality. The POSAS was reliable, construct validity was adequate at three months but declined at >18 months. CONCLUSION: This study found that final scar quality can be adequately predicted by an early POSAS assessment at three months.

Return to work after specialised burn care: A two-year prospective follow-up study of the prevalence, predictors and related costs.

BACKGROUND: Burn injuries may cause long-term disability and work absence, and therefore result in high healthcare and productivity costs. Up to now, detailed information on return to work (RTW) and productivity costs after burns is lacking. AIMS: The aim of this study was to accurately assess RTW after burn injuries, to identify predictors of absenteeism and to calculate healthcare and productivity costs from a societal perspective. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the burn centre of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, including all admitted working-age patients from 1 August 2011 to 31 July 2012. At 3, 12 and 24 months post-burn, patients were sent a questionnaire: including the Work and Medical Consumption questionnaire for the assessment of work absence and medical consumption and the EQ-5D-3L plus a cognitive dimension to assess post-burn and pre-burn quality of life (QOL). Cost analyses were from a societal perspective according the micro-costing method and the friction cost method was applied for the calculation of productivity loss. Univariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of absenteeism at three months. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were included in the study with a mean total body surface area (TBSA) burned of 8% (median 4%). 66 respondents were pre-employed, at 3 months 70% was back at work, at 12 months 92% and 8% had not returned to work at time of final follow-up at 24 months. Predictors of absenteeism at 3 months were: TBSA, length of stay, ICU-admission and surgery. Mean costs related to loss in productivity were €11.916 [95% CI 8.930-14.902] and accounted for 30% of total costs in pre-employed respondents in the first two years. CONCLUSION: This two-year follow-up study demonstrates that burn injuries cause substantial and prolonged productivity loss amongst burn survivors with mixed burn severity. This absenteeism contributes to already high societal costs of burn injuries. Predictors of absenteeism found in this study were primarily fixed patient and treatment related factors, future studies should focus on modifiable factors, in order to improve RTW outcomes. Also, more attention in the rehabilitation trajectory is needed to optimally support RTW in burn survivors.

Cell therapy for full-thickness wounds: are fetal dermal cells a potential source?

The application of autologous dermal fibroblasts has been shown to improve burn wound healing. However, a major hurdle is the availability of sufficient healthy skin as a cell source. We investigated fetal dermal cells as an alternative source for cell-based therapy for skin regeneration. Human (hFF), porcine fetal (pFF) or autologous dermal fibroblasts (AF) were seeded in a collagen-elastin substitute (Novomaix, NVM), which was applied in combination with an autologous split thickness skin graft (STSG) to evaluate the effects of these cells on wound healing in a porcine excisional wound model. Transplantation of wounds with NVM+hFF showed an increased influx of inflammatory cells (e.g., neutrophils, macrophages, CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocytes) compared to STSG, acellular NVM (Acell-NVM) and NVM+AF at post-surgery days 7 and/or 14. Wounds treated with NVM+pFF presented only an increase in CD8(+) lymphocyte influx. Furthermore, reduced alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression in wound areas and reduced contraction of the wounds was observed with NVM+AF compared to Acell-NVM. Xenogeneic transplantation of NVM+hFF increased αSMA expression in wounds compared to NVM+AF. An improved scar quality was observed for wounds treated with NVM+AF compared to Acell-NVM, NVM+hFF and NVM+pFF at day 56. In conclusion, application of autologous fibroblasts improved the overall outcome of wound healing in comparison to fetal dermal cells and Acell-NVM, whereas application of fetal dermal fibroblasts in NVM did not improve wound healing of full-thickness wounds in a porcine model. Although human fetal dermal cells demonstrated an increased immune response, this did not seem to affect scar quality.

Tissue engineering in burn scar reconstruction.

Nowadays, most patients with severe burns will survive their injury. This evolution is accompanied by the challenge to cover a large percentage of total body surface area burned. Consequently, more and more patients have to deal with the sequelae of burn scars and require (multiple) reconstructions. This review provides a gross overview of developments in the field of tissue engineering for permanent burn wound coverage and reconstructive burn surgery, focusing on usage and clinical effectiveness. Not only skin substitutes will be discussed but also the replacement of subcutaneous fat tissue and cartilage.

The visual analogue thermometer and the graphic numeric rating scale: a comparison of self-report instruments for pain measurement in adults with burns.

To evaluate the adequacy of pain management in burn care, pain measurement is essential. The visual analogue thermometer (VAT) and graphic numeric rating scale (GNRS) are frequently used self-report instruments for burn pain. To legitimise their interchangeable use in research and practice, we aimed to compare self-reports obtained by the VAT and GNRS, the ability of the scales to differentiate background from procedural pain, and to compare potential cutpoints. Adults with acute burns (N=319) participated in the study (67% male, mean age 40.3 years (SD 16), mean TBSA 9.9% (SD 10.4). Correlation coefficients between VAT and GNRS were 0.64 and 0.55 for, respectively, morning and afternoon background pain and 0.51 for procedural pain (p<0.01). VAT scores were lower than GNRS scores for all pain types (p<0.01). Both scales could differentiate background from procedural pain: procedural pain was higher (p<0.01). The standardized response mean was moderate (0.518 for VAT and 0.571 for GNRS). Self-reported thresholds for 'unacceptable pain' by GNRS were higher than by VAT (p<0.001). ROC analyses showed that the highest sensitivity was reached for pain score 2 for both scales. The results suggest that the instruments cannot be used interchangeably without taking their differences into account.

Reconstructive surgery after burns: a 10-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: There is minimal insight into the prevalence of reconstructive surgery after burns. The objective of this study was to analyse the prevalence, predictors, indications, techniques and medical costs of reconstructive surgery after burns. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in the three Dutch burn centres. Patients with acute burns, admitted from January 1998 until December 2001, were included. Data on patient and injury characteristics and reconstructive surgery details were collected in a 10-year follow-up period. RESULTS: In 13.0% (n=229/1768) of the patients with burns, reconstructive surgery was performed during the 10-year follow-up period. Mean number of reconstructive procedure per patient were 3.6 (range 1-25). Frequently reconstructed locations were hands and head/neck. The most important indication was scar contracture and the most applied technique was release plus random flaps/skin grafting. Mean medical costs of reconstructive surgery per patient over 10-years were €8342. CONCLUSIONS: With this study we elucidated the reconstructive needs of patients after burns. The data presented can be used as reference in future studies that aim to improve scar quality of burns and decrease the need for reconstructive surgery.

Epidemiology and trends in severe burns in the Netherlands.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to characterize the epidemiology of severe burns in the Netherlands, including trends in burn centre admissions, non burn centre admissions and differences by age. METHODS: Patients with burn-related primary admission in a Dutch centre from 1995 to 2011 were included. Nationwide prospectively collected data were used from three separate historical databases and the uniform Dutch Burn Repository R3 (2009 onwards). General hospital data were derived from the National Hospital Discharge Register. Age and gender-adjusted rates were calculated by direct standardization, using the 2005 population as the reference standard. RESULTS: The annual number of admitted patients increased from 430 in 1995 to 747 in 2011, incidence rates increased from 2.72 to 4.66 per 100,000. Incidence rates were high in young children, aged 0-4 years and doubled from 10.26 to 22.96 per 100,000. Incidence rates in persons from 5 up to 59 increased as well, in older adults (60 years and older) admission rates were stable. Overall burn centre mortality rate was 4.1%, and significantly decreased over time. There was a trend towards admissions of less extensive burns, median total burned surface area (TBSA) decreased from 8% to 4%. Length of stay and length of stay per percent TBSA decreased over time as well. CONCLUSIONS: Data on 9031 patients admitted in a 17-year period showed an increasing incidence rate of burn-related burn centre admissions, with a decreasing TBSA and decreasing in-burn centre mortality. These data are important for prevention and establishment of required burn care capacity.