Summary
Burn trauma is still a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. It causes a spectrum of disability and deformity primarily by damaging the integumentary system of its victims. However, it is the systemic effects caused by sepsis, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, shock, inhalation injury and myone-crosis that are the usual agents of death. Patients must be assessed and treated expectantly to ensure adequate rehydration, and prevent acute life-threatening complications resulting from infection, respiratory burns, poisoning and compartment syndromes. Close monitoring is required during the initial resuscitation when large volumes of fluid will need to be administered. The modern trend is for early excision of the burn wound to speed rehabilitation and lessen the risk of sepsis. This is facilitated by the increasing use of cultured skin and skin substitutes. Finally, the importance of rehabilitation and secondary surgery cannot be overstated in terms of re-integrating the burned patient into society as well as returning him or her to the workforce.
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Boyd, J.B. (2010). Burn Trauma. In: Siemionow, M.Z., Eisenmann-Klein, M. (eds) Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Springer Specialist Surgery Series. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-513-0_15
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-513-0_15
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