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Biomedical subjects

M C Robson

Publications and source records attributed to M C Robson.

At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Burns of the feet.

Although they are formally categorized by the ABA as major burns, isolated burns of the feet are often managed on an outpatient basis. This retrospective review evaluates the success of such outpatient management, including the complications encountered. The outcome of the review emphasizes that although isolated burns encompass only a small body surface area, they require careful in-hospital treatment to avoid the complications of cellulitis, subsequent prolonged hospitalization, increased need for skin grafting, and increased incidence of hypertrophic scarring.

Adolescent↗
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In vivo comparison of two silver sulfadiazine antimicrobial agents on burn wound infection.

A controversy exists with regard to the relative efficacy of two preparations of silver sulfadiazine (AgSD), Silvadene and Flint's Silver Sulfadiazine Cream. We compared the susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus and clinical Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative rods, and mixed floral isolates by the Nathan's agar well diffusion method and found no differences. However, when S aureus-infected rat burn wounds were treated with these antimicrobial creams over a period of ten days, Silvadene significantly lowered bacterial counts, whereas results after treatment with Flint's Silver Sulfadiazine Cream were no different from those of the control group, which received no treatment. These data imply that Silvadene controls S aureus-generated burn wound infections better than the Flint product.

Animals↗
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The epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a burn center.

The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a critical care facility creates a multifaceted epidemiological problem in uncovering the source of infection. This study was undertaken to determine the true etiology of MRSA burn wound infections. Patients with a 30% or greater TBSA burn had both burned and unburned skin surface cultured upon admission, using RODAC plates. All other body fluids were cultured when sepsis was suspected. Admission cultures of 14 patients who developed MRSA wound infections were examined for methicillin-resistant organisms. Both admission isolates and infection isolates were compared by antibiogram analysis. Of the 14 patients admitted who developed MRSA infections, 57.1% of these had methicillin-resistant staphylococci present on admission. However, the remaining 42.9% of the patients had methicillin-sensitive, B-lactamase positive staphylococci present on admission. Isolates of group D streptococci resistant to methicillin were isolated in 35.7% of the patients. This data suggests that burn wound infections caused by MRSA very likely arise from the endogenous flora present at the time of injury through conferring the resistant plasmid by conjugational transfer.

Burn Units↗
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Therapeutic efficacy of timentin and augmentin versus silvadene in burn wound infections.

Successful closure of thermal injuries, by either skin graft or delayed wound closure, largely depends on the ability to control the number of bacteria in the wound. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of two new antimicrobial agents, ticarcillin and clavulanate (Timentin) and amoxicillin and clavulanate (Augmentin), in the infected thermal injury. The therapeutic results were compared with the model treated with the standard topical silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene). Seventy-six Sprague-Dawley rats received a 20% full-thickness thermal injury and were then divided into six treatment groups. Three of the groups were inoculated topically with 10(8) Pseudomonas aeruginosa/ml, and three of the groups received topical inoculation of 10(8) Staphylococcus aureus/ml. The groups inoculated with P. aeruginosa received either intraperitoneal Timentin, topical Silvadene, or placebo treatment. The groups inoculated with S. aureus were treated with either enteral Augmentin, topical Silvadene, or placebo. The animals received 10 days of therapy and underwent tissue biopsies on alternate days. Statistical analysis showed that the level of bacteria in the wounds compared with the control group was significantly (p less than 0.05) decreased for both antibiotics tested as measured by quantitative wound biopsies. These studies demonstrate the efficacy of systemic Timentin and Augmentin in the infected thermal injury.

Amoxicillin↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The efficacy of nystatin combined with topical microbial agents in the treatment of burn wound sepsis.

Pilot in vitro studies demonstrated that nystatin combined with Silvadene (silver sulfadiazine 1% [Marion Laboratories, Inc., Kansas City Mo.]) or Furacin in a 1:1 ratio was equally effective against Candida albicans and ATCC strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, but Sulfamylon (Winthrop Pharmaceuticals, Winthrop, N.Y.) combined with nystatin demonstrated an antagonistic response. Therefore we examined the susceptibility to nystatin of 165 clinical isolates, both gram-positive and gram-negative, to nystatin combined with Silvadene or Sulfamylon and 144 isolates to nystatin and Furacin. Both Silvadene and Furacin combined with nystatin were equally effective against the microorganisms as were the individual drugs. Conversely, Sulfamylon combined with nystatin lost its antimicrobial capability (93.3% resistance, p less than 0.001). On the basis of the in vitro results, 93 patients with acute burns were treated with the appropriate topical antimicrobials from April 1988 to September 1988. Of the 93 patients treated, 90 had neither a major systemic bacterial nor a Candida sepsis, and none of these patients had associated localized burn wound sepsis during their hospital stays. These 90 patients were discharged without any documented signs of infection. The average burnsize was greater than or equal to 29.44% total body surface area. These data suggest that the antimicrobial properties of nystatin, when combined with Silvadene and Furacin, remain effective. Consequently, such combinations have been effective in controlling both local and systemic Candida and bacterial burn wound sepsis.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗
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Inventory of potential reconstructive needs in the patient with burns.

The rehabilitation and reconstruction of patients who survive large burns is an arduous task. To facilitate it we have devised an inventory form to accurately record the somatic abnormalities caused by burns and also the severity and location of burns. This form was used in the assessment of 25 pediatric patients with massive burns. It was found to be a very useful tool that allowed the identification of more specific functional and esthetic deformities than is possible with currently available forms. It also served as a template for the systematic planning of reconstructive procedures.

Burns↗
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Gluteal pouching: a complication of perineal burn scar contracture. A case report.

Burns to the buttocks are rare. Gluteal pouching, a complication of burn scar contractures of the buttocks, with total effacement of the gluteal folds and hooding of the rectum is described. A barium enema is helpful for preoperative evaluation. Recreation of the gluteal folds and unhooding of the rectum can be performed effectively without skin grafting.

Burns↗
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Management of pediatric perineal and genital burns: twenty-year review.

Between 1966 and 1986, fifty-seven pediatric patients with partial and/or full-thickness perineal and genital burns with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were identified. Fifty percent of the patients with genital burns and 20% of the patients with perineal and/or buttock burns required skin grafting in the acute stage. No patient required suprapubic cystostomies, diverting colostomies, or local flap coverage of exposed testicles. Burn scar contractures were the most frequent complications. Thirty-two patients (56%) required contracture release of the perineum and coverage with either skin grafts or local skin flaps. In three patients (6%) contracture required release of the penis and scrotum. One patient lost a testicle. Three patients developed rectal prolapse and were treated without surgery. Four patients developed rectal stenosis with fecal incontinence because of burn scar contracture and were treated by anal dilatation, local transposition flaps, and/or excision of the scar and primary closure. Acute management of pediatric patients with such injuries can be conservative. Delayed complications of contractures of the perineum and genitals can be easily corrected with scar excisions, skin grafts, or the use of local skin flaps.

Burns↗
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Meshed Biobrane: a dressing for difficult topography.

Biobrane temporary biosynthetic skin substitute has been well demonstrated in the treatment of superficial and deep wounds. We have used this product nearly 1000 times. It has previously been shown to be ineffective for use in areas with convex or concave topographies or in areas along joint surfaces. The following study covers an attempt to adapt this dressing for use in these difficult areas. Ninety-eight applications of meshed Biobrane temporary wound dressing were placed in anatomic locations, which ranged from the head to the foot, with an 86% success rate.

Biocompatible Materials↗
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The efficacy of pediatric blood culture sets in the determination of burn bacteremia.

A blood culture is an essential laboratory procedure necessary to confirm a septic episode. However, it is important to collect the blood sample at the appropriate time with an acceptable technique. The standard method is to collect at least 5 to 10 ml blood per culture bottle from patients with fevers. However, this volume of blood is an unrealistic amount to take from the frequently febrile pediatric patient. Alternatively, the pediatric blood culture bottle allows the collection of 1 ml blood per bottle to perform the same evaluation. We evaluated the two techniques of blood-culture collection over a 9-month period and compared the results between adult and pediatric blood culture bottles. Seventy-six patients, from November 1988 through February 1989, had blood cultures performed with the adult culture bottles, which produced a total of 1314 samples. A total of 113 patients, from March through July 1989, had blood cultures performed with the pediatric culture bottles, which produced a total of 758 samples. Percent recovery for the adult bottles versus the pediatric bottles was 13.95% versus 22.8% (p less than 0.0001). Since the amount of blood necessary to isolate an infectious agent is critical not only for laboratory identification but also for the volume of blood of pediatric patients, these data clearly establish the efficacy of pediatric blood culture bottles and the utilization of smaller amounts of blood. Not only did this approach significantly enhance organism recovery rate, but it may well be more cost-effective because fewer cultures need to be performed to isolate the infectious organism.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Antacid, sucralfate, and prostaglandin E2 effects on the growth and potential for translocation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus in an in vitro gastric simulation.

Viable bacteria in the gut of thermally injured patients may be translocated through the gut mucosa, causing widespread infection. Increased flora from optimization of bacterial growth by pH elevation, coupled with the decreased intestinal motility common among patients whose mucosal integrity has been compromised, may increase the incidence of translocation. Gastric pH in these patients is monitored and maintained around pH 6 by various agents to reduce susceptibility to stress ulceration. Whole milk, given as a nutrient source, also raises pH. An in vitro trial simulating gastric fluid under conditions found in patients with burns was conducted to evaluate the growth of commonly ingested bacteria. Bicarbonate buffer containing pepsin and adjusted to pH 2, 4, or 7 with HCl was dosed with magnesium and aluminum hydroxide antacid (Maalox) (10 ml), sucralfate (Carafate) (0.4 gm), or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (10 ng) before inoculation with Escherichia coli (3 x 10(2) organisms), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3 x 10(2) organisms), or Staphylococcus aureus (2 x 10(1) organisms). Bacterial growth and pH were determined periodically over the 24-hour trial. Milk was added at intervals in half the samples to simulate patient feeding. Maalox increased pH in all samples containing milk (initially pH 2, 4, or 7) to over 7.0 in 2 hours, and increased pH more slowly without milk. Carafate had a moderating effect, increasing pH 2 and pH 4 and decreasing pH 7, with a narrower pH range found in the milk groups. PGE2 treatments combined with milk also increased pH 2 and pH 4, but slightly elevated pH 7 within 24 hours. Without milk, PGE2 did not alter pH from initial values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
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Long-term assessment of the effects of circumferential truncal burns in pediatric patients on subsequent pregnancies.

Longitudinal assessment of the long-term effects of pediatric circumferential truncal burns on subsequent pregnancies is poorly documented. Between December 1967 and August 1985, 75 female pediatric patients with circumferential truncal injuries were admitted to our institution. Twenty-two of these patients were available for long-term follow-up into early adulthood. Seven of these 22 patients had conceived. All seven patients had sustained flame-burn injuries. Mean age at injury was 7.66 +/- 2.12 years. Mean total body surface area of burns was 63.21% +/- 16.69%, with 44.21% +/- 17.54% of the injuries full thickness. Each patient was treated with excision and split-thickness skin grafting during initial hospitalization. In the group of seven patients there were 14 pregnancies. All infants were full term. There were 13 vaginal deliveries and one elective cesarean section. Prenatal complications were limited to one case in which a patient had sustained breakdown of scar tissue during the third trimester of pregnancy. There were no labor and delivery complications in this patient population. Circumferential truncal burns appear to have no impact on prenatal or labor and delivery complications.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Analysis of materials for splinting of the thermally injured patient.

Good results have been achieved in the treatment of patients with burns with new splinting materials and proper splinting techniques. This article focuses on the thermoplastic splinting materials Clinic and Spectrum (Northcoast Medical Inc., San Jose, Calif.) and the comparable thermoplastic products Polyform (Smith & Nephew Rolyan, Inc., Menomonee Falls, Wis.) and Orthoplast (Johnson & Johnson Orthopedics, New Brunswick, N.J.). Qualities such as self-bonding, recyclability, and rigidity were tested for these materials. Splint rigidity was measured by a calibrated hook scale and determined by the force per pound needed to bend the material 20 degrees. Spectrum and Clinic products were judged more economical and, we contend, they are therefore better choices for splinting the thermally injured patient.

Burns↗
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Bactericidal and wound-healing properties of sodium hypochlorite solutions: the 1991 Lindberg Award.

Toxic effects of sodium hypochlorite on wound healing elements have been confined to a restricted range of sodium hypochlorite concentrations. We investigated concentrations of sodium hypochlorite for antibacterial activity and tissue toxicity at varying time intervals. We attempted to find the efficacious therapeutic concentration that was both microbicidal and nontoxic. Gram-negative and gram-positive isolates (0.1/ml of 1 x 10(8)/ml) were introduced into various concentrations of buffered and unbuffered sodium hypochlorite solutions for determinations of bactericidal activity at 5-, 10-, 15-, and 30-minute intervals. Concentrations of sodium hypochlorite were 0.25%, 0.025%, and 0.0125%. In vitro assays with fibroblasts at the same concentrations were also performed to determine toxicity at the same time intervals. An in vivo incisional model was also used to determine the effects of sodium hypochlorite therapy on wound healing. Bactericidal effects were observed for concentrations as low as 0.025%. Tissue toxicity, both in vitro and in vivo, was observed at concentrations of 0.25% but not at a concentration of 0.025%. Although concentrations below this level were nontoxic, they were not bactericidal. Therefore a modified "Dakin's" solution at a concentration of 0.025% is therapeutically efficacious as a fluid dressing, since it preserves bactericidal properties and eliminates the detrimental potential on wound healing.

Animals↗
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The protection against and treatment of a liquid propane freeze injury: an experimental model.

Liquid propane causes a severe, deep thermal injury in unprotected tissue. Delayed surgical intervention, as for thermal burns, has been the gold standard of treatment. An animal model of liquid-propane injury was devised to document injury, to demonstrate a better method of protection, and to define an appropriate management protocol. Twenty-eight rats were classified into four groups: unprotected tissue (n = 8), skin covered with wool (n = 8), skin covered with Neoprene (Wm. H. Horn & Brothers Inc., Philadelphia, Pa.) (n = 8), and skin covered with wool plus Neoprene (n = 4). Each group was subdivided into two exposure times: 6 seconds and 30 seconds. The mean temperatures +/- standard error of the mean of the various tissue levels initially and at 6 and 30 seconds of exposure were determined. Histologic examination demonstrated that full-thickness tissue necrosis occurred in unprotected and wool-covered tissue. Areas that were covered with Neoprene showed intact skin and subcutaneous tissue with underlying muscle necrosis. Examination of the tissue that was covered with wool plus Neoprene showed no histologic damage. There was no sign of tissue regeneration at the wound periphery, and there was no histologic difference in any group, whether the examination took place at 1 or 5 days after injury. This study demonstrated that the best form of protection appears to be a wool glove liner covered with a Neoprene glove. The histologic evidence suggests that a liquid-propane injury to unprotected tissue should be managed aggressively with early excision and grafting.

Animals↗
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Lack of long-term durability of cultured keratinocyte burn-wound coverage: a case report.

Cultured epithelial autografts have been advocated for permanent closure of skin surfaces after massive thermal injuries. A 10-year-old boy sustained a nearly 100% total body surface area burn (98% full-thickness) in an explosion accident. Cultured epithelial autograft was used to cover 70% of the total body surface area on postburn day 26. In spite of early success of coverage, 60% of cultured epithelial autograft areas blistered and sloughed over the ensuing weeks. Electron microscopic examination of a biopsy specimen of the healed cultured epithelial autograft (80 days after placement) revealed a lack of dermal attachments of the anchoring fibrils. Additionally, blister fluid that was taken from the bullae of the cultured epithelial autograft revealed levels of 18 ng/ml thromboxane and 24 ng/ml prostaglandin E2. These levels are significantly higher than those seen in acute burn blister fluid and indicate an ongoing inflammatory process. Cultured keratinocytes, although they provide early wound closure, may not provide adequate long-term coverage for patients with massive burns.

Biopsy↗
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Exercise stress testing for the pediatric patient with burns: a preliminary report.

There is no literature concerning postburn exercise tolerance among pediatric patients. In an effort to quantify the endurance capabilities of pediatric burn victims, stress testing of 59 patients was carried out with a modified Bruce protocol. This treadmill test consists of eight 3-minute stages with incremental increases in speed and incline. Fifty-nine patients (37 boys and 22 girls) were tested. The mean burn surface area was 46%; an average of 33% consisted of full-thickness burns. The average time since burn injury at which patients were tested was 2.9 +/- 1.9 years. The average age of the patients at the time of test was 11.4 +/- 3.9 years. No differences in exercise tolerance were found among these children irrespective of the presence of inhalation injury, method of excision, or burn size. If these trends continue as more data are accumulated, the long-term prognosis for the child with severe burns will be encouraging.

Burns↗