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Boekema BKHL, Chrysostomou D, Ciprandi G, Elgersma A, Vlig M, Pokorná A, Peters LJF, Cremers NAJ. Comparing the antibacterial and healing properties of medical-grade honey and silver-based wound care products in burns. Burns 2024; 50:597-610. [PMID: 37940425 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Burns are a major global healthcare concern, often complicated by the presence of bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the wounds. Silver-based dressings are commonly used in the treatment of burns but can cause skin irritation and delay healing time. Medical-grade honey (MGH) provides an interesting alternative. This study investigated the antimicrobial effects and possible cytotoxicity of L-Mesitran Soft (MGH-gel) and its individual components, Medihoney (Manuka), Flammazine (silver sulphadiazine), and silver nitrate (AgNO3) in an ex vivo human burn wound model. Bacterial survival and wound healing parameters, including re-epithelialization and keratinocyte proliferation were assessed. L-Mesitran, Flammazine, and AgNO3 reduced P. aeruginosa numbers below detection levels. L-Mesitran Soft exhibited a significantly stronger antimicrobial effect compared to Medihoney. The individual components of L-Mesitran contributed significantly to its antibacterial efficacy, thus suggesting synergistic activities. Moreover, L-Mesitran, Flammazine, and AgNO3 slightly inhibited re-epithelialization while Medihoney treatment resulted in a complete lack of re-epithelialization and keratinocyte proliferation. Furthermore, clinical cases illustrated the effectiveness of MGH therapy in infected burns. Overall, L-Mesitran Soft had similar effects as silver-based products on bacterial load and epidermal regeneration, but outperformed Medihoney. Therefore, supplemented MGH could be used as an effective alternative to silver-based dressings for P. aeruginosa-infected burns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bouke K H L Boekema
- Preclinical Research, Association of Dutch Burn Centers (ADBC), P.O. Box 1015, 1940 AE Beverwijk, the Netherlands; Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, AUMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daniela Chrysostomou
- Wound Clinic Health@45, Linksfield Road 45, Dowerglen, Johannesburg 1612, South Africa; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Guido Ciprandi
- Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, Research Institute Division of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Surgery, Sant' Onofrio Square 4, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Anouk Elgersma
- Preclinical Research, Association of Dutch Burn Centers (ADBC), P.O. Box 1015, 1940 AE Beverwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel Vlig
- Preclinical Research, Association of Dutch Burn Centers (ADBC), P.O. Box 1015, 1940 AE Beverwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea Pokorná
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; College of Polytechnics Jihlava, Jihlava, Czech Republic
| | - Linsey J F Peters
- Triticum Exploitatie BV, Sleperweg 44, 6222 NK Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Niels A J Cremers
- Triticum Exploitatie BV, Sleperweg 44, 6222 NK Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6202 AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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2
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Fleishhacker Z, Pedroza A, Ong JE, Ronkar N, Weigel I, Janecek T, Wellsandt SA, Galet C, Wibbenmeyer L. Optimizing burn wound procedural pain control, efficiency, and satisfaction through integrated nurse and physician education. Burns 2024; 50:702-708. [PMID: 38114378 PMCID: PMC10999346 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report the results of a quality improvement project (QI). Following a review of the burn unit practices, a nursing-led, physician supported educational intervention regarding optimal timing, dosage, and indication for medications used during hydrotherapy, including midazolam and opioids, was implemented. We hypothesized that such intervention would support improvement in both nurse and patient satisfaction with pain control management. Patients undergoing hydrotherapy were surveyed. Demographics, opioid dose prescribed (oral morphine equivalents), midazolam use, timing of administration, and adverse events were collected. Patient pain scores (1-10) before and after hydrotherapy and patient and nurse satisfaction scores (1-10) after hydrotherapy were collected. The pre- and post-education populations were compared. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Post-education, administration of opioids (59.1% v. 0%, p < 0.001) and midazolam (59.1% vs. 10.4%; p < 0.001) prior to hydrotherapy significantly improved, leading to fewer patients requiring rescue opioids during hydrotherapy (25% vs. 74%, p < 0.001). Hydrotherapy duration significantly decreased post-education (19 [13.3-30] min vs. 32 [18-43] min, p = 0.003). Nurses' ratings of their patient's pain control (9 [7.3-10] vs. 7.5 [6-9], p = 0.004) and ease of procedure (10 [9,10] vs. 9 [7.8-10], p = 0.037) significantly improved. Patients' pain management satisfaction rating did not change, but the number of subjects rating their pain management as excellent tended to increase (36.4% vs. 20%, p = 0.077). Nursing led, physician supported, education can improve medication administration prior to and during hydrotherapy, increasing the ease of the procedure as well as staff satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Fleishhacker
- Carver College of Medicine, Department of Surgery University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Albert Pedroza
- Carver College of Medicine, Department of Surgery University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jia Ern Ong
- Acute Care Surgery Division, Department of Surgery University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Nicolas Ronkar
- Carver College of Medicine, Department of Surgery University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Isaac Weigel
- Acute Care Surgery Division, Department of Surgery University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Trinity Janecek
- Acute Care Surgery Division, Department of Surgery University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Sarah A Wellsandt
- Acute Care Surgery Division, Department of Surgery University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Colette Galet
- Acute Care Surgery Division, Department of Surgery University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Lucy Wibbenmeyer
- Acute Care Surgery Division, Department of Surgery University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Abstract
Wound healing occurs as a response to disruption of the epidermis and dermis. It is an intricate and well-orchestrated response with the goal to restore skin integrity and function. However, in hundreds of millions of patients, skin wound healing results in abnormal scarring, including keloid lesions or hypertrophic scarring. Although the underlying mechanisms of hypertrophic scars and keloid lesions are not well defined, evidence suggests that the changes in the extracellular matrix are perpetuated by ongoing inflammation in susceptible individuals, resulting in a fibrotic phenotype. The lesions then become established, with ongoing deposition of excess disordered collagen. Not only can abnormal scarring be debilitating and painful, it can also cause functional impairment and profound changes in appearance, thereby substantially affecting patients' lives. Despite the vast demand on patient health and the medical society, very little progress has been made in the care of patients with abnormal scarring. To improve the outcome of pathological scarring, standardized and innovative approaches are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc G Jeschke
- Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Fiona M Wood
- Burns Service of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Burn Injury Research Unit, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Esther Middelkoop
- Burn Center, Red Cross Hospital, Beverwijk, Netherlands
- Association of Dutch Burn Centers (ADBC), Beverwijk, Netherlands
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences (AMS) Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ardeshir Bayat
- Medical Research Council Wound Healing Unit, Hair and Skin Research Lab, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town & Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Luc Teot
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Burns, Wound Healing, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Rei Ogawa
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gerd G Gauglitz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Haut- und Laserzentrum Glockenbach, Munich, Germany
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4
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Won P, Ding L, McMullen K, Yenikomshian HA. Post-Burn Psychosocial Outcomes in Pediatric Minority Patients in the United States: An Observational Cohort Burn Model System Study. EUROPEAN BURN JOURNAL 2023; 4:173-183. [PMID: 37359277 PMCID: PMC10290777 DOI: 10.3390/ebj4020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Racial and ethnic minority burn patients face barriers to longitudinal psychosocial support after injury. Studies utilizing the Burn Model System (BMS) National Database report adult minority patients experience worse psychosocial outcomes in domains such as body image during burn recovery. No study to date has investigated disparities in psychosocial outcomes by racial or ethnic category in the pediatric population using the BMS database. This observational cohort study addresses this gap and examines seven psychosocial outcomes (levels of anger, sadness, depression, anxiety, fatigue, peer relationships, and pain) in pediatric burn patients. The BMS database is a national collection of burn patient outcomes from four centers in the United States. BMS outcomes collected were analyzed using multi-level, linear mixed effects regression modeling to examine associations between race/ethnicity and outcomes at discharge after index hospitalization, and 6- and 12-months post-injury. A total of 275 pediatric patients were included, of which 199 (72.3%) were Hispanic. After burn injury, of which the total body surface area was significantly associated with racial/ethnicity category (p < 0.01), minority patients more often reported higher levels of sadness, fatigue, and pain interference and lower levels of peer relationships compared to Non-Hispanic, White patients, although no significant differences existed. Black patients reported significantly increased sadness at six months (β = 9.31, p = 0.02) compared to discharge. Following burn injury, adult minority patients report significantly worse psychosocial outcomes than non-minority patients. However, these differences are less profound in pediatric populations. Further investigation is needed to understand why this change happens as individuals become adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Won
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Population and Public Health Science, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Kara McMullen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-2100, USA
| | - Haig A. Yenikomshian
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Barman-Aksözen J, Minder AE, Granata F, Pettersson M, Dechant C, Aksözen MH, Falchetto R. Quality-Adjusted Life Years in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria and Other Rare Diseases: A Patient-Initiated EQ-5D Feasibility Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5296. [PMID: 37047912 PMCID: PMC10094018 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is an ultra-rare inborn error of metabolism characterised by painful phototoxic burn injuries after short exposure times to visible light. Patients with EPP are highly adapted to their condition which makes the quantification of their health-related quality of life (QoL) challenging. In the presented patient-initiated feasibility study, we describe a new approach to assess treatment benefits in EPP by measuring QoL with the generic EQ-5D instrument in five patients under long-term (≥two years) treatment with afamelanotide, the first approved therapy for EPP. For the study, we selected patients with EPP who in addition were affected by an involuntary treatment interruption (caused by a temporary reimbursement suspension) because we hypothesized that individuals who had previously unlearned their adaptation are better able to assess their life without treatment than treatment-naïve patients. QoL under treatment was comparable to the age-matched population norm, and retrospective results for a treatment interruption and phototoxic reaction time point were comparable to the QoL of patients with chronic neuropathic pain and acute burn injuries, respectively. The results were accepted by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England for their evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of afamelanotide, i.e., the calculation of quality-adjusted life years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Barman-Aksözen
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Municipal Hospital Zurich Triemli, 8063 Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Reference Centre for Porphyrias, Municipal Hospital Zurich Triemli, 8063 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna-Elisabeth Minder
- Swiss Reference Centre for Porphyrias, Municipal Hospital Zurich Triemli, 8063 Zurich, Switzerland
- Division for Endocrinology, Diabetology and Porphyria, Municipal Hospital Zurich Triemli, 8063 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Granata
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, S.C Medicine and Metabolic Disorders, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Mårten Pettersson
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Dechant
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Rocco Falchetto
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
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Boersma-van Dam E, van de Schoot R, Engelhard IM, Van Loey NEE. Posttraumatic stress symptoms and interpersonal processes in burn survivors and their partners. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2151097. [PMID: 36867741 PMCID: PMC9731584 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2022.2151097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A burn event can elicit symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in survivors and their partners and may impact the way these couple members interact with each other. They may try to protect each other from further emotional distress by avoiding talking about the burn event, but they may also show concern towards each other.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate bidirectional relationships between survivor's and partner's PTSD symptoms and two interpersonal processes: partner-oriented 'self-regulation', which is avoidance-oriented, and 'expressed concern', which is approach-oriented.Method: In this longitudinal multi-centre study, 119 burn survivors and their partners participated. Measures of PTSD symptoms, self-regulation, and expressed concern were administered in the acute phase following the burns, and follow-ups took place up to 18 months postburn. Intra- and interpersonal effects were examined in a random intercept cross-lagged panel model. Exploratory effects of burn severity were also investigated.Results: Within individuals, survivor's expressed concern predicted later higher levels of survivor's PTSD symptoms. In their partners, self-regulation and PTSD symptoms reinforced each other in the early phase postburn. Between the two couple members, partner's expressed concern predicted later lower levels of survivor's PTSD symptoms. Exploratory regression analyses showed that burn severity moderated the effect of survivor's self-regulation on survivor's PTSD symptoms, indicating that self-regulation was continuously related to higher levels of PTSD symptoms over time within more severely burned survivors, but not in less severely burned survivors.Conclusion: PTSD symptoms and self-regulation reinforced each other in partners and possibly also in more severely burned survivors. Partner's expressed concern was related to lower levels of survivor's PTSD symptoms, whereas survivor's expressed concern was related to higher levels of survivor's PTSD symptoms. These findings emphasize the importance of screening for and monitoring PTSD symptoms in burn survivors and their partner and of encouraging couple's self-disclosure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Boersma-van Dam
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, Netherlands
| | - Rens van de Schoot
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Optentia Research Program, Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Iris M Engelhard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Nancy E E Van Loey
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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7
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Xie C, Hu J, Cheng Y, Yao Z. Researches on cognitive sequelae of burn injury: Current status and advances. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1026152. [PMID: 36408414 PMCID: PMC9672468 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1026152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Burn injury is a devastating disease with high incidence of disability and mortality. The cognitive dysfunctions, such as memory defect, are the main neurological sequelae influencing the life quality of burn-injured patients. The post-burn cognitive dysfunctions are related to the primary peripheral factors and the secondary cerebral inflammation, resulting in the destruction of blood-brain barrier (BBB), as is shown on Computed Tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging examinations. As part of the neurovascular unit, BBB is vital to the nutrition and homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS) and undergoes myriad alterations after burn injury, causing post-burn cognitive defects. The diagnosis and treatment of cognitive dysfunctions as burn injury sequelae are of great importance. In this review, we address the major manifestations and interventions of post-burn cognitive defects, as well as the mechanisms involved in memory defect, including neuroinflammation, destruction of BBB, and hormone imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Xie
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLA, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongxiang Yao
- Department of Physiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Boersma-van Dam E, Engelhard IM, van de Schoot R, Van Loey NEE. Bio-Psychological Predictors of Acute and Protracted Fatigue After Burns: A Longitudinal Study. Front Psychol 2022; 12:794364. [PMID: 35140660 PMCID: PMC8818679 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.794364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Fatigue after burns is often attributed to the hyperinflammatory and hypermetabolic response, while it may be best understood from a bio-psychological perspective, also involving the neuro-endocrine system. This longitudinal multi-center study examined the course of fatigue up to 18 months postburn. The contribution of bio-psychological factors, including burn severity, pain, and acute PTSD symptoms, to the course and persistence of fatigue was studied in a multifactorial model. Methods Participants were 247 adult burn survivors. Fatigue symptoms were assessed with the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory during the acute phase and subsequently at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months postburn, and were compared to population norms. Age, gender, burn severity, acute PTSD symptoms and pain were assessed as potential predictors of fatigue over time in a latent growth model. Results At 18 months postburn, 46% of the burn survivors reported fatigue, including 18% with severe fatigue. In the acute phase, higher levels of fatigue were related to multiple surgeries, presence of pain, and higher levels of acute PTSD symptoms. Fatigue gradually decreased over time with minor individual differences in rate of decrease. At 18 months, pain and acute PTSD symptoms remained significant predictors of fatigue levels. Conclusions Protracted fatigue after burns was found in almost one out of five burn survivors and was associated with both pain and acute PTSD symptoms. Early detection of PTSD symptoms and early psychological interventions aimed at reducing PTSD symptoms and pain may be warranted to reduce later fatigue symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Boersma-van Dam
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Elise Boersma-van Dam,
| | - Iris M. Engelhard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Rens van de Schoot
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Optentia Research Program, Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Nancy E. E. Van Loey
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Maasstad Hospital and Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Boersma-van Dam E, van de Schoot R, Geenen R, Engelhard IM, Van Loey NE. Prevalence and course of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in partners of burn survivors. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1909282. [PMID: 34025925 PMCID: PMC8128122 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1909282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Partners of burn survivors may develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in response to the potential life threatening nature of the burn event and the burn survivor's medical treatment. Objective: This longitudinal study examined the prevalence, course and potential predictors of partners' PTSD symptoms up to 18 months post-burn. Methods: Participants were 111 partners of adult burn survivors. In a multi-centre study, PTSD symptoms were assessed with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised during the acute phase and subsequently at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months post-burn. Partners' appraisal of life threat, anger, guilt and level of rumination were assessed as potential predictors of PTSD symptoms in an exploratory piecewise latent growth model. Results: Acute PTSD symptoms in the clinical range were reported by 30% of the partners, which decreased to 4% at 18 months post-burn. Higher acute PTSD symptoms were related to perceived life threat and higher levels of anger, guilt, and rumination. Over time, mean symptom levels decreased, especially in partners with high levels of acute PTSD symptoms, perceived life threat and rumination. From three months onward, PTSD symptoms decreased less in partners of more severely burned survivors. At 18 months post-burn, higher levels of PTSD symptoms were related to higher acute PTSD symptoms and more severe burns. Conclusions: One in three partners reported clinical levels of acute PTSD symptoms, of which the majority recovered over time. Perceived life threat, feelings of anger and guilt, and rumination may indicate the presence of acute PTSD symptoms, whereas more severe burns predict long-term PTSD symptom levels. The results highlight the need to screen for acute PTSD symptoms and offer psychological help to partners to alleviate acute elevated stress levels if indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Boersma-van Dam
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Behavioural Research, Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Rens van de Schoot
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Optentia Research Program, Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Rinie Geenen
- Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Iris M Engelhard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nancy E Van Loey
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Behavioural Research, Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, The Netherlands
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