[Caustic burns. Clinical study of 24 patients with sulfuric acid burns in Cambodia].

Abstract

Over a period of 12 years, 24 burns have been treated by a Cambodgian and French team (Doctors of the World). This experience has revealed some characteristics of this population: (1) a majority of young women (2/3), (2) victims of assault (20 cases). These notions are found in the medical literature particularly South East Asia. All cases are of a third degree. Every surgeon, every anesthetist should apply emergency measures which are recalled here. The aims is to close all the burns surface through a skin graft within a month. However the patients are treated 6 months to 2 years after the burn and have, at this stage, terrible sequella (22 patients). Treating them requires the coordinated efforts of a multidisciplinary specialized team. The challenge is to save the eyes, the mouth, the nose and give back a "human" face to these young burns who are often rejected because of their handicap. Enabling them to smile again is a strong commitment from the surgeon and from the patient who has to undergo multiple operations and a long treatment over the years.

• Authors: P Micheau, F Lauwers, Say Bon Vath, Thoeurng chan Seilha, C Dumurgier, B Joly
• Journal: Annales de chirurgie plastique et esthetique (Ann Chir Plast Esthet) Vol. 49 Issue 3 Pg. 239-54 (Jun 2004) ISSN: 0294-1260 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Brûleurs caustiques. Etude clinique à propos de 24 observations de brûleures par acide sulfurique au Cambodge.
• PMID: 15276254 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Sulfuric Acids
• sulfuric acid

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Age Distribution
• Burns, Chemical (epidemiology, etiology, surgery)
• Cambodia (epidemiology)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Female
• France
• Humans
• Male
• Medical Missions (organization & administration)
• Middle Aged
• Needs Assessment (organization & administration)
• Organizational Objectives
• Patient Care Team (organization & administration)
• Plastic Surgery Procedures (methods)
• Sex Distribution
• Skin Transplantation
• Sulfuric Acids (adverse effects)
• Surgery, Plastic (organization & administration)
• Time Factors
• Tissue Adhesions
• Violence (statistics & numerical data)