In order to provide the best, most up-to-date, innovative treatment to patients with burns and burn related injuries, Shriners Hospitals for Children has a strong commitment to conducting medical research related to burn injuries and burn care.
Currently, Shriners Hospitals for Children is funding approximately 60 research studies involving different aspects of burn injury and treatment.
The health care system is also involved in many additional externally funded burn-related research efforts as well, bringing the total number of research efforts in this field to approximately 200. Researchers at Shriners Hospitals for Children are responsible and recognized for advances in burn care that significantly improve the lives of those with severe burns.
Specific examples of these advances include the invention of cultured skin substitute, which is a major improvement in coverage of large burns.
Additional advances in wound healing include proving that prompt surgical removal of burned tissue increases a patient’s potential for survival, improves long-term function and decreases the need for reconstructive surgeries.
Advances in fluid resuscitation include the creation of a formula based on body surface area and body weight, which is more appropriate for pediatric patients and is now used worldwide.
Usage of this formula has decreased the mortality rate from kidney failure among children with severe burn injuries from 100 percent to 56 percent.Shriners Hospitals for Children’s research studies brought about the understanding that inhalation injury causes fluid to build up in the lungs, and that additional fluid resuscitation actually reduces this buildup, which has led to a new worldwide standard of care for fluid resuscitation in pediatric burn patients.
In addition, Shriners Hospitals for Children’s researchers have contributed to increased understanding of hypermetabolism and the nutrient requirements of patients with burn injuries.
The effects of burn injuries may last a lifetime, and researchers at Shriners Hospitals for Children are dedicated to improving long-term outcomes for patients with burn injuries, especially in the areas of scar development, rehabilitation and psychological adjustment. For example, the use of pressure garments helps minimize scarring, and the creation and implementation of a 12-week exercise program decreases the need for reconstructive surgery, improves quality of life, and eases return to the
home community.
Researchers at Shriners Hospitals for Children share their expertise through academic affiliations at noteworthy nearby institutions and by providing opportunities for post-doctoral researchers.
The emphasis on research and education is proof of Shriners Hospitals for Children’s’ total commitment to determining, as well as providing, the best care for children with burn injuries.
The Shriners Hospitals for Children health care system depends on donations to fund all its programs, including research. For information on ways you can support this effort, please visit www.donate2SHC.org or www.shrinershospitals.org
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