[Caustic burns. Clinical study of 24 patients with sulfuric acid burns in Cambodia].
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.
Micheau
P
P
CHU Rangueil, 21 rue d'Auriol, 31400 Toulouse, France.
Lauwers
F
F
Vath
Say Bon
SB
Seilha
Thoeurng chan
Tc
Dumurgier
C
C
Joly
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D002160:Cambodia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008493:Medical Missions / Q000458:organization & administration; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D017678:Sex Distribution; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013464:Sulfuric Acids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000458:organization & administration; D013997:Time Factors; D000267:Tissue Adhesions; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D013464:Sulfuric Acids; C033158:sulfuric acid