Characteristics of Chronic Sensory Abnormalities in Korean Burn Patients.
10.3344/kjp.2007.20.2.158
- Author:
Hyeong Seok KIM
1
;
Hyun Mook CHANG
;
Do Young CHOI
;
Chul Ho WOO
;
Sung Ha MUN
;
Hyun Soo KIM
;
Kwang Min KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Korea. woochmd@lycos.co.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
healed burn;
hypertrophic scar;
paresthetic sensation
- MeSH:
Adult;
Body Surface Area;
Burns*;
Cicatrix, Hypertrophic;
Humans;
Pain Management;
Pruritus;
Sensation;
Weather
- From:The Korean Journal of Pain
2007;20(2):158-162
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: After burn patients are discharged from the hospital, they may continue to feel pain and paresthetic sensations at the site of a healed burn and these problems may persist for years. This study was designed to describe the characteristics of these symptoms in terms of intensity, frequency, and influencing factors. METHODS: Patients that developed paresthetic sensations at sites of a healed burn were recruited from the pain management center from January 2003 to April 2006. Data was collected using a structured interview protocol. RESULTS: Fifty one adults, with a total body surface area burned (TBSA) of 21.1 +/- 16.3% aged 42.0 +/- 12.9 years were studied. A paresthetic sensation was reported to be present every day in 52.9% (27/51) of the subjects. A variation in the intensity was most commonly related to changes in the weather. A tight sensation and itching types of sensations were significantly more frequent in patients with more extensive injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition and understanding of the chronic paresthetic sensation that many burn patients continue to experience at sites of a healed burn deserve further attention. Not only do clinicians need to be aware of these problems but also strategies for prevention and alleviation shoul\d be explored.
