OBJECTIVE: To validate the use of photographic burn wound assessment in evaluation of burn size and wound characteristics. METHODS: Feasibility study of agreement between methods of measurement of burn size and characteristics, in patients admitted to the burn unit at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), Malawi, over two months in 2011. Burn wounds were photographed and assessed clinically, concurrently, by an experienced clinician. Photographs reviewed by two blinded burn clinicians after 4-6 weeks. Correlation between clinical assessment and photographic evaluation was calculated using kappa score and Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included in evaluation of TBSA, and fifty wounds assessed for their characteristics. Pearson's correlation coefficient for agreement of TBSA between clinical exam and photograph review by expert#1, and #2, was 0.96, 0.93 (p<0.001), respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficients comparing expert#1 and #2 to the gold standard were: proportion of full-thickness burn (0.88 and 0.81, p<0.001), and epithelialized superficial burn (0.89 and 0.55, p<0.001). Kappa scores were significant for wound evolution (expert#1 0.57, expert#2 0.64, p<0.001), and prognosis (expert#1 0.80, expert#2 0.80, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Burn assessment with digital photography is a valid and affordable alternative to direct clinical exam, alleviating access issues to burn care in developing countries.
OBJECTIVE: To validate the use of photographic burn wound assessment in evaluation of burn size and wound characteristics. METHODS: Feasibility study of agreement between methods of measurement of burn size and characteristics, in patients admitted to the burn unit at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), Malawi, over two months in 2011. Burn wounds were photographed and assessed clinically, concurrently, by an experienced clinician. Photographs reviewed by two blinded burn clinicians after 4-6 weeks. Correlation between clinical assessment and photographic evaluation was calculated using kappa score and Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included in evaluation of TBSA, and fifty wounds assessed for their characteristics. Pearson's correlation coefficient for agreement of TBSA between clinical exam and photograph review by expert#1, and #2, was 0.96, 0.93 (p<0.001), respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficients comparing expert#1 and #2 to the gold standard were: proportion of full-thickness burn (0.88 and 0.81, p<0.001), and epithelialized superficial burn (0.89 and 0.55, p<0.001). Kappa scores were significant for wound evolution (expert#1 0.57, expert#2 0.64, p<0.001), and prognosis (expert#1 0.80, expert#2 0.80, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Burn assessment with digital photography is a valid and affordable alternative to direct clinical exam, alleviating access issues to burn care in developing countries.
Authors: Jeffrey E Thatcher; John J Squiers; Stephen C Kanick; Darlene R King; Yang Lu; Yulin Wang; Rachit Mohan; Eric W Sellke; J Michael DiMaio Journal: Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) Date: 2016-08-01 Impact factor: 4.730
Authors: Anna F Tyson; Laura P Boschini; Michelle M Kiser; Jonathan C Samuel; Steven N Mjuweni; Bruce A Cairns; Anthony G Charles Journal: Burns Date: 2013-06-13 Impact factor: 2.744
Authors: Laura P Boschini; Anna F Tyson; Jonathan C Samuel; Claire E Kendig; Stephano Mjuweni; Carlos Varela; Bruce A Cairns; Anthony G Charles Journal: J Burn Care Res Date: 2014 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 1.845
Authors: Edel Marie Quinn; Mark A Corrigan; John O'Mullane; David Murphy; Elaine A Lehane; Patricia Leahy-Warren; Alice Coffey; Patricia McCluskey; Henry Paul Redmond; Greg J Fulton Journal: PLoS One Date: 2013-11-12 Impact factor: 3.240