Andrzej Piatkowski

Calciphylaxis (calcific uremic arteriolopathy) is rare and its pathogenesis is not fully understood. Indeed, Calciphylaxis presents a challenge through the course of its management which involve different specialities but unfortunately this disease so far has a poor prognosis. We herein present, in this case report, a multidisciplinary approach involving plastic surgeons with special regards to reconstructive approach after debridement procedures. We present a 21 years old male with a BMI of 38,2, who was transferred to our department from another hospital. Calciphylaxis has been diagnosed after receiving anticoagulation with phenprocoumon after a single event of pulmonary embolism. The INR on admission was 1,79. He had necrotic spots on both sides of the abdominal wall and on both thighs medially. During this time he underwent several reconstructive procedures in our department. It can be suggested that this agonizing disease needs indeed a multidisciplinary approach involving Nephrologists, Dermatologists, Intensive Care Physicians and Plastic Surgeons, taking into consideration that surgical correction can achieve further improvement in a specialized centre. Notwithstanding, further cohort studies should be approached clinically to insight the light on this disease with special regard to the prognosis after this approach.

Residents in training, medical students and other staff in surgical sector, emergency room (ER) and intensive care unit (ICU) or Burn Unit face a multitude of questions regarding burn care. Treatment of burns is not always straightforward. Furthermore, National and International guidelines differ from one region to another. On one hand, it is important to understand pathophysiology, classification of burns, surgical treatment, and the latest updates in burn science. On the other hand, the clinical situation for treating these cases needs clear guidelines to cover every single aspect during the treatment procedure. Thus, 10 questions have been organised and discussed in a step-by-step form in order to achieve the excellence of education and the optimal treatment of burn injuries in the first 24 hours. These 10 questions will clearly discuss referral criteria to the burn unit, primary and secondary survey, estimation of the total burned surface area (%TBSA) and the degree of burns as well as resuscitation process, routine interventions, laboratory tests, indications of Bronchoscopy and special considerations for Inhalation trauma, immediate consultations and referrals, emergency surgery and admission orders. Understanding and answering the 10 questions will not only cover the management process of Burns during the first 24 hours but also seems to be an interactive clear guide for education purpose.

Objective: Soluble CD163 (sCD163) has been previously shown to play a role in inflammatory and infectious diseases. This study, for the first time, investigates the characteristics and potential values of sCD163 in burn patients. A first look is taken on the changes of sCD163 levels in burn patients by comparing predefined subgroups at single time points. Materials and Methods: Serum samples of 18 patients with burn injuries were collected for biochemical analysis at the time of admission and in a chronological sequence of 12, 24, 48 and 120 h after the injury and were matched to clinical parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test, Wilcoxon signed rank and Pearson bivariate correlation. Results: Patients with sepsis showed a significant increase of sCD163 levels. sCD163 was correlated with leukocytes (P=0.035) over the time course of 120 h. Patients characterized by a burn size exceeding 25% of the total body surface area (TBSA) showed a significant increase of sCD163 between 12 and 48 h after burn injury (P=0.038). Conclusions: The first view on the characteristics of sCD163 in the serum of burn patients points out that sCD163 seems to be an early indicator for the susceptibility to sepsis. Furthermore, the changes in sCD163 serum levels within the first hours after burn trauma have great potential for early prediction of organ failure after burn injury.

Objective: Soluble CD163 (sCD163) has been previously shown to play a role in inflammatory and infectious diseases. This study, for the first time, investigates the characteristics and potential values of sCD163 in burn patients. A first look is taken on the changes of sCD163 levels in burn patients by comparing predefined subgroups at single time points. Materials and Methods: Serum samples of 18 patients with burn injuries were collected for biochemical analysis at the time of admission and in a chronological sequence of 12, 24, 48 and 120 h after the injury and were matched to clinical parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test, Wilcoxon signed rank and Pearson bivariate correlation. Results: Patients with sepsis showed a significant increase of sCD163 levels. sCD163 was correlated with leukocytes (P=0.035) over the time course of 120 h. Patients characterized by a burn size exceeding 25% of the total body surface area (TBSA) showed a significant increase of sCD163 between 12 and 48 h after burn injury (P=0.038). Conclusions: The first view on the characteristics of sCD163 in the serum of burn patients points out that sCD163 seems to be an early indicator for the susceptibility to sepsis. Furthermore, the changes in sCD163 serum levels within the first hours after burn trauma have great potential for early prediction of organ failure after burn injury.

We present a rare case of a fibromatosis-like myofibroblastic tumour of the forearm with infiltration of muscular, neural, and vascular structures. This is a rare and transitional type of myofibroblastic tumour, and we emphasise important aspects of diagnosis, clinical features, interdisciplinary management, and differential diagnoses.