P. Benmeir

An analysis of mortality in patients with burns covering 40 per cent BSA or more: a retrospective review covering 24 years (1964–88)

The charts of patients with burns covering more than 40 per cent of the body surface area (BSA) who were admitted to the Burn Unit of the Soroka Medical Center, Beersheva, Israel, between the years 1964 and 1988 were reviewed for mortality rate and causes of deaths. The factors affecting survival are reviewed and analysed.

A rare case of arhinia with severe airway obstruction : case report and review of the literature

A rare case of a newborn suffering from arhinia with complete airway obstruction is reported. The complexity of the life-threatening airway obstruction is described and adequate treatment is reported. The relevant literature is reviewed, and the different approaches to treatment are discussed.

Burn hazard from cupping—an ancient universal medication still in practice

The ancient universal medication of cupping is still practised by devoted believers and people who, for various reasons, have lost faith in other more modern modalities of medical treatment. Faulty technique in producing the vacuum in the cups was the aetiology of the burns in several patients. The history, theories and indications for cupping are reviewed.

Melanoma of the scalp : the invisible killer

A series of 20 patients (15 men and 5 women) suffering from malignant melanoma of the scalp is reported. Their epidemiologic data and outcome are described. The ages ranged from 48 to 78 years (mean 63 years). Analysis of the cases demonstrated that lesions occurring posterior to the tragal line (in hair-bearing area) have the worst prognosis. The 5-year survival rate was poor; 12 patients died within this period. Two representative cases are described, and the preventable aspects of the disease are emphasized.

Jellyfish envenomation: a summer epidemic

During the summer of 1987 the shores of Israel were infested by waves of jellyfish. Thirty patients, mainly children, suffering various degrees of painful injuries to different parts of their bodies were treated in our emergency ward. A typical case is reported and the appropriate treatment recommended.

‘The fire coral’ (Millepora dichotoma) as a cause of burns: A case report

A case of a full skin thickness burn after contact with a Hydrozoa, Millepora dichotoma, is described. The poison secreted by specialized cells on the spines of this marine animal is a strong local irritant. Deep burns due to this agent do not appear to have been described before.

Chemical burn due to contact with soda lime on the playground: a potential hazard for football players

Two football players were treated for chemical burns of their genitalia and medial thighs caused by contact with soda lime used to line a playground. The cases are reported and the unusual mechanism causing the injury is described.

Anal stenosis with megarectum: an unusual complication of a perineal burn

A case of a 3-year-old boy with anal stricture and megarectum is described. Overflow incontinence and soiling were corrected by local flaps and skin graft and were maintained by frequent dilatations after downward traction of the whole anus was performed. The options of immediate and late treatment of such burns and the colostomy procedure are discussed.

Full skin thickness burns caused by contact with the pavement in a heat-stroke victim.

A 70-year-old woman, with a previous history of heat-stroke, suffered another heat-stroke on a hot summer day (air temperature 43 degrees C (109 degrees F)). She presented the rare complication of a heat-stroke plus deep burns sustained while lying unconscious on the pavement. In addition to age, obesity, previous illness, incidental fever, drugs, dehydration and physical effort, a previous history of heat-stroke is probably an important risk factor for a second heat-stroke. Burns from contact with the pavement are uncommon but possible, especially if the patient is obese, immobile and poorly insulated.

Radiator scald burns: a preventable hazard

During the last 13 years 80 patients have been admitted to our department suffering from burns caused by a vehicles radiator. Ten of them were deeply burned and had to be treated surgically. The preventive aspect of this injury is emphasized.