European Burns Association Congress 2025, Berlin, Germany

Presentations were made on

1. Use of tropical fruit – papaya in 3rd degree burn injuries

Invited speaker, no abstract

                                                                         

                         

 

 

2. Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)

Abstract

The journey of a patient with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis; preliminary results from a qualitative study

Helma Hofland, Marscha Heijblom, Nicole Trommel, Alette de Jong

Aim

The aim of this study was to get an in-depth encompassing account of experiences during the journey of patients living with TEN and the aftermath.

Introduction

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is a rare disease, with severe cutaneous adverse reactions, due to a variety of medications. Because of high mortality and morbidity this disease may have a significant impact on the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). As yet, the experiences of patients during the onset of the skin reactions, admission in burn centers and coping with the aftermath at home is highly under-researched.

Methods

This study used a qualitative method. Patients with TEN admitted in one of the three burn centers in the Netherlands between 2009 and 2022 were asked to participate. Interviews were voice recorded and verbatim transcribed. Open and axial coding was used to identify themes of relevance of the experienced problems.

Results

Twelve patients participated. Ten women and two men (mean age 51, range 20-84) were interviewed on average eight years (range 3-15) after being diagnosed with TEN. The interviews confirmed that a huge variety of problems did occur. Several themes on physical, psychological and social level have been identified that affected respondents during rehabilitation after the disease.

Conclusion

The preliminary results of this study demonstrate that TEN has a huge impact on HRQoL and causes many problems once recuperating at home.  Furthermore, there is room for improvement in preparation to discharge from the burn centre. Patients’ ideas how to improve this will be discussed.

 

To archive

Recent publications

Zijlstra EE. Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in East Africa, with focus on Sudan: Review of three decades of experience and research. Ann Med Sci Res 2025;4:S35-46.
Hofland HWC, Opegu TM, Kalanzi EW, Viyuyi E, Chikoto T, Zijlstra EE. Increasing experience in the use of papaya for burn injuries in an African context, potential and limitations. Burns Open 9 (2025) 100385
MT- final edition, 2025, vol 63, 7-13 Medical Education in Global Health and Tropical Medicine.
View all publications

News

21st European Burns Association Congress 3-6 September 2025, Berlin, Germany

Contributions included (see under Events): Presentations on 1. Use of tropical fruit Papaya in treatment of burn injuries 2. Toxic epidermal necrolysis  

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