Epidemiology and outcome analysis of sepsis and organ dysfunction/failure after burns.

Background: The aim of this prospective study in adult population is to give frequency data (prevalence, incidence) of burn wound sepsis and its consequences (organ dysfunction/failure); to analyze the evolution of the SOFA cumulative score during the disease and relationship between the SOFA score in the 3rd, 7th, 14th and 21th day after burn with mortality.

Method: A prospective cohort study was performed among adult patients (age ≥20 years) admitted in the ICU, with major and moderate burns. Sepsis, organ dysfunction, organ failure and mortality were calculated as Cumulative Incidence (CI) and as Incidence rate (IR).

Epidemiology of infections in a burn unit, Albania.

Background: Many types of nosocomial infections (NIs) can be present in the burned patient. The purpose of this study is to calculate the rates for NI in the Intensive Care Unit of the Service of Burns and Plastic Surgery in University Hospital Centre (UHC) in Tirana, Albania.

Method: The study is prospective, clinical and analytical.

The combination of infiltrative bupivacaine with low-pressure laparoscopy reduces postcholecystectomy pain. A prospective randomized controlled study.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of combined infiltrative bupivacaine with low intraperitoneal pressure insufflation in reducing the post-laparoscopic pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods: This randomized prospective single-blind study included 473 patients undergoing LC. The study took place at University Hospital Center Mother Teresa, Tirana, Albania between January 2006 to September 2009.

Epidemiology and mortality of burned patients treated in the University Hospital Center in Tirana, Albania: an analysis of 2337 cases during the period 1998-2008.

Background: The basis for qualitative changes concerning everyday clinical practice are created from epidemiological studies, which not only generalize situations but at the same time provide specific details of the country's features; especially during periods of social transition. The aim of this study was to present demographic and epidemiological features of severe burns treated in the Service of Burns in UHC (University Hospital Center) in Albania and to analyze burn mortality as an important outcome measure.

Method: The data used was obtained by the analysis of the medical records of 2337 patients hospitalized in Burns Service ICU near in Tirana, Albania during 1998-2008.

Dexamethasone efficacy on bacterial meningitis--a retrospective analysis of Albanian adult patients.

Background: Research on the effects of corticosteroids in bacterial meningitis (BM) yielded conflicting results. While some studies reveal that corticosteroids improve the outcomes in BM treatments, others provide strong evidence that patients do not profit from this treatment. We investigated the factors that may impact the dexamethasone efficacy in patients with BM.

Comparison of hypertonic vs isotonic fluids during resuscitation of severely burned patients.

Background: The hypertonic lactate saline (HLS) solutions with mild concentration of sodium have been used in some burn centers to maintain plasma volume without infusing larger fluids volumes. To evaluate the fluid requirements during resuscitation with lactated Ringer's solution and to realize resuscitation with HLS, we suggest the following clinical trial. Specific objectives include fluid loads, sodium loads, and fluid accumulation.