Hyperplastic granuloma-like lesions in three cases with partial thickness burn wounds.
Hyperplastic granuloma-like lesions in three cases with partial thickness burn wounds Hong-Liang Zhao *, Lian-Gui Li , Lian-kui Zhao , Tai-Ping Hu b a Burns and Plastic Department, Staff Hospital of Han Dan Iron and Steel Group, 17, Qian Jin street, Fu xing District, Han Dan, He Bei 056003, People’s Republic of China b Burns and Plastic Department, Staff Hospital of ShiJiaZhuang Iron & Steel Group, People’s Republic of China
The combined continuous-wave/pulsed carbon dioxide laser for treatment of pyogenic granuloma.
BACKGROUND
Pyogenic granuloma is a frequently diagnosed, benign vascular lesion.


OBJECTIVES
To present the use of the combined continuous-wave/pulsed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser as an innovative therapeutic method, to compare it with established methods, and to assess its results.


DESIGN
Prospective observational study between March 1998 and July 2000, comprising 1 treatment session with 6-week and 6-month follow-up examinations and evaluations.


SETTING
Private or institutional practices as well as ambulatory or hospitalized care.


PATIENTS
One hundred patients with pyogenic granuloma selected from a population-based sample.


INTERVENTIONS
Treatment with CO2 laser. The laser was first used in continuous mode (power, 15 W) and then in pulsed mode (pulse length, 0.6-0.9 milliseconds; energy fluence, 500 mJ/pulse).


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
Complete resolution of treated granuloma pyogenicum.


RESULTS
Pyogenic granuloma was removed completely in 1 treatment session in 98 patients without recurrence. In 88 cases there were no visible scars; in 10 cases slight textural changes of the skin were observed. Hypertrophic scars or keloids did not occur. Sixty-three patients were very satisfied with the result of the treatment, 37 were satisfied (ie, 100% patient satisfaction), and none indicated that they were not satisfied. No permanent hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, or erythema was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The combined continuous-wave/pulsed CO2 laser is our treatment of choice for pyogenic granuloma because this kind of laser is widely available, produces excellent results with few adverse effects, is easy to use, yields low recurrence rates, and is well tolerated by most patients.
Exposure to violence in incarcerated youth from the city of São Paulo.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the extent of exposure to community violence among delinquent Brazilian youth in the 12-month period prior to their incarceration and to identify factors associated with this exposure.


METHOD
With an oversampling of girls, a cross-section of youth under 18 years of age from juvenile detention units in the city of São Paulo, Brazil completed a structured interview. Key items related to exposure to violence (witnessed and experienced) were drawn from the Social and Health Assessment questionnaire to cover the 12-month period prior to incarceration.


RESULTS
Participants (n = 325, 89% boys) reported high rates of exposure to violence with largely similar levels for boys and girls. Being threatened with physical harm, being beaten or mugged and/or shot at were the most common forms of violence experienced. After controlling for demographic and family variables, the fact of having peers involved in risk behavior, easy access to guns and previous involvement with the justice system were associated with witnessed violence; whereas having slept on the street was the only variable associated with experienced violence.


CONCLUSION
This group of youth was exposed to high levels of violence and other adverse experiences. Future research should examine the effectiveness of strategies aimed at reducing the exposure to violence of high-risk youth.