66 The Effect of Transfer on Outcomes in Burns

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S43-S43
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Bruenderman ◽  
Selena The ◽  
Nathan Bodily ◽  
Matthew Bozeman

Abstract Introduction Burn care in the United States takes place primarily in tertiary care centers with specialty-focused burn capabilities. Patients are often initially transported to centers without burn capabilities, requiring subsequent transfer to a higher level of care. This study aims to evaluate the effect of this treatment delay on outcomes. Methods Under IRB approval, adult burn patients meeting American Burn Association (ABA) criteria for transfer at a single burn center were retrospectively identified. Cohorts were divided into patients who were initially taken to a non-burn center and subsequently transferred versus patients taken immediately to a burn center. Outcomes between the groups were compared. Results A total of 122 patients were identified, 61 in each cohort. There was no difference between the transfer and direct admit cohorts with respect to median age (52 vs. 46, p = 0.45), percent total body surface area burn (10% vs. 10%, p = 0.08), concomitant injury (0 vs. 4, p = 0.12), or intubation prior to admission (5 vs. 7, p = 0.76). Transfer patients experienced a longer median time from injury to burn center admission than directly admitted patients (1 vs. 8 hours, p < 0.01). Directly admitted patients were more likely to have inhalation burn (18 vs. 4, p < 0.01), require intubation after admission (10 vs. 2, p = 0.03), require an emergent procedure (18 vs. 5, p < 0.01), and develop infectious complications (14 vs. 5, p = 0.04). However, there was no difference between transfers and direct admits in ventilator days (9 vs. 3 days, p = 0.37), number of operations (0 vs. 0, p = 0.16), length of stay (3 vs. 3 days, p = 0.44), or mortality (6 vs. 3, p = 0.50). Conclusions This study suggests that significantly injured, hemodynamically unstable patients were more likely to be immediately identified and taken directly to a burn center. Patients who otherwise met ABA criteria for transfer were not affected by short delays in transfer to definitive burn care. Applicability of Research to Practice Initial triage and evaluation of hemodynamically stable patients at non-burn centers does not negatively impact outcomes in patients who meet ABA criteria for transfer to a burn center.

Author(s):  
Nathan E Bodily ◽  
Elizabeth H Bruenderman ◽  
Neal Bhutiani ◽  
Selena The ◽  
Jessica E Schucht ◽  
...  

Abstract Patients with burn injuries are often initially transported to centers without burn capabilities, requiring subsequent transfer to a higher level of care. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of this treatment delay on outcomes. Adult burn patients meeting American Burn Association (ABA) criteria for transfer at a single burn center were retrospectively identified. A total of 122 patients were evenly divided into two cohorts – those directly admitted to a burn center from the field, versus those transferred to a burn center from an outlying facility. There was no difference between the transfer and direct admit cohorts with respect to age, percent total body surface area burned, concomitant injury, or intubation prior to admission. Transfer patients experienced a longer median time from injury to burn center admission (1 vs. 8 hours, p &lt, 0.01). Directly admitted patients were more likely to have inhalation burn (18 vs. 4, p &lt, 0.01), require intubation after admission (10 vs. 2, p = 0.03), require an emergent procedure (18 vs. 5, p &lt, 0.01), and develop infectious complications (14 vs. 5, p = 0.04). There was no difference in ventilator days, number of operations, length of stay, or mortality. The results suggest that significantly injured, high acuity burn patients were more likely to be immediately identified and taken directly to a burn center. Patients who otherwise met ABA criteria for transfer were not affected by short delays in transfer to definitive burn care.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah L. Laughon ◽  
Bradley N. Gaynes ◽  
Lori P. Chrisco ◽  
Samuel W. Jones ◽  
Felicia N. Williams ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Psychiatric and substance use disorders are common among trauma and burn patients and are known risk factors for repeat episodes of trauma, known as trauma recidivism. The epidemiology of burn recidivism, specifically, has not been described. This study aimed to characterize cases of burn recidivism at a large US tertiary care burn center and compare burn recidivists (RCs) with non-recidivists (NRCs). Methods A 10-year retrospective descriptive cohort study of adult burn patients admitted to the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center was conducted using data from an electronic burn registry and the medical record. Continuous variables were reported using medians and interquartile ranges (IQR). Chi-square and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare demographic, burn, and hospitalization characteristics between NRCs and RCs. Results A total of 7134 burn patients were admitted, among which 51 (0.7%) were RCs and accounted for 129 (1.8%) admissions. Of the 51 RCs, 37 had two burn injuries each, totaling 74 admissions as a group, while the remaining 14 RCs had between three and eight burn injuries each, totaling 55 admissions as a group. Compared to NRCs, RCs were younger (median age 36 years vs. 42 years, p = 0.02) and more likely to be white (75% vs. 60%, p = 0.03), uninsured (45% vs. 30%, p = 0.02), have chemical burns (16% vs. 5%, p <  0.0001), and have burns that were ≤ 10% total body surface area (89% vs. 76%, p = 0.001). The mortality rate for RCs vs. NRCs did not differ (0% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.41). Psychiatric and substance use disorders were approximately five times greater among RCs compared to NRCs (75% vs. 15%, p <  0.001). Median total hospital charges per patient were nearly three times higher for RCs vs. NRCs ($85,736 vs. $32,023, p <  0.0001). Conclusions Distinct from trauma recidivism, burn recidivism is not associated with more severe injury or increased mortality. Similar to trauma recidivists, but to a greater extent, burn RCs have high rates of comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions that contribute to increased health care utilization and costs. Studies involving larger samples from multiple centers can further clarify whether these findings are generalizable to national burn and trauma populations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S45-S45
Author(s):  
Allison N Moore ◽  
Heather Carmichael ◽  
Patrick S Duffy ◽  
Anne L Lambert Wagner ◽  
Arek J Wiktor

Abstract Introduction Burn patients are a vulnerable population at risk for poor follow up after injury. With few burn centers throughout the country, there is often limited access to specialized care. We investigated barriers to patient compliance with recommended outpatient burn care at a single ABA-verified burn center after presentation at referring Emergency Departments (ED). Methods A retrospective review was performed on patients who presented at two EDs located 60–75 miles from our burn center over a two-year period. Recommendation for follow up was made by a burn surgeon at our regional burn center after telephone consultation. Medical record review was performed to determine what specific follow up occurred. Data on patient demographics, burn size/location/etiology were also recorded. Results Out of 135 consults from the two EDs, a total of 60 patients were recommended for outpatient follow up (vs. transfer, local management, or no follow up). Median age was 35 years [IQR 27–38] and most patients were male (n=40, 66%). Most patients had burns measuring < 1% total body surface area (TBSA) (n=43, 72%). Half scheduled a follow up appointment (n=31, 52%) and fewer came to that appointment (n=26, 43%). Median time from initial presentation to burn clinic follow up was 2 days (range 1–8 days). Of patients who did not attend recommended follow up, 24% (n=8/34) presented for additional visits to the ED or another local provider. Patients who did not follow up were more likely to be male (79% vs. 50%, p=0.03), lack insurance (27% vs. 4%, p=0.05), be homeless/institutionalized (18% vs. 0%, p=0.03) and have facial burns as compared to other body regions (32% vs. 8%, p=0.05). Patients who followed up were more likely to have scald burns versus flash/flame/contact burns (69% vs. 18%, p< 0.001) and were more likely to have been injured at home/work as opposed to outdoors/other location (100% vs. 38% p< 0.001). Age, marital status, race/ethnicity, having a primary care physician, %TBSA, and other comorbidities were not associated with follow up. Although reasons for not following up were rarely noted in the medical record, anecdotal reasons included lack of transportation (n=4), incarceration (n=3), and feeling that burns were healing (n=1). Conclusions Less than half of patients followed up at the regional burn center as recommended, while nearly a quarter followed up at local EDs/clinics. Barriers to follow up include patient gender, insurance, and resources (transportation).


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 476
Author(s):  
Ioana Tichil ◽  
Samara Rosenblum ◽  
Eldho Paul ◽  
Heather Cleland

Objective: To determine blood transfusion practices, risk factors, and outcomes associated with the use of blood products in the setting of the acute management of burn patients at the Victorian Adult Burn Service. Background: Patients with burn injuries have variable transfusion requirements, based on a multitude of factors. We reviewed all acute admissions to the Victorian Adult Burns Service (VABS) between 2011 and 2017: 1636 patients in total, of whom 948 had surgery and were the focus of our analysis. Method and results: Patient demographics, surgical management, transfusion details, and outcome parameters were collected and analyzed. A total of 175 patients out of the 948 who had surgery also had a blood transfusion, while 52% of transfusions occurred in the perioperative period. The median trigger haemoglobin in perioperative was 80mg/dL (IQR = 76–84.9 mg/dL), and in the non-perioperative setting was 77 mg/dL (IQR = 71.61–80.84 mg/dL). Age, gender, % total body surface area (TBSA) burn, number of surgeries, and intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were associated with transfusion. Conclusions: The use of blood transfusions is an essential component of the surgical management of major burns. As observed in our study, half of these transfusions are related to surgical procedures and may be influenced by the employment of blood conserving strategies. Furthermore, transfusion trigger levels in stable patients may be amenable to review and reduction. Risk adjusted analysis can support the implementation of blood transfusion as a useful quality indicator in burn care.


PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9984
Author(s):  
Shin-Yi Tsai ◽  
Chon-Fu Lio ◽  
Shou-Chuan Shih ◽  
Cheng-Jui Lin ◽  
Yu-Tien Chen ◽  
...  

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most severe complications of burn injury. AKI with severe burn injury causes high mortality. This study aims to investigate the incidence of and predisposing factors for AKI in burn patients. Methods This is a single-center, retrospective, descriptive criterion standard study conducted from June 27, 2015, to March 8, 2016. We used Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria to define and select patients with AKI. The study was conducted by recruiting in hospital patients who suffered from the flammable cornstarch-based powder explosion and were treated under primary care procedures. A total of 49 patients who suffered from flammable dust explosion-related burn injury were enrolled and admitted on June 27, 2015. The patients with more than 20% total body surface area of burn were transferred to the intensive care unit. Patients received fluid resuscitation in the first 24 hours based on the Parkland formula. The primary measurements were the incidence of and predisposing factors for AKI in these patients. Demographic characteristics, laboratory data, and inpatient outcomes were also evaluated. The incidence of AKI in this cohort was 61.2% (n = 30). The mortality rate was 2.0% (n = 1) during a 59-day follow-up period. The multivariate analysis revealed inhalation injury (adjusted OR = 22.0; 95% CI [1.4–358.2]) and meeting ≥3 American Burn Association (ABA) sepsis criteria (adjusted OR = 13.7; 95% CI [1.7–110.5]) as independent risk factors for early advanced AKI. Conclusions The incidence rate of AKI was higher in this cohort than in previous studies, possibly due to the flammable dust explosion-related burn injury. However, the mortality was lower than that expected. In clinical practice, indicators of inflammation, including ABA sepsis criteria may help in predicting the risk of AKI in patients with burn injury.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 3389-3391
Author(s):  
Imran Khan ◽  
Taimur Khan ◽  
Shakil Asif ◽  
Syed Azhar Ali Kazmi ◽  
Subhan Ullah ◽  
...  

Background and Aim: Burn injuries patients generally suffer from various psychological and mental disorders especially in lower socio-economic groups. It can adversely affect their wellbeing and health. Proper consultation and clinical diagnosis need to be carried out on burns injuries patients from the early critical phase to rehabilitation phase recovery. The current study's aim was to determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in burn patients in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 82 attempted burn suicides, adult patients in Khattak Medical Center Peshawar, Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar and Divisional Headquarter hospital, Mirpur AJK for duration of six months from June 2020 to December 2020. All the patients admitted with suicides burns were of either gender and had ages above 15 years. The convenience technique was used for sampling. The patients’ demographic details such as psychiatric illness, self-immolation act motivation, burn injury depth, burn total body surface area, inhalation injury, hospitalization duration, and mortality was recorded on pre-designed proforma. Data analysis was carried out with SPSS version 20. Results: The mean age of all 82 patients was 28.9±5.2 with an age range of 14 to 55 years. Of the total, 66 (80.5%) were female while 16 (19.5%) were male. In this study, the most frequent suicidal attempt was made by the marital conflicted patients 50 (61%) followed by love affair failure 8 (9.7%). An overall mean of 53.6±19.6 was observed for total body surface area affected with a range of 15-100%. The hospital duration mean was 8.2±5.9 with a range of 1-38 days. Young, married, and rural area illiterate housewives were the most common self-inflicted/suicide burn injuries. The prime cause of such injuries was getting married. The mortality rate was found at 82.3%. Conclusion: Our study concluded that patient’s well-being and mental health could be severely affected by burn injuries. Prevalent depression was noted among severe burn injuries patients. Depression related to deformity could be prevented with early grafting, wound management, proper splinting, coping ability, intense physiotherapy, and long-term rehabilitation. Keywords: Burn; Depressed mood, Psychiatric morbidity, Posttraumatic stress disorder


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S132-S132
Author(s):  
Shana M Henry ◽  
Nicole M Kopari ◽  
Mary Wolfe

Abstract Introduction California’s Creek Fire is not only the largest single wildfire in a state known for huge and destructive blazes, it spawned two rare fire tornados with winds over 100mph, a day after the fire started in early September. Huntington Lake and Mammoth Pool were the sites of these rare events leading to hundreds of trapped campers. An air rescue operation airlifted hundreds of trapped people to safety. Twenty days after the start of the fire, it had burned >300,000 acres with only 36% containment by fire crews. This review is an evaluation of our hospitals response team and the events surrounding that night. Methods Our on-call surgeon had called in the back-up surgeon to run a second trauma operating room. It was at this time, the news had reported trapped campers near Mammoth Pool. The burn surgeon was notified and reported to the emergency department (ED) as word of 65 possible victims spread. Local disaster response planning was initiated with an ED physician triaging patients at the regional airport. Initial calls were made to the division chief and burn medical director. The nursing director was notified along with any available nursing staff with 8 ICU nurses volunteering to report. Immediately, lateral transfer orders were placed for all burn patients housed in the burn center which has 10 ICU bed capabilities. Results The first helicopter landed with 5 of the burn victims presenting to our hospital. 4 of the victims were male and 1 female with ages ranging from 17 to 27. Total body surface area burn was estimated on each with 2 minor burns < 10% and 3 moderate sized burns of roughly 25%. These patients were quickly triaged in the ED and traumatic injuries evaluated. 3 of the patients were placed in ICU level care with the 2 remaining patients housed in the ED as word trickled in about another rescue effort with an additional 95 people. By morning, an additional 2 patients were transferred to our burn center from the surrounding hospitals and another 2 patients evaluated for burns sustained in separate events. All patients were taken to the operating room over the next 24–48 hours for excision and autologous spray on skin cells (ASCS) in combination with widely meshed skin grafts or ASCS alone. Conclusions Communication, teamwork, and personnel that are dedicated to the care of burn patients made this tragic incident manageable. The Creek Fire hit home for many of the burn staff not only because of the patients that were cared for, but because this area of California was a beloved respite for many. A debriefing with a chaplain, grief counselor, and psychotherapist, was held within 2 weeks of the incident to provide support to the staff during this devastating time.


1990 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 639-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Boyce

AbstractIn the period 1975 to 1981, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen in tertiary care centers in the United States. To determine if the prevalence of this organism has continued to increase, a questionnaire was sent to hospital epidemiologists in 360 acute care hospitals. A total of 256 (71%) of the 360 individuals responded. Overall, 97% (246/256) of responding hospitals reported having patients with MRSA in the period 1987 through 1989. Respondents in 217 hospitals provided estimates of the number of cases seen in 1987, 1988 and 1989. The percentage of respondents reporting one or more patients with MRSA increased from 88% in 1987 to 96.3% in 1989 (p = .0008). The percent of respondents reporting large numbers (≥50) of cases per year increased from 18% in 1987 to 32% in 1989 (p = .0006). Increasing frequency of large outbreaks was observed in community, community-teaching, federal, municipal and university hospitals.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin M Klifto ◽  
A Lee Dellon ◽  
C Scott Hultman

Abstract Background Chronic pain, unrelated to the burn itself, can manifest as a long-term complication in patients sustaining burn injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) and compare burn characteristics between patients who developed CNP and patients without CNP who were treated at a burn center. Methods A single-center, retrospective analysis of 1880 patients admitted to the adult burn center was performed from 1 January 2014 to 1 January 2019. Patients included were over the age of 15 years, sustained a burn injury and were admitted to the burn center. CNP was diagnosed clinically following burn injury. Patients were excluded from the definition of CNP if their pain was due to an underlying illness or medication. Comparisons between patients admitted to the burn center with no pain and patients admitted to the burn center who developed CNP were performed. Results One hundred and thirteen of the 1880 burn patients developed CNP as a direct result of burn injury over 5 years with a prevalence of 6.01%. Patients who developed CNP were a significantly older median age (54 years vs. 46 years, p = 0.002), abused alcohol (29% vs. 8%, p < 0.001), abused substances (31% vs. 9%, p < 0.001), were current daily smokers (73% vs. 33%, p < 0.001), suffered more full-thickness burns (58% vs. 43%, p < 0.001), greater median percent of total body surface area (%TBSA) burns (6 vs. 3.5, p < 0.001), were more often intubated on mechanical ventilation (33% vs. 14%, p < 0.001), greater median number of surgeries (2 vs. 0, p < 0.001) and longer median hospital length of stay (LOS) (10 days vs. 3 days, p < 0.001), compared to those who did not develop CNP, respectively. Median patient follow-up was 27 months. Conclusions The prevalence of CNP over 5 years was 6.01% in the burn center. Older ages, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, current daily smoking, greater percent of total body surface area (%TBSA) burns, third degree burns, being intubated on mechanical ventilation, having more surgeries and longer hospital LOS were associated with developing CNP following burn injury, compared to patients who did not develop CNP following burn injury.


Author(s):  
Shahriar Shahrokhi ◽  
Marc G. Jeschke

Outcomes of burn patients have significantly improved over the last two decades. A recent study in The Lancet showed that a burn size of over 60% total body surface area (TBSA) burned is now recognized as being associated with high risks; a decade ago similar risks resulted from a 40% TBSA burned. Similar data have been obtained in severely-burned adults and the elderly. This chapter discusses current standards, recent evidence, and future developments in burn care to improve outcomes of these patients. Critical components in the management of patients with burns are early adequate resuscitation, recognition and management of airway burns and appropriate treatment of the different stages of burn care—prehospital, early, and late management.


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