508 Fungal Infections in Burn Patients from 2014–2019: A 5-year Retrospective Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S90-S91
Author(s):  
Kaitlin A Pruskowski ◽  
Julie A Rizzo ◽  
Leopoldo C Cancio
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
High Mortality ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Burn Injury ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Burn Patients ◽  
Average Hospital ◽  
Time From Injury

Abstract Introduction Topical and systemic antibiotic agents used to treat burn wounds allow for fungal growth. Fungal infections often occur later in the hospital course and carry a higher mortality rate than bacterial infections in critically ill burn patients. The primary objective of this study was to describe the incidence and characteristics of fungal infections in our burn center. Methods This was a retrospective chart review. Subjects who were admitted between January 2014 and February 2019 after sustaining a burn injury and received a systemic antifungal agent were included. All cultures and histopathology results that were positive for fungus were recorded. Results Ninety one subjects were included in this analysis. The average age was 42.3±16.9 years and 74 (81.3%) subjects were male. Seventy four (81.3%) subjects were admitted after flame burn. The average burn size was 40.1±24.2% TBSA. The average hospital length of stay was 57.2±44.8 days. Thirty eight (41.7%) subjects died during their hospital stay. The 91 subjects had 220 cultures positive for fungi: 29 blood cultures, 19 BAL cultures, 23 sputum cultures, 118 tissue cultures, and 31 urine cultures. The most common fungal genera isolated were: Candida (n=146), Aspergillus (n=55), and Fusarium (n=44). Twenty six (28.6%) subjects had histopathology results that showed fungus in non-viable tissue, with an average time from injury to fungus of 20.4±11.8 days. Twenty six (28.6%) subjects had histopathology results that showed fungus in viable tissue, with an average time from injury to fungus of 22.7±16.7 days. Of note, these were not the group that had fungus in non-viable tissue. Twelve (13.2%) subjects had angioinvasion, with an average time to angioinvasion of 26.6±22 days. The 91 subjects received 133 courses of antifungals. The average course of antifungal therapy was 7.8±8.9 days. The most common antifungals used were: micafungin (n=54), fluconazole (n=53), and liposomal amphotericin B (n=44). Conclusions Patients who were started on a systemic antifungal had a high mortality rate. Common fungi isolated included Candida and Aspergillus, which is consistent with previous literature. Further research is needed on the early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and timely management of fungal infections in this patient population. Applicability of Research to Practice Fungal infections after burn injury carry a high mortality rate. Early recognition and timely management of these infections is paramount.

509 Fungal Infections After Blast and Thermal Injury

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S91-S91
Author(s):  
Kaitlin A Pruskowski ◽  
Julie A Rizzo ◽  
Leopoldo C Cancio
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
High Mortality ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Blast Injury ◽  
Wound Infections ◽  
Level Of Invasion

Abstract Introduction Invasive fungal wound infections have been reported after combat-related blast injury sustained in recent conflicts. Systemic antifungal agents are commonly used as an adjunct to urgent surgical debridement. There is currently controversy in defining the depth of fungal invasion, which is the most critical factor that determines the treatment strategy. The objective of this study was to describe fungal infections in blast injury patients admitted to our burn center. Methods This was a retrospective chart review. Subjects who were admitted between January 2004 and February 2019, received a systemic antifungal agent, and experienced a blast injury were included. Culture and histopathology results were recorded. Results Eighty one patients were included. Seventy five subjects (92.6%) were active-duty service members at the time of injury and 79 (97.5%) subjects were male. On average, subjects were 27.4±7.8 years old with a burn size of 51.4±25.3% TBSA. Twenty seven subjects (33.3%) died during their hospital stay. The 75 subjects had 157 cultures positive for fungi, including 130 tissue cultures. The most common genera isolated was Aspergillus (n=148), Candida (n=106), Fusarium (n=16), and Mucor (n=12). Fifty seven percent of subjects who grew Mucor died, as compared to 52% who grew Aspergillus, 50% who grew Fusarium, and 32.3% who grew Candida. For histopathology, 33 subjects (40.7%) had results with fungus in non-viable tissue, 27 subjects (25.9%) had results with fungus in viable tissue, and 14 (17.3%) had results with angioinvasion. Subjects who had fungus in viable tissue had the highest mortality rate (71.4%), followed by angioinvasion (64.3%), and fungus in non-viable tissue (33.3%). The 75 subjects received 121 courses of systemic antifungals. The average duration of therapy was 12.3±13.6 days. The most common antifungals ordered were voriconazole (n=58), fluconazole (n=53), and liposomal amphotericin B (n=42). Conclusions Invasive fungal infection after blast injury had a high mortality rate. Early recognition and management of fungal infections is paramount to patient survival. A consensus is needed on how to best define the depth and level of invasion of fungal wound infections, and to determine the optimal treatment duration of systemic antifungal agents for these patients. Applicability of Research to Practice Invasive fungal wound infections carry a high mortality rate. A consensus is needed on the optimal systemic therapy.

11 Vitamin D Deficiency on Admission and the Association with Length of Stay in Patients with Thermal Injury: A Multi-center Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S13-S14
Author(s):  
Sarah Zavala ◽  
Kate Pape ◽  
Todd A Walroth ◽  
Melissa A Reger ◽  
Katelyn Garner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Burn Injury ◽  
Total Body Surface Area ◽  
Inhalation Injury ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Burn Patients ◽  
Comfort Care ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction In burn patients, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased incidence of sepsis. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of vitamin D deficiency in adult burn patients on hospital length of stay (LOS). Methods This was a multi-center retrospective study of adult patients at 7 burn centers admitted between January 1, 2016 and July 25, 2019 who had a 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentration drawn within the first 7 days of injury. Patients were excluded if admitted for a non-burn injury, total body surface area (TBSA) burn less than 5%, pregnant, incarcerated, or made comfort care or expired within 48 hours of admission. The primary endpoint was to compare hospital LOS between burn patients with vitamin D deficiency (defined as 25OHD < 20 ng/mL) and sufficiency (25OHD ≥ 20 ng/mL). Secondary endpoints include in-hospital mortality, ventilator-free days of the first 28, renal replacement therapy (RRT), length of ICU stay, and days requiring vasopressors. Additional data collected included demographics, Charlson Comorbidity Index, injury characteristics, form of vitamin D received (ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol) and dosing during admission, timing of vitamin D initiation, and form of nutrition provided. Dichotomous variables were compared via Chi-square test. Continuous data were compared via student t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Univariable linear regression was utilized to identify variables associated with LOS (p < 0.05) to analyze further. Cox Proportional Hazard Model was utilized to analyze association with LOS, while censoring for death, and controlling for TBSA, age, presence of inhalation injury, and potential for a center effect. Results Of 1,147 patients screened, 412 were included. Fifty-seven percent were vitamin D deficient. Patients with vitamin D deficiency had longer LOS (18.0 vs 12.0 days, p < 0.001), acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring RRT (7.3 vs 1.7%, p = 0.009), more days requiring vasopressors (mean 1.24 vs 0.58 days, p = 0.008), and fewer ventilator free days of the first 28 days (mean 22.9 vs 25.1, p < 0.001). Univariable analysis identified burn center, AKI, TBSA, inhalation injury, admission concentration, days until concentration drawn, days until initiating supplementation, and dose as significantly associated with LOS. After controlling for center, TBSA, age, and inhalation injury, the best fit model included only deficiency and days until vitamin D initiation. Conclusions Patients with thermal injuries and vitamin D deficiency on admission have increased length of stay and worsened clinical outcomes as compared to patients with sufficient vitamin D concentrations.

Not just vegetations: focal myocardial changes in patients with fungal infections

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Nicole M. Cresalia ◽  
Sonal T. Owens ◽  
Terri L. Stillwell ◽  
Mark D. Norris ◽  
Sunkyung Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Positive Culture ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Similar Proportion ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Fungal Endocarditis ◽  
Catheter Tip

Abstract Background: Fungal endocarditis classically involves dense heterogenous vegetations. However, several patients with fungal infections were noted to have myocardial changes ranging from focal brightening to nodular thickening of chordae or papillary muscles. This study evaluates whether these findings are associated with fungal infections. Methods: In a retrospective case–control study, paediatric inpatients with fungal infections (positive blood, urine, or catheter tip culture) in a 5-year period were matched 1:1 to inpatients without positive fungal cultures. Echocardiograms were scored on a 5-point scale by two independent readers for presence of myocardial brightenings, nodular thickenings, and vegetations. Clinical data were compared. Results: Of 67 fungal cases, positive culture sites included blood (n = 44), vascular catheter tip (n = 7), and urine (n = 29); several had multiple positive sites. “Positive” echo findings (score ≥ 2+) were more frequent in the Fungal Group (33 versus 18%, p = 0.04). Fungal Group patients with “positive” versus “negative” echo findings had similar proportion of bacterial infections. Among fungal cases, those with “positive” echo findings had longer hospital length of stay than cases with “negative” echos (median 58 versus 40 days, p = 0.03) but no difference in intensive care unit admission, extracorporeal membranous oxygenation support, or mortality. Conclusions: Myocardial and papillary muscle brightening with nodular thickening on echocardiogram appear to be associated with fungal infections. There may be prognostic implications of these findings as patients with “positive” echo have longer length of stay. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanism and temporal progression of these changes and determine the prognostic value of this scoring system.

scholarly journals An Uncommon Feature of Chronic Granulomatous Disease in a Neonate

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Razieh Afrough ◽  
Sayyed Shahabeddin Mohseni ◽  
Setareh Sagheb
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Chronic Granulomatous Disease ◽  
High Mortality ◽  
Neonatal Period ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Granuloma Formation ◽  
Granulomatous Disease ◽  
Life Threatening

Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) represents recurrent life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections and granuloma formation with a high mortality rate. CGD’s sign and symptoms usually appear in infancy and children before the age of five; therefore, its presentation in neonatal period with some uncommon features may be easily overlooked. Here we describe a case of CGD in a 24-day-old boy, presenting with a diffuse purulent vesiculopustular rash and multiple osteomyelitis.

scholarly journals Severe Altered Immune Status After Burn Injury Is Associated With Bacterial Infection and Septic Shock

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Moins-Teisserenc ◽  
Debora Jorge Cordeiro ◽  
Vincent Audigier ◽  
Quentin Ressaire ◽  
Mourad Benyamina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Septic Shock ◽  
Innate Immunity ◽  
Bacterial Infection ◽  
Adaptive Immunity ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Burn Injury ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Burn Patients ◽  
Down Regulation ◽  
Risk Of Death

Introduction: Burn injury is associated with a high risk of death. Whether a pattern of immune and inflammatory responses after burn is associated with outcome is unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the association between systemic immune and inflammatory responses and outcome in severely-ill burn patients.Materials and Methods: Innate immunity, adaptive immunity, activation and stress and inflammation biomarkers were collected at admission and days 2, 7, 14, and 28 in severely-ill adult burn patients. Primary endpoint was mortality at day 90, secondary endpoint was secondary infections. Healthy donors (HD) served as controls. Multiple Factorial Analysis (MFA) was used to identify patterns of immune response.Results: 50 patients were included. Age was 49.2 (44.2–54.2) years, total burn body surface area was 38.0% (32.7–43.3). Burn injury showed an upregulation of adaptive immunity and activation biomarkers and a down regulation of innate immunity and stress/inflammation biomarkers. High interleukin-10 (IL-10) at admission was associated with risk of death. However, no cluster of immune/inflammatory biomarkers at early timepoints was associated with mortality. HLA-DR molecules on monocytes at admission were associated with bacterial infections and septic shock. Later altered immune/inflammatory responses in patients who died may had been driven by the development of septic shock.Conclusion: Burn injury induced an early and profound upregulation of adaptive immunity and activation biomarkers and a down regulation of innate immunity and stress/inflammation biomarkers. Immune and inflammatory responses were associated with bacterial infection and septic shock. Absence of immune recovery patterns was associated with poor prognosis.

Is the Use of Routine Echocardiogram Warranted in Large Pediatric Burns?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Wilmot ◽  
P H Chang ◽  
L Fowler ◽  
P Warner
Keyword(s):  
Left Ventricular Dysfunction ◽  
Cardiac Dysfunction ◽  
Ventricular Dysfunction ◽  
Burn Injury ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Total Body Surface Area ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Burn Patients ◽  
Severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction ◽  
Pediatric Burns

Abstract Introduction Cardiac dysfunction can develop in large pediatric burns during the acute and recovery phase. When occurring in this population, the cardiac abnormality appears as left ventricular dysfunction or dilated cardiomyopathy. Recent studies have demonstrated perioperative and long-term cardiac dysfunction resulting in longer hospital stays for patients over 40% total body surface area. The objective of this study was to assess if early use of echocardiograms in large burns would allow for early recognition of patients at risk for cardiac dysfunction. Material and Methods Pediatric burn patients ages 0-18 years who sustained a burn injury of 30% TBSA or more or developed cardiac dysfunction during hospital course were evaluated. Echocardiograms were obtained upon admission with monthly repeats until three normal studies were attained or the patient was discharged and when symptomatic. Results Of the 130 acute burn patients admitted during 7/2017-10/2018, 10 patients met criteria for enrollment in this study. The average age was 5 years (0.8 to 10 yrs), 70% were males and 90% sustained flame injuries.Total TBSA average was 45% (24-70%) with average full thickness burns of 33% (0-67%). Twenty echocardiogram studies were obtained. One patient with 25% TBSA burn, demonstrated severe left ventricular dysfunction with an EF of 25% from post arrest myocardial stunning. Repeat echocardiogram studies demonstrated full recovery with normal EF. The remaining patients, despite large TBSA injuries, did not exhibit any abnormalities on ECHO examinations. No cardiac interventions were required. Conclusions Use of echocardiograms is best performed on symptomatic burn patient populations.

122 Prevalence and Associated Predictors for Patients Developing Chronic, Neuropathic Pain Following Burns

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S81-S82
Author(s):  
Kevin M Klifto ◽  
C Scott Hultman
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Burn Injury ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Direct Result ◽  
Medical Illness ◽  
Burn Patients ◽  
Chronic Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Burn Center ◽  
Burn Unit

Abstract Introduction 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 and compare burn characteristics between burn patients who developed chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) and burn patients without CNP treated at a Burn Center. Methods A single-center, retrospective analysis of 1880 patients admitted to the adult Burn Center was performed from January 1, 2014 through January 1, 2019. Patients included were over the age of fifteen years, sustained a burn injury and were admitted to the Burn Unit. CNP was diagnosed clinically following burn injury. Patients were excluded from the definition of CNP if their pain was due to an underlying medical illness or medication. Comparisons between patients admitted to the Burn Unit with no pain and patients admitted to the Burn Unit who developed CNP were performed. Results One hundred thirteen (n=113) of the 1880 burn patients developed CNP as a direct result of burn injury over five years with a prevalence of 6%. Patients who developed CNP were a significantly older median age [54 vs. 46, p=0.002], abused alcohol [29% vs. 8.5%, p< 0.001], abused substances [31% vs. 9%, p< 0.001], were current everyday smokers [73% vs. 34%, p< 0.001], suffered more full-thickness burns [58% vs. 43%, p< 0.001], greater median %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 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 five years was 6% in the Burn Center. Older ages, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, current everyday smoking, greater %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. Applicability of Research to Practice The largest study to date assessing the prevalence of chronic nerve pain following burns. Identified new independent predictors for chronic neuropathic pain following burn injury, not previously assessed in the literature.

Infectious Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis Presenting as Temporal Arteritis—A Case Report

2020 ◽  
pp. 194187442095784
Author(s):  
Rizwan Sabir ◽  
McNeill Kirkpatrick ◽  
Jonathan Watts ◽  
Jindong Xu
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
High Mortality ◽  
Temporal Arteritis ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Sinus Thrombosis ◽  
Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis ◽  
Delayed Recognition

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is rare and can present with various nonspecific symptoms. The high mortality rate of this disease is largely due to delayed recognition and treatment. We report a case who presented with unrelenting headache and was diagnosed with temporal arteritis (TA) but did not respond to steroids. Imaging helped make the CST diagnosis and the patient responded well to treatment. This case reiterates the importance of early recognition and treatment of CST, and reminds physicians to include CST as an essential differential diagnosis of TA.

710 Use of Airway Pressure Relief Ventilation (APRV) in Burn Patients with and Without Inhalation Injury

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S186-S187
Author(s):  
Kevin N Foster ◽  
Dylon Buchanan ◽  
Timothy Durr ◽  
Karen J Richey
Keyword(s):  
Airway Pressure ◽  
Burn Injury ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Inhalation Injury ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Burn Patients ◽  
Pressure Relief ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
Ventilator Mode ◽  
Ventilator Settings

Abstract Introduction Burn patients often require ventilator management because of large % TBSA injury, the presence of inhalation injury, and/or other factors. Airway pressure relief ventilation (APRV) offers several advantages over conventional ventilation modes including improved alveolar recruitment, better oxygenation and hemodynamics, preservation of spontaneous breathing, and possibly less ventilator-induced lung injury. This study reviews the use of APRV as the primary ventilator mode in burn patients with and without inhalation injury. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients admitted to the burn center and requiring APRV ventilation over a ten year period was performed. Data collected included demographic data, burn injury data, ventilator settings, arterial blood gas data, and development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Results There were 411 patients identified over the ten year period. Mean age was 46 years, and mean % TBSA burned was 33. Seventy-three percent were male. One-half (51%) of patients had an inhalation injury. Mean hospital length of stay was 32 days with 22 mean ventilator days. Average number of surgeries was 4.4 per patient. Mean high pressure (P high) was 23 mm Hg. Mean FiO2 was 88% on post-injury day (PID) 1, 65% on day PID 2, and 45% thereafter. Mean P/F ratio was 333. Mean pH was 7.40, mean pCO2 was 40 mmHg, and mean HCO3 was 25 mm Hg. Forty-six percent of patients met criteria for diagnosis of VAP. Conclusions These data demonstrate that burn patients requiring mechanical ventilation can be safely and effectively managed with APRV. Oxygenation, carbon dioxide removal, normal acid-base status, and excellent P/F ratios were maintained with relatively low ventilator settings such as peak airway pressure and FiO2. Patients were able to breathe spontaneously when able and were easily liberated form the ventilator at the appropriate time. Applicability of Research to Practice This study defines an unconventional and potentially improved ventilator mode use in burn patients.

scholarly journals The development and impact of heterotopic ossification in burns: a review of four decades of research

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 205951311769565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Kornhaber ◽  
Nichola Foster ◽  
Dale Edgar ◽  
Denis Visentin ◽  
Elad Ofir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heterotopic Ossification ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Burn Injury ◽  
Rare Complication ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Burn Patients ◽  
Recommended Treatment ◽  
Joint Range Of Motion ◽  
Joint Range

[Formula: see text] Introduction: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the formation of lamellar bone within connective and other tissue where bone should not form and is a rare complication after burn injury. However, it leads to severe pain and distress, marked reduction in joint range of motion (ROM), impaired function and increased hospital length of stay. The pathophysiology, incidence and risk factors of HO remain poorly understood in burns and other traumas and the management, controversial. The aim of this comprehensive review, therefore, was to synthesise the available evidence on the development and treatment of HO after acute burn injury. Methods: The review was based on a systematic search of five electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS and Scopus. Results: Synthesis and analysis of the data highlighted that, despite the passage of time, little translatable evidence is available to guide any prevention, screening, diagnostic or pharmacological or physical management protocols. Discussion: Causes of HO remain confounded, therefore prevention is difficult. Although spontaneous resolution is possible, surgical resection remains the recommended treatment when ROM and activities of daily living are severely affected. Conclusion: The findings from this review indicate that multicentre data pooling is needed to understand the optimum pathway to prevention, identification and treatment of HO in acute burn patients.

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