Burn-Center Quality Improvement: Are Burn Outcomes Dependent on Admitting Facilities and is There a Volume-Outcome “Sweet-Spot”?

Risk factors of mortality in burn patients such as inhalation injury, patient age, and percent of total body surface area (%TBSA) burned have been identified in previous publications. However, little is known about the variability of mortality outcomes between burn centers and whether the admitting facilities or facility volumes can be recognized as predictors of mortality. De-identified data from 87,665 acute burn observations obtained from the National Burn Repository between 2003 and 2007 were used to estimate a multivariable logistic regression model that could predict patient mortality with reference to the admitting burn facility/facility volume, adjusted for differences in age, inhalation injury, %TBSA burned, and an additional factor, percent full thickness burn (%FTB). As previously reported, all three covariates (%TBSA burned, inhalation injury, and age) were found to be highly statistically significant risk factors of mortality in burn patients (P value < 0.0001). The additional variable, %FTB, was also found to be a statistically significant determinant, although it did not greatly improve the multivariable model. The treatment/admitting facility was found to be an independent mortality predictor, with certain hospitals having increased odds of death and others showing a protective effect (decreased odds ratio). Hospitals with high burn volumes had the highest risk of mortality. Mortality outcomes of patients with similar risk factors (%TBSA burned, inhalation injury, age, and %FTB) are significantly affected by the treating facility and their admission volumes.

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Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of burns in the older person: a seven-year retrospective analysis of 693 cases at a burn center in south-west China

Burns & Trauma ◽

10.1093/burnst/tkz005 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Wei Qian ◽

Song Wang ◽

Yangping Wang ◽

Xiaorong Zhang ◽

Mian Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Total Body Surface Area ◽

Inhalation Injury ◽

Anatomical Location ◽

Burn Patients ◽

Full Thickness ◽

Older Individuals ◽

West China ◽

South West

Abstract Background Burns are one of the major traumas that may affect older individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of geriatric burns at a major center in south-west China. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at the Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital of Army Medical University between 2010 and 2016, and the data collected from medical records included admission date, age, gender, premorbid disease, burn etiology, injured anatomical location, burn area and depth, inhalation injury, number of surgeries, length of stay (LOS), clinical outcome, and medical cost. Results Of the 693 older burn patients included, 60.75% were male and 56.85% were aged 60–69 years. Burns peaked in December–March and June. Flame was the most common cause of burns, making up 51.95% of all cases, and also dominated in the burn patients aged 60–69 years. Limbs were the most common anatomical sites of burns (69.41%), and the median total body surface area (TBSA) was 5% (interquartile range [IQR]: 2%–15%). The percentage of the patients who underwent surgeries and number of surgeries significantly increased in the cases of contact burns, younger age and full-thickness burns. Six deaths resulted in a mortality of 0.9%. The median LOS was 16 days (IQR: 8–29 days), and the main risk factors were more surgeries, better outcomes, and full-thickness burns. The median cost was 20,228 CNY (IQR: 10,457– 46,581.5 CNY), and major risk factors included longer LOS, larger TBSA, and more surgeries. Furthermore, compared to the earlier data from our center, the proportion of older adults among all burns (7.50% vs. 4.15%), proportion of flame burns (51.95% vs. 33.90%), and mean age (69.05 years vs. 65.10 years) were significantly higher, while the proportion of premorbidities (16.9% vs. 83.9%), mortality (0.9% vs. 7.5%) and median TBSA (5% vs. 21%) were significantly lower. Conclusions This study suggested that closer attention should be paid to prevent burn injuries in older people aged 60–69 years, especially males, regarding incidents in the summer and winter, and flame burns. Moreover, tailored intervention strategies based on related risk factors should be under special consideration.

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Multi-institutional analysis of independent predictors for burn mortality in the United States

Burns & Trauma ◽

10.1186/s41038-018-0127-y ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Dmitry Zavlin ◽

Vishwanath Chegireddy ◽

Stefanos Boukovalas ◽

Anna M. Nia ◽

Ludwik K. Branski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Total Body Surface Area ◽

The United States ◽

Inhalation Injury ◽

Operative Procedures ◽

Continuous Scale ◽

Multivariable Regression ◽

Total Body

Abstract Background Previous reports individually identified different factors that predict death after burns. The authors employed the multi-center American Burn Association’s (ABA) National Burn Repository (NBR) to elucidate which parameters have the highest negative impact on burn mortality. Methods We audited data from the NBR v8.0 for the years 2002–2011 and included 137,061 patients in our study. The cases were stratified into two cohorts based on the primary outcome of death/survival and then evaluated for demographic data, intraoperative details, and their morbidity after admission. A multivariable regression analysis aimed to identify independent risk factors associated with mortality. Results A total of 3.3% of patients in this analysis did not survive their burn injuries. Of those, 52.0% expired within 7 days after admission. Patients in the mortality cohort were of older age (p < 0.001), more frequently female (p < 0.001), and had more pre-existing comorbidities (p < 0.001). Total body surface area (TBSA), inhalation injury, hospitalization time, and occurrence of complications were higher compared to survivors (p < 0.001). Lack of insurance (odds ratio (OR) = 1.84, confidence interval (CI) 1.38–2.46), diabetes (OR = 1.24, CI 1.01–1.53), any complication (OR = 4.09, CI 3.27–5.12), inhalation injury (OR = 3.84, CI 3.38–4.36), and the need for operative procedures (OR = 2.60, CI 2.20–3.08) were the strongest independent contributors to mortality after burns (p < 0.001). Age (OR = 1.07, CI 1.06–1.07) and TBSA (OR = 1.09, CI 1.09–1.09) were significant on a continuous scale (p < 0.001) while overall comorbidities were not a statistical risk factor. Conclusion Uninsured status, inhalation injury, in-hospital complications, and operative procedures were the strongest mortality predictors after burns. Since most fatal outcomes (52.0%) occur within 7 days after injury, physicians and medical staff need to be aware of these risk factors upon patient admission to a burn center.

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A prospective analysis of risk factors for pediatric burn mortality at a tertiary burn center in North India

Burns & Trauma ◽

10.1186/s41038-017-0095-7 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Amol Dhopte ◽

Rahul Bamal ◽

Vinay Kumar Tiwari

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Nuclear Family ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Total Body Surface Area ◽

Female Gender ◽

Inhalation Injury ◽

Female Ratio ◽

Burn Center ◽

Risk Of Mortality ◽

Pediatric Burns

Abstract Background None of the available mortality predicting models in pediatric burns precisely predicts outcomes in every population. Mortality rates as well as their risk factors vary with regions and among different centers within the regions. The aim of this study was to identify socio-demographic and clinical risk factors for mortality in pediatric burns in an effort to decrease the mortality in these patients. Methods A prospective analytical study was conducted in patients up to the age of 18 years admitted for burn injuries in a tertiary care burn center in India from January to December 2014. Clinical and demographic data was collected through questionnaire-interview and patient follow-up during their stay in the hospital. Univariate and multivariate firth logistic regression was used to identify various risk factors for mortality in pediatric burns. Results A total of 475 patients were admitted during the study period. Overall mortality was 31.3% (n = 149) in this study. Mean age of the patients who died was 8.68 years. Of the 149 deaths, 74 were males and 75 were females (male to female ratio = 0.98). Mean total body surface area (TBSA) involved of the patients who expired was 62%. Inhalational injury was seen in 15.5% (n = 74) of pediatric burn admissions. Mortality was significantly higher (74.3%) in patients with inhalation injury. Mortality was highest in patients with isolates of Acinetobacter + Klebsiella (58.3%), followed by Pseudomonas + Klebsiella (53.3%), Acinetobacter (31.5%), and Pseudomonas (26.3%) (p < 0.0005). Factors found to be significant on univariate firth analysis were older age, female gender, suicidal burns, higher TBSA, presence of inhalation injury, increased depth of burn, and positive microbial cultures. On multivariate analysis, higher TBSA was identified as an independent risk factor for mortality. The adjusted odds ratios for TBSA involvement was 21.706 (25.1-50%), 136.195 (50.1-75%), and 1019.436 (75.1-100%), respectively. Conclusion TBSA is the most important factor predicting mortality in pediatric burns. The higher the TBSA, the higher is the risk of mortality. Other significant risk factors for mortality are female gender, deeper burns, positive wound cultures, and inhalation injury. Risk of mortality was significantly lower in children who belonged to urban areas, nuclear family, who sustained burn injury in the last quarter of the year, and who stayed in the hospital for longer period.

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Nebulized Heparin With N-Acetylcysteine and Albuterol Reduces Duration of Mechanical Ventilation in Patients With Inhalation Injury

Journal of Pharmacy Practice ◽

10.1177/0897190017747143 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 163-166 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Kaitlin A. McGinn ◽

Katie Weigartz ◽

Alicia Lintner ◽

Michael J. Scalese ◽

Steven A. Kahn

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Ventilation ◽

Unit Length ◽

Total Body Surface Area ◽

Inhalation Injury ◽

Burn Patients ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Mechanically Ventilated ◽

Total Body ◽

Injury Outcomes ◽

The Impact

Objective: Nebulized heparin has been proposed to improve pulmonary function in patients with inhalation injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of nebulized heparin with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and albuterol on the duration of mechanical ventilation in burn patients. Methods: This is a retrospective study evaluating mechanically ventilated adult patients admitted to a regional burn center with inhalation injury. Outcomes were compared between patients who were prescribed a combination of nebulized heparin with NAC and albuterol versus similar patients who did not. Results: A total of 48 patients met inclusion criteria (heparin n = 22; nonheparin n = 26). Patients in the nonheparin group had higher percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) burned (29.00 [5.75-51.88] vs 5.25 [0.50-13.25] %TBSA; P = .009), longer duration of mechanical ventilation (6.50 [2.75-17.00] vs 3.00 [1.00-8.25] days; P = .022), and longer intensive care unit length of stay (LOS) (3.00 [3.00-28.75] vs 5.50 days [2.00-11.25]; P = .033). Upon regression, use of heparin was the only variable associated with reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation ( P = .039). Conclusion: Nebulized heparin in combination with NAC and albuterol was associated with a significant reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation.

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703 Evaluating the Risk Factors and the Time-course of High Intraocular Pressures in Severely Burned Patients

Journal of Burn Care & Research ◽

10.1093/jbcr/iraa024.289 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S182-S183

Author(s):

Lucy Wibbenmeyer ◽

Anthony P Mai ◽

Erin M Shriver ◽

Christopher Fortenbach ◽

Kai Wang

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

At Risk ◽

Vision Loss ◽

Total Body Surface Area ◽

Burn Patients ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Post Injury ◽

Calculated Volume ◽

Total Body ◽

Parkland Formula

Abstract Introduction Severely burned patients are at risk for high intraocular pressures (IOP) and permanent vision loss from orbital compartment syndrome (OCS). Identification of at-risk patients for timely intervention is critical. This study aims to identify OCS risk factors and determine IOP trends to guide optimum monitoring in burn patients. Methods Medical records of burn patients seen by the ophthalmology service between 2004 and 2019 were reviewed. Patients undergoing resuscitation were split into those with high IOPs (PHigh IOP; ≥ 26 mmHg) and those with normal IOPs (PControl; IOPs ≤ 25 mmHg). Additional analysis to determine the timing of IOP elevations was performed on 13 patients (6 from the resuscitation group and 7 with facial burns). Results 33 of the 430 patients reviewed met inclusion criteria. Twenty-six patients underwent resuscitation, 6 of whom had elevated IOPs. Analysis of the PHigh IOP (n = 6) and PControl (n = 20) groups showed that elevated IOPs were associated with larger total body surface area (TBSA) burned (p = 0.002), a higher likelihood of exceeding the IVY index (> 250 ml/kg) (p = 0.018), and higher Parkland Formula calculated volume (p < 0.001). Maximum IOP and actual fluid resuscitation volume were linearly related (p < 0.001). Analysis of all patients with elevated IOP showed increases of 0.5 to 7 mmHg/hour with a highest absolute rise of 31 mmHg over 12 hours. All elevations occurred within 24 hours post injury. 8 patients had OCS, 2 of whom were not resuscitated due to small TBSA burns.33 of the 430 patients reviewed met inclusion criteria. Twenty-six patients underwent resuscitation, 6 of whom had elevated IOPs. Analysis of the PHigh IOP (n = 6) and PControl (n = 20) groups showed that elevated IOPs were associated with larger total body surface area (TBSA) burned (p = 0.002), a higher likelihood of exceeding the IVY index (> 250 ml/kg) (p = 0.018), and higher Parkland Formula calculated volume (p < 0.001). Maximum IOP and actual fluid resuscitation volume were linearly related (p < 0.001). Analysis of all patients with elevated IOP showed increases of 0.5 to 7 mmHg/hour with a highest absolute rise of 31 mmHg over 12 hours. All elevations occurred within 24 hours post injury. 8 patients had OCS, 2 of whom were not resuscitated due to small TBSA burns. Conclusions While large TBSA burns, exceeding the Ivy Index, and Parkland Formula calculated volume are potential OCS risk factors in burn patients, 25% of the patients who developed OCS had facial burns and did not require resuscitation. Earlier involvement of ophthalmology and more frequent IOP checks in susceptible burn patients will help identify those most at risk for OCS and vision loss. Applicability of Research to Practice Both the characteristics and the timing of increased intraocular patients is critical to ensuring prompt involvement of the ophthalmology team and treatment of the eye to preserve vision.

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

Journal of Burn Care & Research ◽

10.1093/jbcr/irab032.016 ◽

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.

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5 -Year Retrospective Analysis of a Vented Mobility Algorithm in the Burn ICU

Journal of Burn Care & Research ◽

10.1093/jbcr/irab248 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Audrey Marie O'Neil ◽

Cassandra Rush ◽

Laura Griffard ◽

David Roggy ◽

Allison Boyd ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Retrospective Analysis ◽

Recent Literature ◽

Total Body Surface Area ◽

Early Mobilization ◽

Burn Patients ◽

Mechanically Ventilated ◽

Line Placement ◽

Total Body ◽

Stage 1 ◽

Significant Attention

Abstract Early mobilization with mechanically ventilated patients has received significant attention within recent literature, however limited research has focused specifically on the burn population. The purpose of this single center, retrospective analysis was to review the use of a burn critical care mobility algorithm, to determine safety and feasibility of a burn vented mobility program, share limitations preventing mobility progression at our facility, and discuss unique challenges to vented mobility with intubated burn patients. A retrospective review was completed for all intubated burn center admissions between January 2015 to December 2019. Burn Therapy notes were then reviewed for data collection, during the intubation period, using stages of the mobility algorithm. In 5 years following initial implementation, the vented mobility algorithm was utilized on 127 patients with an average total body surface area of 22.8%. No adverse events occurred. Stage 1 (Range of motion) was completed with 100% of patients (n=127). Chair mode of bed, stage 2a, was utilized in 39.4%(n=50) of patients, while 15.8% (n=20) of patients were dependently transferred to the cardiac chair in stage 2b. Stage 3 (sitting on the edge-of-bed) was completed with 25% (n=32) of patients, with 11% (n=14) progressing to stage 5 (standing), and 3.9% (n=5) actively transferring to a chair. In 5 years, only 4.7% (n=6) reached stage 6 (ambulation). The most common treatment limitations were medical complications (33%) and line placement (21%). Early mobilization during mechanical ventilation is safe and feasible within the burn population, despite challenges including airway stability, sedation, and line limitations.

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Risk Factors Associated With Dengue Fever Outbreak in Taiz Governorate, Yemen, 2018: Case-control Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-624873/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Abdulkareem Ali Hussein Nassar ◽

Amr Abdulaziz Torbosh ◽

Yassin Abdulmalik Mahyoub ◽

Mohammed Abdullah Al Amad

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Dengue Fever ◽

Case Control Study ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Case Fatality ◽

Case Control ◽

Case Definition ◽

P Value ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Control Study

Abstract Background: Dengue Fever (DF) is a significant health problem in Yemen especially in the coastal areas. On November 6, 2018, Taiz governorates surveillance officer notified the Ministry of Public Health and Population on an increase in the number of suspected DF in Al Qahirah and Al Mudhaffar districts, Taiz governorate. On November 7, 2018, Field Epidemiology Training Program sent a team to perform an investigation. The aims were to confirm and describe the outbreak by person, place and time in Taiz governorate, and identify its risk factors.Methodology: Descriptive and case-control study (1:2 ratio) were conducted. WHO case definition was used to identify cases in Al Qahirah or Al Mudhaffar districts during August-November 2018. Control was selected from the same districts who did not suffer from DF. Predesigned questionnaire was used to collect data related to sociodemographic, behavioral and environmental characteristics. Bivariate and multivariate backward stepwise analyses were used. The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. A P value < 0.05 was considered as the cut point for statistically significant. Epi info version 7.2 was used.Results: A total of 50 DF cases were found. Almost 52% were males and 76% were <30 years of age. The overall attack rate was 1/10,000 of the population. Case fatality rate was 4%. In multivariate analysis, not working (aOR = 26.6, 95% CI: 6.8–104.7), not using mosquito repellent (aOR = 13.9, 95% CI:1.4–136.8), wearing short sleeves/pants (aOR = 27.3, 95% CI: 4.8–156.8), poor sanitation (aOR = 5.4, 95% CI: 1.4–20.3), presence of outdoor trees (aOR = 13.2, 95% CI: 2.8–63.0) and houses without window nets (aOR = 15.7, 95% CI: 3.9–63.4) were statistically significant risk factors associated with DF outbreak. Eleven 11 (58%) of blood samples were positive for DF IgM.Conclusions: DF outbreak in Al Qahirah and Al Mudhaffar districts, Taiz governorate was confirmed. This study provides evidence-based information regarding the identified risk factors that contributed to the occurrence of this outbreak. Raising community awareness on the importance of personal protection measures and improving the sanitation services are strongly recommended.

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Restrictive Transfusion Strategy Is More Effective in Massive Burns: Results of the TRIBE Multicenter Prospective Randomized Trial

Military Medicine ◽

10.1093/milmed/usy279 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 184 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 11-15 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Tina L Palmieri ◽

James H Holmes ◽

Brett Arnoldo ◽

Michael Peck ◽

Amalia Cochran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Wound Healing ◽

Burn Injury ◽

Total Body Surface Area ◽

Inhalation Injury ◽

Transfusion Strategy ◽

Restrictive Transfusion ◽

Blood Utilization ◽

Outcome Differences ◽

Total Body ◽

Restrictive Transfusion Strategy

Abstract Objectives Studies suggest that a restrictive transfusion strategy is safe in burns, yet the efficacy of a restrictive transfusion policy in massive burn injury is uncertain. Our objective: compare outcomes between massive burn (≥60% total body surface area (TBSA) burn) and major (20–59% TBSA) burn using a restrictive or a liberal blood transfusion strategy. Methods Patients with burns ≥20% were block randomized by age and TBSA to a restrictive (transfuse hemoglobin <7 g/dL) or liberal (transfuse hemoglobin <10 g/dL) strategy throughout hospitalization. Data collected included demographics, infections, transfusions, and outcomes. Results Three hundred and forty-five patients received 7,054 units blood, 2,886 in massive and 4,168 in restrictive. Patients were similar in age, TBSA, and inhalation injury. The restrictive group received less blood (45.57 ± 47.63 vs. 77.16 ± 55.0, p < 0.03 massive; 11.0 ± 16.70 vs. 16.78 ± 17.39, p < 0.001) major). In massive burn, the restrictive group had fewer ventilator days (p < 0.05). Median ICU days and LOS were lower in the restrictive group; wound healing, mortality, and infection did not differ. No significant outcome differences occurred in the major (20–59%) group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A restrictive transfusion strategy may be beneficial in massive burns in reducing ventilator days, ICU days and blood utilization, but does not decrease infection, mortality, hospital LOS or wound healing.

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Positive Signs on Physical Examination Are Not Always Indications for Endotracheal Tube Intubation in Patients with Facial Burn

10.21203/rs.3.rs-128508/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ruo-Yi Huang ◽

Szu-Jen Chen ◽

Yen-Chang Hsiao ◽

Ling-Wei Kuo ◽

Chien-Hung Liao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Endotracheal Tube ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Inhalation Injury ◽

Burn Patients ◽

Shortness Of Breath ◽

Airway Protection ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Independent Risk Factors ◽

Facial Burn

Abstract BackgroundAfter clinical evaluation in the emergency department (ED), facial burn patients are usually intubated to protect their airways. However, the possibility of unnecessary intubation or delayed intubation after admission exists. Objective criteria for the evaluation of inhalation injury and the need for airway protection in facial burn patients are needed.MethodsFacial burn patients between January 2013 and May 2016 were reviewed. Patients who were and were not intubated in the ED were compared. All intubated patients received routine bronchoscopy to evaluate whether they had inhalation injuries. Patients with and without confirmed inhalation injuries were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for inhalation injuries in facial burn patients. The reasons for intubation in patients without inhalation injuries were also investigated.ResultsDuring the study period, 121 patients were intubated in the ED among a total of 335 facial burn patients. Only 73 (60.3%) patients were later confirmed to have inhalation injuries on bronchoscopy. The comparison between patients with and without inhalation injuries showed that shortness of breath (odds ratio=3.376, p=0.027) and high total body surface area (TBSA) (odds ratio=1.038, p=0.001) were independent risk factors for inhalation injury. Other physical signs (e.g., hoarseness, burned nostril hair, etc.), laboratory examinations and chest X-ray findings were not predictive of inhalation injury in facial burn patients. All patients with a TBSA over 60% were intubated in the ED even if they did not have inhalation injuries.ConclusionIn the management of facial burn patients, positive signs on conventional physical examinations may not always be predictive of inhalation injury and the need for endotracheal tube intubation in the ED. More attention should be paid to facial burn patients with shortness of breath and a high TBSA because they have an increased risk of inhalation injuries. Airway protection is needed in facial burn patients without inhalation injuries because of their associated injuries and treatment.

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