scholarly journals Clinical Practice Variation in Acute Severe Burn Injury

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. L. Garside ◽  
R. P. Lee ◽  
A. Delaney ◽  
D. Milliss

The New South Wales (NSW) Statewide Burn Injury Service Database was reviewed to identify variations in clinical practice with respect to care of severely burn-injured patients in intensive care. We compared differences in practice relating to duration of endotracheal intubation and surgical grafting. In this retrospective observational study, we reviewed all intensive care unit (ICU) admissions to the two NSW adult burns centres, ICU A and ICU B, between January 2008 and December 2015. Data were analysed for association between duration of intubation and outcome. There were 855 admissions to adult ICU, with a significant difference in the percentage total body surface area (% TBSA) of burn and inhalation injury between patients in the two units. There was a significant difference in duration of intubation and ICU length of stay (LOS) between the units, which persisted when adjusted for age, % TBSA and inhalational injury. When analysing patients with more severe burns (>20% TBSA or intubated), the difference in duration of intubation remained significant (median of three days [interquartile range, IQR, 1–11 days] in A and 2 days [IQR 1–6 days] in B, P=0.003) as did ICU LOS (median 3 days [IQR 2–11 days] for A and 2 days [IQR 1–6 days] for B, P <0.0005). There was no significant difference in mortality between the two units for the severe or the more severe subgroup of burns when adjusted for age, % TBSA and inhalational injury (adjusted odds ratio, OR, for mortality 1.17 [95% confidence intervals 0.6 to 2.3, P=0.65]). There were significant differences in clinical practice, including duration of intubation, between the two ICUs. Longer intubation was associated with a longer ICU LOS, but was not associated with a difference in mortality. Large collaborative, prospective multicentre studies in severe burns are needed to identify best practice and variations in practice to determine if they are associated with increased mortality and/or cost.

Author(s):  
Rachel M Nygaard ◽  
Frederick W Endorf

Abstract It is well-established that survival in burn injury is primarily dependent on three factors: age, percent total-body surface area burned (%TBSA), and inhalation injury. However, it is clear that in other (nonburn) conditions, nonmedical factors may influence mortality. Even in severe burns, patients undergoing resuscitation may survive for a period of time before succumbing to infection or other complications. In some cases, though, families in conjunction with caregivers may choose to withdraw care and not resuscitate patients with large burns. We wanted to investigate whether any nonmedical socioeconomic factors influenced the rate of early deaths in burn patients. The National Burn Repository (NBR) was used to identify patients that died in the first 72 hours after injury and those that survived more than 72 hours. Both univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to examine factors including age, gender, race, comorbidities, burn size, inhalation injury, and insurance type, and determine their influence on deaths within 72 hours. A total of 133,889 burn patients were identified, 1362 of which died in the first 72 hours. As expected, the Baux score (age plus burn size), and inhalation injury predicted early deaths. Interestingly, on multivariate analysis, patients with Medicare (p = .002), self-pay patients (p < .001), and those covered by automobile policies (p = .045) were significantly more likely to die early than those with commercial insurance. Medicaid patients were more likely to die early, but not significantly (p = .188). Worker’s compensation patients were more likely to survive the first 72 hours compared with patients with commercial insurance (p < .001). Men were more likely to survive the early period than women (p = .043). On analysis by race, only Hispanic patients significantly differed from white patients, and Hispanics were more likely to survive the first 72 hours (p = .028). Traditional medical factors are major factors in early burn deaths. However, these results show that nonmedical socioeconomic factors including race, gender, and especially insurance status influence early burn deaths as well.


2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-42
Author(s):  
Ivana Petrov ◽  
Ivana Budic ◽  
Irena Simic ◽  
Dusica Simic

Major burn injury remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients. The treatment of burned children differs substantially from that of adults not only because of the different body proportions but also because of the metabolic processes involved, hormonal responses, the immunological profile, the degree of psychological maturation and healing potential. After assessing the overall physiological status of the child, accurate assessment of the burn injury and appropriate fluid resuscitation are of great importance. The severity of burn injury is characterized by the depth of the burn, total body surface area (TBSA) that is involved, the location of burn injury and the presence or absence of inhalation injury. Early excision and grafting, adequate nutrition, alleviation of the hypermetabolic response, treatment of hyperglycaemia, and physical therapy improve survival and outcomes in children with severe burns.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S13-S14
Author(s):  
Sarah Zavala ◽  
Kate Pape ◽  
Todd A Walroth ◽  
Melissa A Reger ◽  
Katelyn Garner ◽  
...  

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 &lt; 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 &lt; 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 &lt; 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 &lt; 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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 184 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 11-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina L Palmieri ◽  
James H Holmes ◽  
Brett Arnoldo ◽  
Michael Peck ◽  
Amalia Cochran ◽  
...  

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 &lt;7 g/dL) or liberal (transfuse hemoglobin &lt;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 &lt; 0.03 massive; 11.0 ± 16.70 vs. 16.78 ± 17.39, p &lt; 0.001) major). In massive burn, the restrictive group had fewer ventilator days (p &lt; 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 &gt; 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.


2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Alia E. Al-Ubadi

Association between Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and burn injury was evaluated in 80 burned patients from Al-Kindy and Imam Ali hospitals in Baghdad-Iraq. Patients were divided into two groups, survivor group 56 (70%) and non-survivor group 24 (30%). PCT was estimated using (Human Procalcitonin ELISA kit) provided by RayBio/USA while CRP was performed using a latex agglutination kit from Chromatest (Spain). Our results declared that the mean of Total Body Surface Area (TBSA %) affected were 63.5% range (36%–95%) in non-survivor patients, while 26.5% range (10%–70%) in survivor patients. There is a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.00), the higher mean percentage of TBSA has a significant association with mortality. Serum PCT and CRP were measured at the three times of sampling (within the first 48hr following admission, after 5thdays and after 10th days). The mean of PCT serum concentrations in non-survivor group (2638 ± 3013pg/ml) were higher than that of survivor group (588 ± 364pg/ml). Significantly high levels of CRP were found between the survivor and non-survivor groups especially in the 10th day of admission P=0.000, present study show that significant differences is found within the non-survivor group through the three times P= 0.01, while results were near to significant differences within survivor group through the three times (P= 0.05).


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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S30-S30
Author(s):  
Carly M Knuth ◽  
Chris Auger ◽  
Abdikarim Abdullahi ◽  
Marc G Jeschke

Abstract Introduction A severe burn elicits a systemic hypermetabolic response that substantially alters the function of multiple organs and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. A consequence of hypermetabolism is the activation of UCP1-mediated browning of white adipose tissue (WAT), which may further facilitate the hypermetabolic response. In this study, we aimed to provide comprehensive characterization of the acute and long term pathophysiological responses to burns to determine the persistence of adipose tissue browning and its potential contribution to the hypermetabolic response. Methods Mice were subjected to either a 30% total body surface area (TBSA) scald burn or were denoted sham. Body weight and food intake were monitored throughout the duration of the study. Cohorts were sacrificed at 6hrs, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 30 and 60d post-burn and adipose tissue depots were harvested. Mitochondrial respiration, protein expression, and morphology in adipose tissues were assessed. Results Despite consuming considerably more food, the burn group lost significantly more weight throughout the duration of the study. We also detected increases in free fatty acids and interleukin-6, markers of whole-body lipolysis and inflammation, respectively. At the tissue level, eWAT mass significantly decreased over time, suggesting that this depot provides substrate to fuel the hypermetabolic response. This was further supported by a decrease in adipocyte area and an increase in lipolytic markers which remains significant up until 60d post-burn relative to sham. There were no significant difference in iWAT mass, however we detected significant increases in the protein content of UCP1, the master regulator of adipose tissue browning, as early as day 3 which persisted until day 60. This was corroborated by the presence of UCP1+ adipocytes. Conclusions Consistent with previous human studies, a burn injury elicits a dynamic response that cannot be simply characterized by a single timepoint. The alterations that occur in adipose tissue are depot-specific, time-dependent, and this notion likely extends to other metabolic tissues. Further, we demonstrate that in our 30% TBSA burn murine model, the effects of the hypermetabolic response persist for up to 60 days following initial injury. Applicability of Research to Practice Our data indicate the hypermetabolic response persists for up to 60 days, the equivalent of approximately 7 years in humans. This underscores the severity of adipose tissue browning and potentially provides an explanation as to how the hypermetabolic response persists even after the wound has healed. Moreover, providing a comprehensive map of the time-dependent changes in a murine model gives clinicians a better indication of the metabolic effects in a burn patient and will contribute to the development of effective, targeted treatments.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S57-S58
Author(s):  
John W Keyloun ◽  
Saira Nisar ◽  
Kathleen Brummel-Ziedins ◽  
Maria Bravo ◽  
Matthew Gissell ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Endotheliopathy in burn patients is largely uncharacterized. Syndecan-1 (SDC-1), thrombomodulin (TM), and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) are components of the vascular endothelial glycocalyx. Proteolytic cleavage of these moieties may yield biomarkers for endothelial damage. The aim of this study is to evaluate endotheliopathy after burn injury by monitoring plasma levels of these biomarkers over time to investigate potential relationship to mortality. Methods Burn injured patients presenting to a regional burn center from 2012 to 2017 were prospectively enrolled. Blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours from admission. Plasma SDC-1, TM, and TFPI levels were quantified by ELISA. Demographic data and injury characteristics were obtained from the medical chart. Patients with concomitant inhalation injury, trauma, or &lt; 10% total body surface area (TBSA) burns were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using mixed-effect models with Sidak’s correction for multiple comparisons. Significance was set at p =0.05. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Results A cohort of 22 patients was identified with an average age of 45±14 years, TBSA of 30±15%, with 6 patients who died from their injuries. The deceased group was older (59±13 vs. 40±10 years, p = 0.01), and there was no significant difference in burn size. Mean SDC-1 levels were higher in the deceased group at all time points (p=0.0004) and this difference was significant at hour 12 (106±11 vs. 41±31 ng/mL, p = 0.0002), hour 24 (160±39 vs. 35±20 ng/mL, p = 0.04) and hour 72 (100±3 vs. 35±38 ng/mL, p = 0.01). Mean soluble TM levels were higher in the deceased group after hour 12 (p = 0.04) and there was a trend towards higher TFPI levels after hour 12 in the deceased group. Conclusions Biomarkers are elevated in patients following burn injury who die, when inhalation injury and trauma are excluded. Given equivalent TBSA, older patients appear more sensitive to thermally induced glycocalyx degradation. SDC-1 shows the greatest promise as a prognostic indicator as levels tend to be higher among deceased patients on admission and are significantly higher as early as hour 12. Applicability of Research to Practice Reliable assessment of the patient’s endothelial damage may hold predictive value for clinicians and could assist in clinical decision making. Further research must investigate endotheliopathy in burn patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S67-S67
Author(s):  
Tina L Palmieri ◽  
Kathleen S Romanowski ◽  
Soman Sen ◽  
David G Greenhalgh

Abstract Introduction Climate change, the encroachment of populations into wilderness, and carelessness have combined to increase the incidence of wildfire injuries. With the increased incidence has come an increase in the number of burn injuries. Prolonged extrication, delays in resuscitation, and the extreme fire and toxic air environment in a wildfire has the potential to cause more severe burn injury. The purpose of this study is to examine the demographics and outcomes of wildfire injuries and compare those outcomes to non-wildfire injuries. Methods Charts of patients admitted to a regional burn center during a massive wildfire in 2018 were reviewed for demographic, treatment, and outcome. We then obtained age, gender, and burn size matched controls from within 2 years of the incident, analyzed the same measures, and compared treatment and outcomes between the two groups. Results A total of 20 patients, 10 wildfire (WF) burns and 10 non-wildfire (NWF) burns, were included in the study. Age (59.6±7.8 WF vs. 59.4±7.4 years), total body surface area burn (TBSA) (14.9±4.7 WF vs. 17.2±0.9 NWF) and inhalation injury incidence (2 WF and 2 NWF) were similar between groups. Days on mechanical ventilation (24.3±19.4 WF vs. 9.4±9.8 NWF), length of stay (49.9±21.8 WF vs. 28.2±11.7 days) and ICU length of stay (43.0±25.6 WF vs 24.4±11.2 NWF) were higher in the WF group. WF patients required twice the number of operations. Mortality was similar in both groups (1 death/group). Conclusions Wildfire burn injuries, when compared to age, inhalation injury, and burn size matched controls, require more ventilatory support and have more operations. As a result, they have longer lengths of stay and have a prolonged ICU course. Burn centers should be prepared for the increased resource utilization that accompanies wildfire injuries. Applicability of Research to Practice All burn centers must be prepared for the possibility of wildfires and the increased resource utilzation that accompanies mass casualty events.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S177-S177
Author(s):  
Kate Pape ◽  
Sarah Zavala ◽  
Rita Gayed ◽  
Melissa Reger ◽  
Kendrea Jones ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Oxandrolone is an anabolic steroid that is the standard of care for burn patients experiencing hypermetabolism. Previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of oxandrolone, including increased body mass and improved wound healing. One of the common side effects of oxandrolone is transaminitis, occurring in 5–15% of patients, but little is known about associated risk factors with the development of transaminitis. A recent multicenter study in adults found that younger age and those receiving concurrent intravenous vasopressors or amiodarone were more likely to develop transaminitis while on oxandrolone. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and identify risk factors for the development of transaminitis in pediatric burn patients receiving oxandrolone therapy. Methods This was a multicenter, retrospective risk factor analysis that included pediatric patients with thermal burn injury (total body surface area [TBSA] &gt; 10%) who received oxandrolone over a 5-year time period. The primary outcome of the study was the development of transaminitis while on oxandrolone therapy, which was defined as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) &gt;100 mg/dL. Secondary outcomes included mortality, length of stay, and change from baseline ALT/AST. Results A total of 55 pediatric patients from 5 burn centers met inclusion criteria. Of those, 13 (23.6%) developed transaminitis, and the mean time to development of transaminitis was 17 days. Patients who developed transaminitis were older (12 vs 6.4 years, p = 0.01) and had a larger mean %TBSA (45.9 vs 34.1, p = 0.03). The odds of developing transaminitis increased by 23% for each 1 year increase in age (OR 1.23, CI 1.06–1.44). The use of other concurrent medications was not associated with an increased risk of developing transaminitis. Renal function and hepatic function was not associated with the development of transaminitis. There was no significant difference in length of stay and mortality. Conclusions Transaminitis occurred in 23.6% of our study population and was associated with patients who were older and had a larger mean %TBSA burn. Older pediatric patients with larger burns who are receiving oxandrolone should be closely monitored for the development of transaminitis. Applicability of Research to Practice Future research is needed to identify appropriate monitoring and management of transaminitis in oxandrolone-treated pediatric burn patients.


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