TP10.1.11Into the Pandemic and Out of the Fire?

Aim The Covid-19 pandemic has seen various government restrictions on all aspects of daily life. We assessed whether these lifestyle alterations have affected the number, severity and presentation of burns seen at a Paediatric Burns Unit. Methods We looked at Paediatric Burns admissions to Plastic Surgery during the Covid-19 pandemic of March 2020 to Jan 2021 (DC), as well as comparison data prior to Covid-19 from April 2019 to February 2020 (PC). We also looked at specific periods of national lockdown. Using data from our electronic records we looked at varying aspects of a patient’s journey. Results In total 788 cases were admitted to the Burn’s team from April19 -January21. The mean age of patients both DC and PC were 4.7 years with the mean during the first lockdown of 5. The time to presentation PC was 2.6 days, DC was 1.79 days and 2.4 days during the first lockdown. This was not significant (p = 0.2). The median total body surface area (TBSA) was <1% in both PC and DC patients. Scalds made up 53% of the first lockdown injuries, this had no statistically significant difference as compared to PC and DC injuries (48% and 46% respectively). Conclusions Overall burns admissions during the Covid-19 pandemic did not significantly change as compared to the previous year. This contrasts published adult results, which demonstrates reduced burns admissions during Covid-19. We suggest this may be due to unchanged causative factors in paediatric burns which are predominantly found in domestic lockdown environments.

Management of post burn groin contracture: a case account

Similar to burns of the face, hands, and feet, groin and perineal burn injuries result in physical as well as psychosocial scarring for the patient. It often results in loss of functionality which is usually out of proportion to the percentage of burns. Hence, these burns are classified as major burns. Direct injury to the genitalia can lead to sexual dysfunction. In such circumstances, the treatment plan should comprehensively look into even psychosocial aspects of the patient. Both functional and cosmetic appearance should be the primary concern. With scarcely available burns unit and dedicated hospitals in India to treat burns, patients often develop severe contractures without proper post burns care. Most of the burn patients end up being treated by staff without special training in burn care. A variety of surgical procedures in post burn contractures of groin and perineum have been described all aimed to achieve satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcome. However, advantages of long-term care with regular physiotherapy, use of pressure garments, and massaging with emollient creams should not be overlooked and cannot be overemphasized. We present such a case of a young female with poor post burns care which resulted in post burn contracture of the groin and perineal area and had to endure with inconveniences. Patient was treated in our department adequately.

524 Effectiveness of Burns Wound Cleansing by Comparison of Prewash and Post Wash Swab Reports

Aim The main aim and objective were to optimise wound healing through infection prevention. This clinical audit aimed to investigate the effectiveness of burn wound cleansing in decreasing bacterial load by comparing pre-wash and post-wash swab results against local burn wound management and aseptic non touch technique (ANTT) guidelines. Method The audit was conducted retrospectively on children admitted to Burns Unit during August 2019, excluding resuscitation burn patients. Pre- and post-wash swabs taken on admission were included and the results obtained from Chameleon database. Data were collected on excel spread sheets including demographic variables such as age, sex, type of injury, percentage total body surface area (TBSA) and mechanism of injury. Data were analysed and results compiled. Results Fifty patients were admitted over a month period; amongst those 60% were male and 40% female of ages ranging from 5 months to 14 years. Scald (50%) was found to be the most common mode of injury followed by contact burn (36%) involving 0.30 to 9% TBSA. Among 50 patients, 30 (60%) showed no growth in pre-wash and 36 (72%) in post-wash swabs. However, 6% post-wash swabs that were initially negative later showed bacillus cereus, staph aureus, Enterobacter, and Acinetobacter. Similarly, another 4% post-wash swabs developed new microorganisms as compared to pre-wash swabs. Conclusions The most common bacteria colonising both pre- and post-wash swabs was staph aureus. Overall, cleansing had reduced the bacterial load significantly around 82% very effective. It is imperative to stick to local guidelines to reduce morbidity and mortality in burn patients.

101 Paediatric Burns and The Coronavirus Pandemic: Were Children Staying Safe in Lockdown or Did The Virus Increase Burns Admissions?

Aim We aimed to identify if there was a change in the number of paediatric burns during the coronavirus pandemic and whether there was a change in the management of said burns. Method Data on ten parameters for all burns assessed on the Burns Unit at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital from April to May of 2020 was collected and compared to the same period from 2019. Results There was a decrease in the number of patients presenting to hospital, down to 24 from 32 in 2019. Scald injuries increased to 67% compared to 44%, while all other mechanisms of injuries decreased. Fewer very small burns (<1% TBSA) presented to hospital (28%) compared to 50% the previous year. There was an overall increase in the presentation of burns greater than 1% TBSA (1-5% TBSA increased to 47% from 31%; 5-10% TBSA increased to 19% from 3%; 10-20% TBSA increased to 6% from 3%). A comparable rate of burns was managed conservatively as an outpatient (89% vs 88%), admitted for dressing changes (81% vs 78%), and managed surgically (11% vs 13%). Conclusions The coronavirus pandemic resulted in a decrease in the number of children experiencing burns, while at the same time causing an increase in the number of scald injuries. Our data showed no significant change in the management of burns indicating that regardless of the pandemic, paediatric burns were managed appropriately as per national guidelines.

603 VTE Prophylaxis Compliance on The Burns Unit

Aim To assess if VTE risk assessments are correctly completed and implemented on the Burns Unit. Method 2-week prospective analysis of all inpatients admitted to the adult Burns Unit. Data was collected from patient files and drug Kardexs. Variables including TBSA, date of injury, date of admission, date of VTE risk assessment score, correct prescription according to score and implementation were compiled in an excel spread sheet. Audited against Trust and NICE Guideline 89. Results The first cycle identified errors in risk assessment completion related to inaccurate BMI assessment and failure to identify the burn as a risk factor. The risk assessment was only re-assessed 71% of the time post operatively or following change in condition. An action plan included re-education of medical staff, reminder posters in theatre and re-designing the burns operation note to include a VTE re-assessment tick box. A re-audit showed an improvement in correct VTE scoring from 65% to 100% and VTE reassessment from 71% to 100%. Conclusions Following the first cycle, Wythenshawe Hospital Burns Unit has improved in compliance with the NICE and Trust Guidelines. The two most frequent errors identified on completion of the risk assessment form have not been seen in the second cycle following education of medical staff. All patients should continue to be prescribed the prophylaxis indicated, unless contraindicated. For those patients who cannot wear AES due to a burn to their lower legs, flowtrons and/or enoxaparin should be considered instead. For those patients who refuse treatment an incident form must be completed.

1312 Characteristics of Those Who Present with Self-Inflicted Burns: A Burns Unit Service Evaluation Which Challenges Stereotypes

Introduction Self-harm rates in the UK are increasing. Healthcare professionals’ beliefs regarding repeat attendance; attention-seeking; and poor treatment compliance may contribute to patients’ stigma. Self-inflicted burns (SIB) constitute a minority of burns cases, but require disproportionate healthcare input, yet little is known about these patients. Our aim was to evaluate presentations, compliance and outcomes in this patient group. Method A retrospective audit of outpatients with SIBs attending a UK Burns Unit over four years (Jan 2016-Dec 2019). Results Over the study period, 58 patients presented with 94 burn wounds. Incidence doubled over one year (2018-2019). Most patients were female (85%) with a median age of 29 years (range 19-62). The most commonly associated psychiatric diagnosis was personality disorder. On presentation 22% (n = 21) were admitted under the Mental Health Act. For 83% (n = 48) it was their first presentation with a SIB, although 74% had previously presented with non-burn self-harm. Median burn size was 0.5% TBSA, the most common mechanism was contact (48%) and 77% were deep (n = 77). 92% were compliant with treatment and did not tamper with their wounds or dressings. Conclusions The majority, 70% (n = 41), of patients only presented once to the Burns Department during the study period. This challenges the commonly held stereotype that those who self-harm will also seek attention through repeat presentation. Ongoing education among health professionals may dispel some myths regarding these individuals. Further, larger investigations, may permit rigorous comparison of treatment outcomes with non-SIB patients.

67 Nutritional Assessment of Patients Admitted To “Adult Burns Unit” At Southmead Hospital from April To August 2017

Introduction Nutritional support is an integral part of Burns management. Local guidelines for malnutrition screen are available at Southmead Hospital. Aim Audit was aimed at compliance of malnutrition screen for all admissions to “Adult Burns Unit” to the local guidelines. Method A retrospective data of baseline and weekly malnutrition screen was collected and analysed for 106 patients between April and August 2017. These findings were compared to the following local guidelines; Results Of 106 patients, most (n = 72) had <5% TBSA burn. 9 were resus burns (TBSA >15%). 50 patients stayed less than a week while 34 discharged within 24hrs. 20 stayed longer than seven days. Compliance of recording weight on admission was 46.2% while weekly assessment 10%. Height and BMI were measured for 24.5% of admissions. 81% of patients had admission bloods and 19 out 20 staying longer than a week had weekly bloods. All major burns were referred to dietician. Conclusions Assessment of %TBSA, admission and weekly bloods, and dietician referral were areas of good practice. However, compliance with recording weight and height on admission did not meet the Trust target of 85% We recommended a checkbox for weight and height on admission in Trust’s electronic handover system, monitor at weekly burns MDT and re-audit.

The burnt child

Burns are a common form of trauma in children. Common mechanisms of injury include scalds from hot beverages and contact burns from household items. The physical and psychological trauma may have long-lasting effects for both child and family. Children are not just small adults; there are important anatomical and physiological differences. Paediatric burn patients have specific treatment needs that must be accounted for. Estimation of burn size, threshold for commencement of intravenous fluid resuscitation and enteral feeding, in addition to wound assessment, wound care, and treatment are all different to a similar size injury in an adult. These paediatric-specific issues are discussed in more detail. The investigation and interpretation of suspected non-accidental burn presenting to a burns unit is also outlined.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment for toxic epidermal necrolysis: A case report

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a potentially life-threatening muco-cutaneous disease, largely caused by an idiosyncratic reaction to medication or infectious disease, and is characterised by acute necrosis of the epidermis. No definitive consensus regarding the treatment of TEN has been agreed. A 60-year-old woman, diagnosed with multiple myeloma three months prior, was admitted with signs of TEN to the intensive care burns unit. She had been given ciprofloxacin to treat a urinary tract infection. She complained of malaise and pain, with maculopapular and bullous eruptions over her whole body on the third day of ciprofloxacin administration. Her supportive cares included intravenous immunoglobulins, pain control with analgesics, wound care, nutrition, and fluid support. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) was added on the second day of admission. The patient underwent 5 sessions of HBOT at 243.1 kPa (2.4 atmospheres absolute). Desquamation was noted to stop after the first session of HBOT and re-epithelisation commenced rapidly. The patient was discharged from the burn unit after 14 days of hospital admission. Improvement in this case was temporally related to the initiation of HBOT.