Higher Total Body Surface Area Research Articles

Exploring misclassification of injury intent: A burn register study

IntroductionBurn registers are an important source of surveillance data on injury intent. These data are considered essential to inform prevention activities. In South Asia, intentional burn injuries are thought to disproportionately affect women. Assessment of injury intent is difficult because it is influenced by personal, family, social, and legal sensitivities. This can introduce misclassification into data, and bias analyses. We conducted a descriptive, hypothesis generating study to explore misclassification of injury intent using data from a newly digitised single centre burn register in south India. MethodsData from 1st February 2016 to 28th February 2022 were analysed. All patients in the data set were included in the study (n = 1930). Demographic and clinical characteristics for patients are described for each classification of injury intent. All data cleaning and analyses were completed using RStudio. ResultsInjury intent data were missing for 12.6% of cases. It was the most commonly missing variable in the data set. “Accidental” injuries had a similar distribution over time, age, and total body surface area (TBSA) for males and females. “Homicidal” injuries were more common in females. Injuries reported as “Suicidal” affected men and women equally. A decrease in reporting of “Suicidal” injuries in females corresponded to an increase in high TBSA injuries classified as ‘Other’ or with missing data. Overwriting of injury intent was present in 1.5% of cases. The overwritten group had a greater proportion of females (62.1% vs. 48.5%) and higher median TBSA (77.5% vs. 27.5%) compared to the group where intent was not overwritten. ConclusionOur findings indicate that some subgroups, such as females with high TBSA burns, appear to be more likely to be misclassified and should be the focus of future research. They also highlight that quality of surveillance data could be improved by recording of clinical impression, change in patient reported intent, and use of a common data element for intent to standardise data collection. We also recommend that injury intent is recorded as a unique variable and should not be mixed with other elements of injury causation (e.g. mechanism). Although this is a single centre study, the methods will be of interest to those who utilise routinely collected data and wish to reduce misclassification of this important variable.

Thromboembolic events in burn patients: An analysis of risk factors and different anticoagulants

BackgroundBurn patients are in a state of activated coagulation, putting them at risk for thromboembolic events. Additionally, certain patient-related factors are associated with an increased risk of thrombus formation. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of thromboembolic events and identify potential risk factors, including patient characteristics, surgical treatment, anticoagulation strategies, and laboratory parameters. MethodsA single-centre retrospective cohort study was conducted on all patients with burns treated between 2002 and 2020. Medical reports of patients with and without thromboembolic events were descriptively analysed. The association of time to thromboembolic events with total body surface area (TBSA) was assessed by cause-specific Cox models adjusted for different covariates. The association of time to thromboembolic events with type and dosage of anticoagulants was assessed using a cause-specific Cox proportional hazards model with time-dependent covariates, applied to a matched subset of patients. ResultsThe incidence of thromboembolic events was 8.1% in a cohort of 642 patients. We found a statistically significant increase in the hazard for thromboembolic events by a factor of 1.02 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.03; P ≤ 0.05) per percent increase in TBSA. We identified former alcohol abuse (HR=2.54, CI 1.33 to 4.84, P = 0.005) and higher body mass index (HR=1.06, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.12, P = 0.046) as potential risk factors for the development of thromboembolic events. We further noted inadequate median anti-Factor-X activity levels and elevated C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels at the time of the event. ConclusionOur results showed a moderate risk of thromboembolic events among burn patients, underlining the importance of close monitoring with regard to thrombus formation. In particular, patients with higher TBSA, alcohol abuse and BMI may be evaluated more regularly for thromboembolic events. Anti-Factor-X activity levels should be determined regularly and therapy should be adjusted if necessary.

2423. Central venous catheter tip colonization and associated bloodstream infection in severe burn patients

Abstract Background Because severe burn patients are at higher risk for catheter-related infections, routine changes of central venous catheters (CVCs) are commonly performed for them. However, there are limited information on pathogen colonization of the CVC tip and associated bloodstream infections (BSI) in burn patients. Methods In this study, medical records of severe burn patients, in whom routine CVC changes were performed every 7 days, were retrospectively reviewed. The results of CVC tip cultures and concurrently performed blood cultures were investigated. Results A total of 686 CVCs in 214 severe burn patients admitted to the burn intensive care unit were analyzed. A median of 2 CVCs (range: 1–15 CVCs) were inserted in each patient, and each CVC was maintained for a median of 8 days (range: 2–24 days). The median duration of catheterization was 17 days (range: 4–117 days). Of the 686 CVCs, 138 (20.1%) CVC tips were colonized by 150 pathogens (two pathogens in 12 CVCs), and 82 (59.4%) of them accompanied BSIs caused by the same pathogen. Non-flame burn (p < 0.001), higher total body surface area burn (p < 0.001), renal replacement therapy (p < 0.001), and femoral catheter (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the development of catheter-related BSI in a multivariate analysis. Most cases of tip colonization (81.3%) and BSI (82.9%) were caused by Gram-negative bacteria: Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae were most frequently identified. Conclusion Catheter-related BSI was accompanied in 12.0% of the changed CVCs: nine of ten CVCs might not require routine changing. Therefore, selective CVC changing at higher risk for catheter-related BSI seems to be appropriate rather than routine CVC changing in severe burn patients. Also, source control for burn wounds should be emphasized because most common pathogens of burn wound infection caused CVC tip colonization and BSI. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Patients over 75 years admitted to the National Burn Centre, Haukeland University Hospital, 2000-19.

The number of burn patients over the age of 75 receiving advanced treatment, including extensive surgery and intensive care, is increasing. We aimed to describe the treatment and outcomes for burn patients over the age of 75 admitted to the National Burn Centre at Haukeland University Hospital. We also wanted to investigate whether frailty scores can be a predictor of the treatment outcome. All patients ≥75 years admitted to the National Burn Centre at Haukeland University Hospital in the period 2000-19 were included in the study. Frailty scores were calculated retrospectively based on patients' medical records. Our study included 101 patients (50 women and 51 men). The number of admissions of older burn patients increased from an average of 3.3 per year in 2000-14 to 10.2 in the period 2015-19. The median total body surface area with burns was 11% (range 0.9-80%). Seventeen patients received palliative care, and 12 patients receiving active treatment died in hospital. In 68 of 84 (81%) actively treated patients, tangential excision and split-thickness skin grafting were performed. The remainder received conservative treatment (non-surgical) with wound care and application of a silver dressing. Patients who died in hospital had a significantly higher total body surface area with burns (p < 0.0001) and higher frailty scores (p = 0.003) than patients who survived. The yearly number of patients over the age of 75 treated at the National Burn Centre tripled during the period. More than two-thirds of the patients were discharged alive. Extent of burn injury and frailty score are associated with mortality and may be useful for adjusting therapy.

The factors affecting mortality in intensive care unit of a burns center.

To determine the characteristics of patients, mortality-affecting factors and mortality rate in follow-up burn-injured patients in an intensive care setting at a burns treatment centre. The retrospective study was conducted between May and November 2014 at Kocaeli Derince Training and Research Hospital Burn Treatment Centre, Kocaeli, Turkey, and comprised data from January 2008 to January 2013 of in-patients who had been treated at the intensive care unit. The therapy outcomes and the follow-up processes were evaluated. Data was analysed using SPSS 17. Of the 381 patients, 105(27.6%) were females and 276(72.4%) were males. The overall mean age was 28.4±21.1 years. There were 52(13.6%) mortalities, while 329(86.4%) survived. The mean total body surface area was 18.3±12.9% in those who survived compared to 52±24.3% in those who died (p<0.000). The highest rate of death was observed in those aged >66 years (p<0.000). The impact of flame burns on mortality was statistically significant (p<0.05). The impact of inhalation burns, suicide, abuse, operational requirements and systemic disease on mortality was statistically significant (p<0.05). Older age, higher total body surface area, flame burns, presence of inhalation burn, third degree burn, suicide attempt, presence of systemic disease, duration of prolonged mechanical ventilation and operation requirements were found to be poor prognostic factors for survival in burn patients.

Acute burn care and outcomes at the Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares (HNGV), Timor-Leste: A 7-year retrospective study

The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of patients presenting with acute burns and undergoing admission at Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares (HNGV) in Dili, Timor-Leste in the period 2013 to 2019. HNGV is the only tertiary referral hospital in Timor-Leste. This was a retrospective study involving all acute burn patients admitted to the surgical wards of HNGV from 2013 to 2019. The data was collected from patient charts and hospital medical archives. Data were reviewed and analyzed statistically in terms of age, gender, residence, cause, total body surface area (TBSA), burns depth, length of stay (LOS), and mortality. The outcomes were analyzed using logistic regression. Over the 7-year period, there were 288 acute burn patients admitted to the surgical wards of HNGV. Most patients were children (55%), male (65%) and from the capital city of Dili or surrounding areas (59%). The most common cause of burns in children was scalds and the most common cause among adults was flames. Of the admitted patients 59% had burns affecting >10% of the TBSA and 41% had full thickness burns. The median LOS was 17 days (1-143) and the average mortality for admitted burn patients in HNGV was 5.6% (annual mortality 0-17%). The odds ratio for extended LOS was 1.9 (95% confidence interval 1.1-3.2) in female compared with male patients. The odds ratio for mortality was 14.6 (95% confidence interval 2.7-80.6) in the older adults when compared with younger adults. Higher TBSA, full thickness burns, and flame burns were also significantly associated with longer LOS and higher mortality. Children and male patients were disproportionately overrepresented among patients admitted to HNGV, while female patients had longer LOS and older adults had more severe injury and a higher risk of mortality. Establishment of a national program for the prevention of burns is essential.

Orbital Compartment Syndrome in Severe Burns: Predictive Factors, Timing, and Complications of Intervention.

Severe burn patients require high-volume fluid resuscitation, which increases risk for orbital compartment syndrome (OCS). We aimed to understand surgeons' practice patterns and to examine risk factors for OCS, timing of lateral canthotomy and cantholysis (LCC), and complications of intervention. A survey of American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and North American Society of Academic Orbital Surgeons' practice patterns in burn patients was undertaken. In addition, a retrospective analysis was conducted of 107 patients with burns greater than 20% total body surface area at 1 institution from January 1, 2009, to June 1, 2018. Patients with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, frostbite, or no ophthalmologic consultation were excluded. Risk factors for OCS, timing of LCC, and complications of the intervention were examined. In the survey, 37 of 54 respondents had treated burn patients, of which 29 followed no protocol. Threshold intraocular pressure for intervention varied widely, and nearly all reported having seen complications from LCC in burn patients. For the retrospective analysis, 107 patients met criteria, of which 22 (20.6%) required LCC. Renal failure, inhalation injury, eyelid burns, higher total body surface area, elevated lactate, increased number of escharotomies, and greater total fluid required were significantly associated with the clinical decision that the patient was at risk for OCS requiring LCC. Fluid resuscitation in excess of the Ivy Index (250 ml/kg) increased odds of LCC 8.6 times. Average time of LCC was 15.8 hours after burn. LCC patients experienced higher rates of complications including eyelid retraction, exposure keratopathy, and corneal ulceration. Severe burn patients should be monitored closely by an ophthalmologist during the first 48 hours for signs of OCS. Further studies should aim to recommend protocols guiding evaluation and intervention.

Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Organism in ICU Burns Patients at Tertiary Care Hospital.

Burns carries a high-risk of mortality and morbidity. This with increased chances of drug-resistant infections makes the management complicated. Hence this study was conducted to find out the prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) in burns patients admitted to the intensive care unit at a tertiary care hospital. A 2-year retrospective study was conducted where burn patients reporting MDRO were included. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 where a P-value < .05 was considered statistically significant. Out of 97 patients, tissue cultures of 65 patients revealed the presence of MDRO in 27 (27.8%) patients. A male predominance (17, 63.0%) was noted with a mean age of 29.0-year-old. Fire burn (15, 55.6%) was reported to be the most common cause of burn with an average of 29.9% of Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) involved. MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the commonest organism reported in 12 (44%) patients. The average length of stay (LOS) was noted to be 11.3 days with a mortality rate of 48.1% (overall, in all MDRO'S infections). Patients who reported MDRO showed a tendency for longer hospitalization with a higher risk of mortality as the TBSA increased. However, in presence of other factors in burns like higher TBSA, inhalation injury and lack of advanced skin substitute these mortality figures, and their association can be debated. Lastly, the implementation of control measures, as basic as hand hygiene, should be partaken to reduce the burden of MDR infections.

Infections in Burn Patients: A Retrospective View over Seven Years.

Backgroundand objectives: Burn patients represent a challenging cohort because the injuries entail a vulnerability to colonisation by microorganisms. The ensuing infections can lead to serious complications and, in many cases, to the death of the burn patient. Surgical intervention and wound dressings, as well as antibiotic treatment, are crucial for optimising the treatment of the patient. Material and Methods: In this retrospective analysis, we analysed the treatment course, antibiotic therapy, and general complications of 252 burn patients with second- or third-degree burns over a time span of 7 years. Results: Patients who developed infections tended to have, on average, a higher total body surface area (TBSA), higher abbreviated burn severity index (ABSI) scores, and longer hospital stays. Patients who were admitted to the burn unit after 2006 had significantly shorter stays in the burn unit. TBSA and ABSI scores were lower in the patient cohort admitted after 2006. Patients exhibiting a TBSA greater than 30% had significantly longer hospital stays and antibiotic treatment periods. TBSA and ABSI scores were significantly higher in patients who died. The results of binary logistic regression indicate that a higher ABSI score increases the odds ratio of developing an infection. Bacteria number had no significant effect on the odds of patient death but positively influenced the odds ratio of developing an infection. TBSA was negatively associated with the risk of developing an infection and was an insignificant predictor of mortality. Conclusions: To gauge the optimal treatment for a burn patient, it is crucial for practitioners to correctly select, dose, and time antibiotics for the patient. Monitoring bacterial colonisation is vital to nip rising infection in the bud and ensure the correct antibiotic selection. This will help prevent the development of multi-resistant bacteria.

Assessing Factor V Antigen and Degradation Products in Burn and Trauma Patients.

Proposed mechanisms of acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) include decreased clotting potential due to factor consumption and proteolytic inactivation of factor V (FV) and activated factor V (FVa) by activated protein C (aPC). The role of FV/FVa depletion or inactivation in burn-induced coagulopathy is not well characterized. This study evaluates FV dynamics following burn and nonburn trauma. Burn and trauma patients were prospectively enrolled. Western blotting was performed on admission plasma to quantitate levels of FV antigen and to assess for aPC or other proteolytically derived FV/FVa degradation products. Statistical analysis was performed with Spearman's, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression. Burn (n=60) and trauma (n=136) cohorts showed similar degrees of FV consumption with median FV levels of 76% versus 73% (P=0.65) of normal, respectively. Percent total body surface area (TBSA) was not correlated with FV, nor were significant differences in median FV levels observed between low and high TBSA groups. The injury severity score (ISS) in trauma patients was inversely correlated with FV (ρ=-0.26; P=0.01) and ISS ≥ 25 was associated with a lower FV antigen level (64% versus. 93%; P=0.009). The proportion of samples showing proteolysis-derived FV was greater in trauma than burn patients (42% versus. 16%; P=0.0006). Increasing traumatic injury severity is associated with decreased FV antigen levels, and a greater proportion of trauma patient samples exhibit proteolytically degraded FV fragments. These associations are not present in burns, suggesting that mechanisms underlying FV depletion in burn and nonburn trauma are not identical.

718 Indirect Calorimetry is Necessary to Optimize Nutrition in Large Burns

IntroductionAssessing nutritional requirements in large total body surface area (TBSA) burns is a challenge due to frequent metabolic variation. Studies have compared indirect calorimetry (IC) with predictive equations and identified formulas that are frequently used in the absence of IC. Large TBSA burns remain poorly understood, as does the role of changing metabolic rate and multiple surgical procedures over the course of recovery. We sought to understand whether these equations remain reliable in these situations.MethodsThe patient is a 31 year old, 92% full-thickness TBSA burn who was studied over the first 75 days of hospitalization at various points per institutional IC guidelines. Using total energy expenditure (TEE) by IC as the standard, we assessed variation of each predictive equation for accuracy. Only the Milner and Toronto formulas are dynamic, and we analyzed variation by post-burn day (PBD) compared to dates of major surgical procedures in these studies. The patient was excised on PBD 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 21, and 25; he was grafted on POD 5, 11, 20, 41, and 56. Weekly monitoring of prealbumin and CRP indicated adequate nutrition.ResultsOn post-burn day (PBD) 5, when all major burns were excised, all predictive equations inappropriately estimated the patient’s energy expenditure. On longitudinal analysis of 16 IC studies (Table 2), the Milner equation was most accurate, estimating within 5% variance of TEE at 5 time points (31%). The Toronto formula did not estimate within 5% variance at any time point. No energy equation consistently and accurately estimated energy expenditure over all calculated time points.ConclusionsAlthough predictive equations are frequently used, in high TBSA burns with many operations and changing nutritional needs, equations are not as accurate as IC. Given that over- or under-estimating needs result in many complications avoided with IC, we propose frequent IC for intubated, high TBSA patients.

550 Considerations for Ophthalmologic Evaluation to Reduce Ocular Morbidity in Facial Burn Patients

IntroductionAdvances in burn management have led to significant improvement in survival rates, even in patients with high total body surface area (TBSA) affected. Ocular morbidity in facial burn patients remains high, partially attributable to the life-threatening nature of these injuries. Previous studies have shown that early ophthalmologic intervention leads to better outcomes, however, specific risk factors for short and longer term ophthalmologic outcomes have not been elucidated. This study aimed to identify risk factors for short- and long-term ophthalmologic complications in facial burn patients to prioritize patients that require urgent ophthalmologic evaluation.MethodsRetrospective review of facial burn patients presenting to an American Burn Association-verified regional burn center between June 2007 and May 2016 was conducted. Demographics, presentation, time to ophthalmologic consultation, and short- and long-term complications were recorded. Odds ratio and multivariate analyses were performed to assess for significant risk factors.ResultsA total of 1,126 facial burn patients were identified, of which 135 (12%) involved periorbital and orbital injury. Average TBSA burned was 9.68%, with an average facial surface area burned of 1.56%. The most common ocular injury was eyelid burn (65.9%). Ophthalmology was consulted for 118 (87.4%) patients. Short-term ophthalmologic complications were noted in 58 (43%) patients, most commonly chemosis (n = 34, 25.2%). Long-term complications were rare, occurring in only 7 (5.2%) patients.Odds ratio analysis revealed that inhalation injury significantly increased the likelihood of both short- and long-term complications (OR 3.16 and OR 9.81, respectively). Active smoking increased the likelihood of long-term complications (OR 14.76). Ophthalmologic intervention, including need for consult, and use of lubricant, antibiotics, or steroids were each associated with increased risk of short-term complications.On multivariate analysis, those with long-term complications tended to be older (p = 0.045). Those with corneal injury generally had worse outcomes, with higher likelihood of short- and long-term complications (p < 0.001, p = 0.057, respectively).Blindness did not occur in any patient, and no long-term complications occurred in those who did not receive ophthalmologic consult. Neither TBSA nor facial SA burned was associated with the development of short- or long-term complications.ConclusionsProviders should obtain early ophthalmologic evaluation and frequent follow-up exams for facial burn patients presenting with advanced age, active smoking status, corneal injury, or inhalation injury to reduce development of long-term complications.

Positive signs on physical examination are not always indications for endotracheal tube intubation in patients with facial burn

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 the intubated patients received routine bronchoscopy and laboratory tests to evaluate whether they had inhalation injuries. The 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 the facial burn patients. The reasons for intubation in the 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 the 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 the patients with a TBSA over 60% were intubated in the ED even if they did not have inhalation injuries.ConclusionsIn 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 given to facial burn patients with shortness of breath and a high TBSA. Airway protection is needed in facial burn patients without inhalation injuries because of their associated injuries and treatments.

Skin Grafting Compared with Conservative Treatment in Patients with Deep Second-Degree Burn Wounds of the Trunk and Buttocks.

BACKGROUNDBurns are among the most common causes of injury and result in long-term morbidity, psychological complications, and reduced quality of life. We aimed to evaluate and compare the results of skin grafting versus nonsurgical treatment in patients with deep second-degree burn wounds of the back and posterior trunk.METHODSThis is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study of patients with trunk and buttock burns admitted to Burn Hospital in Shiraz, Iran from 2017 to 2019. The skin surface with burns and the final repaired tissue was measured. The Vancouver Scar Score (VSS) and pigmentation, vascularity, thickness, and pliability were assessed. VSS, pigmentation, vascularity, thickness and pliability were considered as outcomes. RESULTSSeventy-five patients met the criteria for participation; thirty-two patients had skin grafts. The mean age was 27.79±20.03 yr and 53 patients (70.7%) were male. Scars were compared based on pigmentation, vascularity, thickness, and pliability, which was also statistically significant (P<0.001). The mean of VSS was higher in patients with skin graft than those without graft (P<0.001).CONCLUSIONThe mean VSS was significantly higher in patients with grade 2 deep burns who received skin grafting than in patients without skin grafting. Due to the lack of donor sites and the need to prioritize skin grafts in burn patients with high total body surface area, it is better to perform skin grafts on the posterior trunk and buttocks in areas with deep grade 2 burns as a last priority and treat this wound with conservative therapy.

Short and long term mortality following massive burn injury (>50% TBSA) in a UK burns centre

IntroductionDespite advances in burn care, large burn injuries carry significant mortality risk. Although studies examining immediate mortality are available, little data is available regarding risk after discharge from hospital. This study aimed to determine short and long term mortality rate at a UK burns centre for patients with massive burn injuries. We were particularly interested to determine whether mortality rate for self inflicted injuries was present and whether this was by suicide. MethodsThe International Burn Injury Database (iBID) was interrogated to identify patients admitted with> 50% TBSA (total body surface area) injuries from January 2009- September 2019. Documented cause of death on death certificates were viewed for patients who died. General Practitioners were contacted to determine if discharged patients were alive. Descriptive statistics were generated. Results96 patients were identified. Mean age was 45.6 years (range 16.4–93.7) with male to female ratio of 2:1. Mean TBSA was 71.8% (range 50–99). Mortality was 71.9% and was higher in females (75.7% vs 69.8%). Overall mean revised Baux score was 130 (range 68–184). Nearly half were self-inflicted (49.0%) with higher TBSA (74.4%). Of 69 patients who died only 1 was after discharge. Coroner inquiry determined that this was caused by acute alcohol intoxication. Most of those who died did so within 60 days (91.3%), usually within 48 h (71.0%). Burn futility accounted for most deaths (71.0%) followed by multi-organ failure (14.5%). ConclusionsLarge burns carry significant mortality risk. Self-inflicted large burns carry a higher mortality which may be attributed to larger TBSA. In patients surviving to discharge long term prognosis is good. Patients with self-inflicted burns seem to not make a subsequent successful suicide attempt after discharge from hospital.

Generalized pustular psoriasis and Cushing’s syndrome in childhood due to corticosteroids misuse

Background : Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is characterized clinically by yellow ish sterile pustules surrounded by erythema. GPP in children is very rare and may appear following steroid withdrawal in psoriasis vulgaris. Case Illustration : A 14-year-old female presented to the emergency unit with generalized erythematous plaques and multiple pustules with lake of pus after abruptly stopped oral and topical corticosteroid for two weeks. The patient had used topical and oral corticosteroids for almost a year to treat psoriasis. Physical examination revealed moderately ill and tachycardic, with short stature, moon face, amenorrhea, and multiple erythematous plaques with multiple pustules and lake of pus along with red-purple striae all over the body. Discussion: Adverse effects of steroid-induced adrenal insufficiency are time-dependent and generally reversible. Gradual discontinuation of steroids must adhere to physiological dose of steroids, mostly in 3.49 &plusmn; 2.92 months. Other treatments available are emollients, salicylic acid, calcipotriol, coal tar, topical steroids, phototherapy, retinoids, and cyclosporine. Topical steroids cannot be the main therapy in severe psoriasis due to the possible side effects of excessive usage. Conclusion : Misuse of topical and systemic steroid in children could lead to Cushing&rsquo;s syndrome, a multisystem disorder resulting from prolonged exposure to excess glucocorticoids, either both systemic or topical. Children could easily develop systemic reactions to topical steroids due to their higher total body surface area to body weight ratio. &nbsp; Keywords : childhood, Cushing&rsquo;s syndrome, pustular psoriasis, steroid misuse

Characteristics of burn injury during COVID-19 pandemic in Tokyo: A descriptive study

IntroductionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has drastically changed everyday life worldwide. This study aimed to determine how COVID-19 affected the characteristics and outcomes of patients with severe burn injury by examining a city-wide burn database in Tokyo. Patients and methodsA descriptive study was conducted in 14 burn centers using the Tokyo Burn Unit Association registry from 1999 to 2020. The pandemic started in 2020, while the stay-at-home order lasted from April to May. The demographics, mechanisms, severity, and clinical outcomes were assessed before and during these two time periods. ResultsIn total, 7061 patients with burn injury were enrolled. During the pandemic, there were less patients during the pandemic than previous years, except for April–May; this decreased toward the end of 2020. There were also more scald/contact burns in the upper extremity, less intended and assault injuries, shorter length of hospital stay, and lower in-hospital mortality. During the stay-at-home order, there was increased incidence of flame burns, inhalation injuries, and in-hospital mortality, as well as higher total body surface area of full-thickness burns. ConclusionsThis study described the characteristics of burns during the COVID-19 pandemic. The association between the stay-at-home order and severity of burns should be further examined.

Severe burn injury: Body Mass Index and the Baux score

Objective: The revised Baux score (age total body surface area (TBSA) burned and inhalation injury)) is predictive of mortality in burn patients. Our study objective was to assess whether the addition of body mass index (BMI) to the revised Baux score would be of value. We posited that increasing BMI follows a pattern similar to age and TBSA in the revised Baux score after severe burn injury. Methods: Patient data from the burn registry was queried for patients admitted between 1/1/2013 to 8/31/2019. Patients 12 years or older with a TBSA of 20% or greater burn were included. Inpatient outcomes were analyzed based on BMI. Results: 56 of 1365 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age of the study population was 48.25 years and 64.3% of patients were male. Median BMI was 25.8 and median TBSA was 26.5. Inhalation injury was present in 44.6% (25/56) of patients. Median hospital length of stay (LOS) and ICU LOS were 21.5 and 17 days respectively. On bivariate analysis, non-survivors had higher TBSA (41.5% vs 25.5%, p = 0.034), more inhalation injury (83.3%, 10/12 vs 34.8%, 15/43 p = 0.003) and higher complication rates (91.6%, 11/12 vs 59.1 %, 25/43, p = 0.043). Survivors also had higher BMI (28.2 vs 23, p = 0.003) and increased hospital LOS (24 vs 5.5, p = 0.003). Automatic model fit in binary logistic regression showed a negative relationship between BMI and mortality. Conclusion: We found a negative relationship between BMI and mortality. Pre-obesity appears to have a protective role, but BMI was not found to be a useful addition to the revised Baux score. Larger sample sizes may be of benefit a for a for a more definitive understanding of the role of BMI with regards to burn survival.

Risk Factors for Mortality and Prolonged Hospitalization in Electric Burn Injuries.

Electrical injuries are rare, but very destructive with high morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospital length of stay and need for repeated procedures. The aim of study was to investigate characteristics and management of electrical injuries and predisposing factors for mortality and prolonged length of stay. Patient charts were reviewed retrospectively to identify patients admitted with electrical injuries at the Zurich Burns Center (2005-2019). Patient characteristics, management, and outcome were analyzed and risk factors for mortality and prolonged hospitalization were assessed. Eighty-nine patients were included, mostly males (86.5%), between 21 and 40 years (50.6%), with high-voltage (74.2%) occupational injuries (66.3%). Median intensive care unit and hospital stays were 6 (first and third IQR: 2.0; 30.0) and 18 (9.0; 48.0) days. Low-voltage patients had a median of 2 (1.5; 3.0) procedures, compared to 4 (2.0; 10.8) in high-voltage. The amputation rate was 13.5%, and a total of 46 flaps were required. Fifty-four patients had at least one serious complication. Mortality was 18% in high-voltage patients, mostly after multiple organ failure (35%). High total body surface area (TBSA), renal failure and cardiovascular complications were risk factors for mortality (P < .001) in multivariate regression models. Determinants for prolonged hospital stay were TBSA and sepsis (P < .01), and additionally abdominal complications and limb loss for intensive care unit stay (P < .05). Electrical injuries are still cause of significant morbidity and mortality, mostly involve young men in their earning period. Several risk factors for in-hospital mortality and prolonged stay were identified and can support physicians in the management and decision making in these patients.

The Impact of No Next of Kin Decision Makers on End-of-Life Care.

For critically ill burn patients without a next of kin, the medical team is tasked with becoming the surrogate decision maker. This poses ethical and legal challenges for burn providers. Despite this frequent problem, there has been no investigation of how the presence of a next of kin affects treatment in burn patients. To evaluate this relationship, a retrospective chart review was performed on a cohort of patients who died during the acute phase of their burn care. Variables collected included age, gender, length of stay, total body surface area, course of treatment, and presence of a next of kin. In total, 67 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 14 (21%) did not have a next of kin involved in medical decisions. Patients without a next of kin were significantly younger (P = .02), more likely to be homeless (P < .01), had higher total body surface area burns (P = .008), had shorter length of stay (P < .001), and were five times less likely to receive comfort care (P = .01). Differences in gender and ethnicity were not statistically significant. We report that patients without a next of kin present to participate in medical decisions are transitioned to comfort care less often despite having a higher burden of injury. This disparity in standard of care demonstrates a need for a cultural shift in burn care to prevent the suffering of these marginalized patients. Burn providers should be empowered to reduce suffering when no decision maker is present.