Major Burn Patients Research Articles

Speeding up the production of clinical-grade skin substitutes using off-the-shelf decellularized self-assembled dermal matrices

Patients with deep and extensive wounds need urgent skin coverage to re-establish the cutaneous barrier that prevents life-threatening infections and dehydration. However, the current clinically-available skin substitutes intended for permanent coverage are limited in number, and a trade-off between production time and quality must be made. Here, we report the use of decellularized self-assembled dermal matrices to reduce by half the manufacturing process time of clinical-grade skin substitutes. These decellularized matrices can be stored for over 18 months and recellularized with patients' cells in order to generate skin substitutes that show outstanding histological and mechanical properties in vitro. Once grafted in mice, these substitutes persist over weeks with high graft take, few contraction events, and high stem cell content. These next-generation skin substitutes constitute a substantial advancement in the treatment of major burn patients, combining, for the first time, high functionality, rapid manufacturability and easy handling for surgeons and healthcare practitioners. Future clinical trials will be conducted to assess the advantages of these substitutes over existing treatments. Statement of significanceThe number of patients in need for organ transplantation is ever-growing and there is a shortage in tissue and organ donors. In this study, we show for the first time that we can preserve decellularized self-assembled tissues and keep them in storage. Then, in only three weeks we can use them to produce bilayered skin substitutes that have properties very close to those of the native human skin. These findings therefore represent a major step forward in the field of tissue engineering and organ transplantation, paving the way toward a universal off-the-shelf biomaterial for tissue reconstruction and surgery that will be beneficial for many clinicians and patients.

57 Effect of High-Dose Ascorbic Acid in Major Burn Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Introduction High-dose ascorbic acid (HDAA) plays an important role in oxygen radical elimination which is a major cause of pathophysiological derangement in burn patients. However, there was limited explicit data on the clinical effect of HDAA in major burn patients. The purpose of this study was to identify the benefit and risks of HDAA in major burn patients. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane database searches were conducted. An additional search of relevant primary literature and review articles was performed. All the studies related to HDAA and burn were included in the analysis. HDAA group was defined by receiving ascorbic acid 66 mg/kg/day in the first 24 hours. The primary outcome was the 24-hour fluid requirement. The secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, 24-hour urine output, ventilator day, hospital length of stay, and in-hospital complications. Pooled incidences and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and summarized using a random effect model on Stata/MP 16.1. Results Of 875 studies, 7 articles (293 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. HDAA significantly reduced 24-hour fluid requirement compared with usual care (no HDAA) (SMD -0.75 ml/kg per TBSA, 95% CI [-1.38 to -0.12]). HDAA group showed a decrease in 24-hour urine output (SMD, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.89). However, it did not demonstrate significant increase in acute kidney injury (RR 1.37, 95% CI [0.60 to 3.13]) and the need for renal replacement therapy (RR 1.31, 95% CI [0.50 to 3.44]). In terms of in-hospital complications, there was no significant difference in abdominal compartment syndrome (RR 0.22, 95% CI [0.08 to 0.89]) and pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (RR 1.03, 95% CI [0.70 to 1.51]). Though there was a trend to decrease mortality in the HDAA group, there was no statistical difference in mortality (RR 1.27, 95% CI [0.85 to 1.91]). HDAA group had a comparable hospital length of stay (SMD 0.1, 95% CI [-0.44 to 0.63]) and ventilator day (SMD 0.03, 95% CI [-0.64 to 0.70]). Conclusions High-dose ascorbic acid had a clinical benefit in the significant reduction of 24-hour fluid requirement without increasing the risk for acute kidney injury or the need for renal replacement therapy. Though it did not demonstrate a significant improvement in mortality or length of stay, there were no significant reported complications from high-dose ascorbic acid. A multicenter randomized controlled trial is warranted. Applicability of Research to Practice The potential benefit of HDAA in major burn

61 Effect of Pre-Existing Hypertension on Cardiovascular Support and Mortality Among Major Burn Patients

Abstract Introduction Hypertension (HTN) is the most common comorbidity seen in patients who sustain a major burn. HTN causes increased responsiveness of the autonomic nervous system to stressful stimuli, activation of RAAS, arterial and myocardial hypertrophy, and impaired vasodilation. Changes to these pathways are also seen in response to major burns. Given this common pathophysiology, patients with pre-existing HTN may demonstrate different mortality risk after major burn than those without HTN. The objective of this study is to compare the risk of in-hospital mortality among adult patients with and without pre-existing HTN admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a major burn. In addition, we sought to determine the association of pre-existing HTN with the need for vasoactive agents, fluid resuscitation and urine output in the first 48-hours of ICU admission Methods Single-centre, historical cohort study using data from a Burn Registry, Intensive Care Database, and medical chart review. Variables of interest were demographic and injury characteristics, use of vasoactive agents, 12-, 24-, and 48-hour fluid requirements and urine output, and in-hospital mortality. We included adult (≥18 years) patients presenting with ≥20% total body surface area (TBSA) burns who were admitted to the ICU from January 2010 to August 2021. Pre-existing HTN was defined by pharmacy records showing the patient had filled a prescription for an anti-HTN medication within the 12-months prior to their burn. We compared variables of interest by HTN exposure and conducted univariate analysis to assess mortality risk Results 199 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 145 records were complete. The mean (standard deviation, SD) age was 47 (7) years and TBSA was 37 (16) percent. Most patients were males (83.5%) who sustained a flame burn (87.6%) without an inhalation injury (28.5%). Pharmacy records revealed that 28 patients (19.3%) had pre-existing HTN. Mean (SD) 24-hour fluid requirements were 7.1 (5.6) L and 5.2 (3.2) L for HTN and non-HTN patients, respectively (p=0.17). Mean (SD) 24-hour urine output was 1024 (747) mL and 1314 (780) mL for HTN and non-HTN patients, respectively (p=0.12). Sixty-one percent of HTN patients required vasoactive agents in the first 24-hours compared to 46.2% of non-HTN patients (p=0.18). Pre-existing HTN was associated with a 5-fold increase in in-hospital mortality (OR 5.5, CI 2.2-14.0) Conclusions Preliminary results suggest differences in fluid requirements, urine output and mortality risk between HTN and non-HTN patients with major burns. An external registry has been queried to identify pharmacy records for the 54 patients with missing data Applicability of Research to Practice Identifying differences in mortality risk and need for cardiovascular support among burn patients with HTN changes our approach to counselling and caring for these patients

718 Estimation of Total Body Surface Area Burns in a Bilateral Above-Knee Amputee Patient

Abstract Introduction The burn injury extension estimate is necessary for the initial IV fluid resuscitation planning, however, current Wallace rule of nines, Lund & Browder charts as well as smartphone applications are based anatomical models with full body integrity. The purpose of this paper is to accurately estimate the TBSA burned in a bilateral asymmetric above-knee amputee patient. Methods An amputation is defined as major amputation when the level is at or proximal ankle or wrist. We present a case example of an 80-year-old patient with a past medical history of long-standing type 2 diabetes mellitus with inadequate metabolic control, left above-knee amputation seven years ago, as well as a contralateral asymmetric above-knee amputation seven months before hospital admission. The patient was brought to the emergency department one hour after suffering burn injuries by fire at his shelter. Upon his arrival inhalational injury was ruled out, and at physical examination second and third-degree burns were noted circumferentially on both above-knee stumps, genitalia, right flank, lower abdomen and back, right hands and forearm, as well as left hand digits (Figure 1A-B). Initial TBSA burned was estimated using the E-burn application yielding a 27% extension; however, this percentage would correspond to patient with full integrity of both lower limbs (Figure 2A) Results This is the first major amputee burned patient of 285 cases admitted for in-hospital treatment at our institution from March 2020 to October 2022. After performing an online search on MEDLINE/Pubmed (keywords: TBSA, estimation, amputated) we found only one published paper in 2020 which presented a Correction Factor (CF) formula for a hypothetical burn patient with bilateral and symmetric fore-quarter amputation. We estimated the amputated surface area (13.7%) with e-burn, to calculate the major amputee CF published in 2020 and test it on a clinical setting. By means of the following formula (Figure 1C): CF = 100 / (100 - % of amputated body part) CF = 100 / (100 – 13.7) CF = 100 / (86.3) = 1.15 Finally, the initial TBSA burnt was multiplied by the CF to adjust it accordingly to major amputations of the patient, as follows: Originally estimated TBSA burnt (27%) x CF (1.15) = 31.05 % (Figure 2B-C) Conclusions This case report serves as an example of the clinical application of the Correction Factor for major amputees burn patients which can be easily estimated with the aid of smartphone applications such as e-burn in mismatched bilateral amputations. Applicability of Research to Practice To our knowledge this is the first clinical application of the major amputee CF, which its simplified estimation by means of E-burn could be of use for burn centers with higher volume.

93 Inhalation Injury: Which Providers Can Assess the Need for Intubation?

Abstract Introduction Previous studies have suggested many burn patients undergo unnecessary intubation due to concern for inhalation injury. There is a lack of clear consensus guidelines for intubation and thus there is significant variation in practice pattern. In this study we hypothesized intubation rates would differ between Acute Care Surgeons with specialized burn training and those without. Methods A retrospective analysis of 388 patients admitted to an ABA verified level 1 burn center who presented emergently following burn injury from 7/2015 to 12/2021 was performed. Patients excluded include polytrauma patients, isolated friction burns, and patients intubated prior to hospital arrival. All providers performing initial evaluation are Acute Care Surgeons, with a subset having additional specialized fellowship training and/or extensive burn experience. Our primary outcome was intubation rates between burn and non-burn trained providers. The Chi-Square and Mann-Whitney U statistical tests were used to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Results There were 465 major burn patients admitted through the trauma bay and screened during the study period with 388 patients meeting inclusion criteria. The population was 72% male, with mean age of 44 years +- 21, TBSA of 12%, and COHgb level of 2.9%. In total, 73 (19%) of patients underwent intubation. The patients in the two provider groups did not differ in terms of age, gender, race, TBSA, COHgb level, or airway exam findings. 240 (62%) patients were evaluated by a burn provider and 148 (38%) were evaluated by a non-burn provider. There was no significant difference in the rate of emergent intubation of patients treated by burn vs non-burn trained providers (RR 0.71, CI 0.47 - 1.07). Of the patients who were intubated, there was no significant difference between burn and non-burn providers in the diagnosis of inhalation injury on bronchoscopy (RR 1.3, CI 0.91-1.85). In both groups, objective evidence of inhalation injury was found in only 68% of patients undergoing routine bronchoscopy following emergent intubation. Conclusions There was no significant difference in intubation rates between burn and non-burn trained acute care surgeons. This demonstrates that following standard ATLS and ABLS principles provides appropriate training in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of inhalation injury. Interestingly, 32% of all patients intubated did not have evidence of inhalational injury on bronchoscopy following intubation. This study suggests that further research is needed to determine objective criteria for intubation guidelines when inhalation injury is suspected in the acute burn patient population. Applicability of Research to Practice Applicable

Navigating health systems for burn care: Patient journeys and delays in Uttar Pradesh, India

BackgroundIndia has one of the highest burden of burns. The health systems response to burn care is sometimes patchy and highly influenced by social determinants. Delay in access to acute care and rehabilitation adversely affects recovery outcomes. Evidence on underlying factors for delays in care are limited. In this study, we aim to explore patients’ journeys to analyse their experiences in accessing burn care in Uttar Pradesh, India. MethodsWe conducted qualitative inquiry using the patient journey mapping approach and in-depth interviews (IDI). We purposively selected a referral burn centre in Uttar Pradesh, India and included a diverse group of patients. A chronological plot of the patient’s journey was drawn and confirmed with respondents at the end of the interview. A detailed patient journey map was drawn for each patient based on interview transcripts and notes. Further analysis was done in NVivo 12 using a combination of inductive and deductive coding. Similar codes were categorised into sub-themes, which were distributed to one of the major themes of the ‘three delays’ framework. ResultsSix major burns patients (4 female and 2 males) aged between 2 and 43 years were included in the study. Two patients had flame burns, and one had chemical, electric, hot liquid, and blast injury, respectively. Delay in seeking care (delay 1) was less common for acute care but was a concern for rehabilitation. Accessibility and availability of services, costs of care and lack of financial support influenced delay (1) for rehabilitation. Delay in reaching an appropriate facility (delay 2) was common due to multiple referrals before reaching an appropriate burn facility. Lack of clarity on referral systems and proper triaging influenced this delay. Delay in getting adequate care (delay 3) was mainly due to inadequate infrastructure at various levels of health facilities, shortage of skilled health providers, and high costs of care. COVID-19-related protocols and restrictions influenced all three delays. ConclusionsBurn care pathways are adversely affected by barriers to timely access. We propose using the modified 3-delays framework to analyse delays in burns care. There is a need to strengthen referral linkage systems, ensure financial risk protection, and integrate burn care at all levels of health care delivery systems.

Venous Thromboembolism in Severe Burns Patients with Intravascular Warming Catheter: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Use of intravascular warming catheters following major burns has been shown to be effective to maintain normothermia, but their use may be associated with complications. The aim of this study was to determine what proportion of patients with an intravascular warming catheter developed a potentially catheter-related venous thromboembolism (VTE) and to identify contributing risk factors. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to the Victorian Adult Burns Service January 2013 to July 2018 with major burns (TBSA > 20%) who had an ICYTM intravascular warming catheter. Warming catheter insertion and other details were identified with a manual search of the patients' medical records by a single author while incidence of VTE was determined by the coding department from a central database. Results: Forty patients had an intravascular warming catheter inserted during the study period. The number of patients in the catheter group that sustained a VTE was eight (20%), of which four (10%) could have been catheter-related due to the anatomical location. In the cases of the four potentially catheter-related VTE, other preventable VTE risk factors including suboptimal prophylactic anticoagulation (n = 2), prolonged catheter duration (n = 1) and prolonged haemoconcentration (n = 2) were identified. Conclusions: We found 20% of major burns patients with an intravascular warming device had significant VTE; however, only half of these may have been related to the catheter. A careful assessment for each patient that balances risks and benefits should be undertaken prior to using intravascular warming devices.

High neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of mortality in major burn patients

Major burns are a type of trauma with high mortality risk. Therefore, an accurate predictor of mortality indicators is needed in burn patients. This study used an analytical observational study design with a retrospective case-control approach. One such indicator is the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio which was studied further in this study. Subjects included 60 burn patients with 30 survivors and 30 mortalities. The sex characteristics of the subjects were predominantly male (70%), with a median age of 38.5 (IQR 30.5 – 52.5) ​​years. Fire (68.3%) was the most common cause of burns. The median neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio decreased from day 1 (median 15.6, IQR 10.1–21.7) to day 3 (median 6.7, IQR 4.4 – 11.8). However, there was a different pattern in which the value of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was found to increase on day 3 in the mortality group. The binomial logistic regression test found that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio value greater than or equal to 10 on the 3rd day was significantly associated with mortality risk with an aOR of 13.91 (95% CI 1.77 – 109.47). The conclusion is that A high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio at day three can be used as a predictor of mortality in major burn patients.

The Impact of Body Mass Index in Patients with Severe Burn Injury.

This study evaluated the association of body mass index (BMI) with mortality, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), and length of hospital stay in major burn patients. It was a retrospective cohort study that was originally conducted from January 2017 to January 2020 and that used data from patients admitted to the intensive care unit for burns at a university hospital. The patients were divided into groups for the purposes of comparing relevant variables according to their BMI. We evaluated 288 patients: 52.8% were classified as eutrophic, 33.7% were classified as overweight, and 13.5% were classified as obese. The median length of stay in the ICU was 11 days for all patients, 9 days for eutrophic patients, 13 days for overweight patients, and 16 days for obese patients (p = 0.004). In the multivariate analysis, age (HR = 1.026; p < 0.001), total body surface area (HR = 1.047; p < 0.001), and the presence of inhalation injury (HR = 1.658; p = 0.026) were associated with mortality. Obesity was not associated with higher hospital mortality in this sample of burn patients. The length of stay in the ICU was longer among obese patients. Age, burned body surface, and the presence of inhalation injury were the major determinants of death in these patients.

Computer customization errors compromised the optimization of trace element repletion dose after major burns

Major burns develop acute trace element (TE) deficiencies due to exudative losses of copper, selenium, and zinc from the wounds. A repletion strategy has been shown to decrease infectious and surgical complications. The TE doses have been adapted over time and the last adaptation, was not followed by the expected changes. The study aims at identifying the causes of the failure. Retrospective cohort study including critically ill major burns patients admitted to intensive care with burns exceeding 20% of body surface area (BSA). Period A (2011-2015) included patients admitted before the dose change, and Period B patients after (2017-2020). Demographic variables, daily TE delivery, and weekly TE blood levels were extracted from the computerized information system (CIS). Altogether 71 patients completed the inclusion criteria (Periods A and B: 42 and 29 patients respectively). They were aged 38 (32) years and burned 35 (30) % BSA, with no severity differences. Comparing periods A and B, copper (p=0.046) and selenium (p=0.031) blood levels were significantly lower in B. The dose value extracted from CIS was as planned. Customization error was found: TE salts' weight had been entered instead of elemental weight in molar units. The lower TE repletion doses administered since 2017 resulted in a significant decrease in blood levels of Cu and Se. A CIS customisation error, confusing salt weight and elemental weight was the source of the error. A systematic quality control is crucial to identify systemic errors, as is the use of the standard international units.

Prognostic Nutritional Index and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Patients With Major Burns

IntroductionBurns can cause multiple organ systemic derangements, particularly in respiratory systems. The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) can predict postoperative outcomes. We evaluated the incidence and risk factors, including PNI, for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in patients with major burns. MethodsPNI was calculated as 10 × (serum albumin level) + 0.005 × (total lymphocyte count). Major burn patients admitted to the ICU without burn-induced lung injuries were retrospectively included. The incidence of PPCs was measured within 1 wk of burn surgery. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors for PPCs. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and propensity-score matched analysis were conducted to estimate the influence of PNI on PPCs. Outcomes after burn surgery were also assessed. ResultsOf 444 major burn patients, 138 (31.1%) showed PPCs. Risk factors for PPCs were PNI, gender, total body surface area burned, interval between burn and surgery, and red blood cell transfusion rate. The area under the curve of PNI for predicting PPCs was 0.709 (cutoff value = 31.5). The incidence of PPCs was significantly higher in the PNI ≤ 31.5 group than in the PNI > 31.5 group (55.7% versus 22.8%, P < 0.001) after propensity-score matching. The intensive care unit stay duration was longer and 90-d mortality was higher in patients who developed PPCs (19 [9-27] d versus 8 [4-17] d, P < 0.001; 11.6% versus 0.3%, P < 0.001). ConclusionsThe prevalence of PPCs in patients with major burns was 31.1% and preoperative PNI was a predictor of PPCs in these patients. PNI ≤ 31.5 was significantly related to a higher incidence of PPCs.

An investigation of early enteral nutrition provision in major burn patients in Australia and New Zealand.

Early enteral nutrition (provided within 24 h of admission) is the optimal form of nutritional support for major burn injuries. The aim of this study was to (i) audit early enteral nutrition practices, (ii) identify characteristics of patients who received early enteral nutrition, and (iii) investigate whether early enteral nutrition was associated with in-hospital outcomes. An analysis of prospectively collected data from the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand was conducted. Specifically, this study focused on major burns patients (defined as burns affecting more than 20% and 15% total body surface area for adult paediatric patients, respectively) admitted to a specialist burn service between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2019. Data from 474 major burns patients (88 paediatric patients) revealed 69% received early enteral nutrition. Paediatric patients who received early enteral nutrition were younger than their counterparts who did not receive the same support (p=0.04). Adult patients who received early enteral nutrition sustained larger burns (p < 0.001). Early enteral nutrition was not associated with in-hospital mortality following major burn injury in adult patients in either unadjusted (p=0.77) or confounder-adjusted (p=0.69) analyses. Approximately two-thirds of patients with major burn injuries received early enteral nutrition. Early enteral nutrition was not associated with in-hospital mortality following major burn injury. Further research should focus on modifiable reasons why major burns patients do not receive enteral nutrition within 24 h of admission.

Investigation of the relationship of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, and IGF-binding protein-3 levels with graft viability in autograft-transplanted pediatric patients with major burns

BackgroundIn our study, we investigated graft viability, Growth Hormone (GH), Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-3 in autograft-transplanted pediatric major burn cases. MethodsThis descriptive study was conducted with the participation of pediatric patients with major burn wounds. The laboratory data and characteristics of the patients were accessed retrospectively, and the obtained data were recorded in the data form developed by the researchers. In the analysis of the data, descriptive statistical methods, chi-squared test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc analyses were used. ResultsThe sample of our study consisted of 93 pediatric major burn patients with a total burnt body surface area of more than 20%. It was found that 65.59% of the patients were between the ages of 1 and 5, 63.43% of them were in the 41–55 percentile range, 58.06% had a hot liquid burn, 74.2% had a second-degree burn, 60.21% had a burn percentage in the range of 21–40 of their total body surface area. It was determined that the GH and IGF-1 levels of the patients who experienced loss after graft transplantation remained below the normal value in the first 14 days, and the differences in the GH and IGF-1 values between the patients with good functioning grafts and those with graft loss were statistically significant (p < 0.01). It was found that the IGFBP-3 value remained low on the 14th day in the patients with good functioning grafts, and the difference in the IGFBP-3 values between the patients with good functioning grafts and those with graft loss was statistically significant (p < 0.05). ConclusionToday, it is known that the parameters of GH, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 are related to many problems. However, no study examining their relationships with graft viability in autograft-transplanted pediatric patients with major burns was encountered. Our study may be the first to determine that changes in these three laboratory parameters negatively affect the healing of burn wounds.

Keratinocyte Culture: Siriraj’s Experience

Objective: Cell-based therapy is gaining increasing prominence in medicine, where it has the potential to replace or repair damaged tissue using new engineered cells. Skin cell engineering, also known as keratinocyte culture or cultured epithelial autograft (CEA), is a promising field in cell-based therapy. CEA is now used in many parts of the world as an alternative treatment for some diseases that require large defects to be covered, such as severe and major burn patients and congenital melanocytic nevus. The use of CEA in conjunction with acellular skin substitution is rapidly expanding.Materials and Methods: This study is an initiative aimed at supporting the production and use of keratinocyte cultures at Siriraj Hospital. This is the first stage of developing sheet keratinocyte culture in vitro.Results: Our study yielded very promising results. As feeder cells, we used irradiated 3T3 murine fibroblasts, as per the standard protocol for keratinocyte culture. The growth duration was four weeks: 2 weeks for the 3T3 murine fibroblasts and 2 weeks for the keratinocytes. The keratinocytes grew rapidly and formed sheets with irradiated 3T3 murine fibroblasts. The retrieval of the cell sheets was straightforward thanks to the temperature-response cell culture dish and halo-ring cell recovery sheet. Flow cytometry revealed that the cells had a very high viability and purity. H&amp;E staining revealed the sheets comprised two to four layers of stratified epithelial tissue.Conclusion: From this study, our method of manufacturing the CEA can offer a promising result. This can be use in the treatment which require large skin coverage. However, we aim to initiate animal and human trial phase next.

Implications of pre-operative NG fasting on nutrition in major burn patients: an audit of practice

Background: The hypermetabolic response seen following a major burn injury increases protein and energy requirements, necessitating the early establishment of enteral feeding. Early gastric feeding reduces the risk of gastrointestinal bacterial translocation, ileus, gastric ulceration and addresses the increase metabolic demands of the patient. Nasogastric feeding is commonly employed as a first line method of enteral feeding. However this needs to be stopped pre-operatively during the fasting period in a cohort of patients who attend the operating theatre frequently on their road to recovery, thereby resulting in missed calories and protein.

The Prognostic Value of N-Terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) in Major Burn Patients With Sepsis.

The aim is to examine the prognostic value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with major burns and sepsis. We collected the data of major burn patients who were admitted to our department. We compared the age, sex, burn area, burn depth, length of hospitalization, and mortality rate between the sepsis group and non-sepsis group and compared NT-proBNP, procalcitonin (PCT), platelet count, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and quick SOFA (qSOFA) score between the survivors and nonsurvivors in the sepsis group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used in sepsis patients to evaluate the prognostic value of NT-proBNP, PCT, SOFA score, qSOFA score, etc. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare the 90-day survival curves of patients. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors that affect the prognosis of sepsis patients. There were 90 major burn patients with sepsis and 114 major burn patients without sepsis. The mortality rate for the major burn sepsis group was significantly higher than that for the non-sepsis group. The NT-proBNP level in sepsis patients in the nonsurvivor group was 2900 pg/ml, which was significantly higher than that in patients in the survivor group. Survival analysis showed that the mean survival time for the NT-proBNP &gt;2000 pg/ml group was 15.08 days. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that NT-proBNP was an independent risk factor for mortality in burn patients with sepsis. NT-proBNP can be used as a prognostic marker in patients with major burns and sepsis.

74 Implications of Pre-Operative Ng Fasting on Nutrition in Major Burn Patients: An Audit of Practice

Abstract Background Nasogastric (NG) feeding is commonly employed as a first line method of enteral feeding. This needs to be stopped pre-operatively resulting in missed calories and protein. Nasojejunal (NJ) feeding is an alternative method that can continue during surgery and can be used in gastric stasis. In this audit we want to determine the calorie and protein loss in major burns patients at the Northern Regional Burn Centre who have had enteral feeding via the nasogastric route. Method A retrospective analysis of the NG feeding, and fasting times was carried out for major burns patients at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle from 2019 to 2021. Nine patients were identified, and their NG feeding prescriptions and delivery times were looked at. The number of calories and protein prescribed by the dietitian were compared against the amount missed when the NG feed was paused. A percentage loss was calculated for each parameter. Results Of the 9 patients analysed over 3 years, the calories lost ranged from 2226kcal to 23,929kcal. Of the induvial prescribed calorie intake, the calorie loss was from 7% to 39% with a mean calorie loss of 17.6%. The protein lost ranged from 143g to 1,240g. Of the individual prescribed protein intake, the protein loss was from 7% to 40% with a mean protein loss of 19.4%. Conclusions We recommend that the addition of NJ feeding as an alternative method of enteral feeding to the NUTH burns nutritional policy would help optimise the management of major burns patients by minimising nutritional losses.

Epidemiological retrospective analysis in major burn patients: single centre medical records from 2009 to 2019.

Burns cause a loss of skin barrier function, rendering it prone to infection. The prevention of infection comprises a focus on the treatment of patients with burns. Therefore, we analysed the results of microbiological tests of patients with severe and extremely severe burns to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of infection in patients with burns. The results of microbiological tests of patients with severe and extremely severe burns admitted to our burn centre between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The overall positive rate of microbial detection was 40.67% and did not significantly decline over the 10-year study period. The most common positive sites were wounds, sputum, and urine. The most common bacterial species causing the infections were Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, the predictors of a positive detection, overall and at various sites, mainly included the burn area and depth, inhalation injury, and length of the hospital stay. Positive detection was an important predictor of the prognosis. In particular, a positive blood culture and Klebsiella pneumoniae had better predictive strength for mortality than other sites and strains. This study analysed the microbiological testing results at a single burn centre over a period of 10years. The results provide information regarding the predictors of a positive detection and the influence of a positive detection on prognosis, and can be used as a basis for the development of clinical infection prevention and treatment strategies, as well as the selection of treatment measures.

Study of central venous catheter-related complications in major burn patients

Background: Routinely changing central venous catheters (CVCs) as a prevention strategy of bbloodstreaminfections in burns patients has been controversial due to the paucity of evidence for appropriate timings of line changes. This study aims to ascertain the risk factors associated with central line-associated sepsis and thrombosis and to evaluate the role of heparin lock, routine line changes, and thromboprophylaxis in reducing the risk of complications associated with central venous catheterization. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational hospital-based study on 50 patients admitted with major burns (involving 40% or more total body surface area [TBSA] in burn intensive care unit/ward at Gandhi Medical College and Associated Hamidia Hospital from May 2021 to June 2022. Nontunneled, triple-lumen central lines were inserted usingthe Seldinger technique preferentially on healthy skin and secured with Tegaderm™ CHG Chlorhexidine Gluconate transparent dressing. The removal of central lines was done sepsis (persistent rise of fever unresponsive to antipyretics or empirical antibiotics) or when distal limb swelling edema) developed. Routine removal of the central line was also done when resuscitation was over and parenteral nutritional supplementation was no longer needed (after 12–15 days) or before shifting from HDU or on discharge. Data collection included: Demographics, co-morbidities, type and cause of burn, %TBSA, route (subclavian, femoral, and jugular line), access (healthy/burned) of line, duration of line in situ, complications (cellulitis, edema, venous thrombosis, and persistent high-grade fever), culture/sensitivity (c/s) reports, duration of hospital stay, heparin prophylaxis, or treatment. The data were processed with Chi-square test. The primary outcome of this observational study was a measure of catheter-related bloodstream infections and symptomatic deep vein thrombosis and their correlation with demographics and various comorbidities. Result: Central line duration and age were identified as independent risk factors for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), with central line duration the most significant predictor (P &lt; 0.05). CLABSI occurred at 12.81 ± 2.967 days' postline insertion. Further research is needed to assess the role of routine line changes (every 12–15 days' postinsertion) in preventing CLABSI and heparin lock in reducing the incidence of venous thrombosis. Hospital stay was prolonged in the patients developing CVC-associated complications independently increasing morbidity in patients with severe burns, but was not found to be significant (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Jugular venous route should be preferred as the site of CVC insertion (easier and associated with a lower complication rate) and the duration of line kept in situ should be reduced. The blood c/s (preferably central line tip c/s) should be sent routinely after 10 days or on the first suspicion of complications to reduce the incidence and severity of CLABSI in major burn patients.

A Study of Early Parenteral Nutritional Support and Factors Associated with Clinical Outcomes in Major Pediatric Burn Patients

Objectives: Adequate nutritional support is one of the challenging treatments of major pediatric burns. Parenteral nutrition (PN) is one of the options to achieve daily caloric goal. Latest nutritional guidelines recommend late PN initiation due to unclear benefit over risk based on the limited data. Our study provides the data of parenteral nutrition within 7 days post admission (early PN) and factors affecting clinical outcomes in major pediatric burn patients.&#x0D; Methods: A retrospective study was conducted regarding pediatric burn patients who had over 15% of their total body surface area (TBSA) with second- or third-degree burns. All the patients were classified as requiring early PN support or non-early PN support.&#x0D; Results: 124 major pediatric burns were reviewed. Eighty-six patients (65.2%) were male, and the median age was three years (0.3-15 years). Early PN showed no association with length of hospital stay (LOS) (p=0.480) or a 30-day mortality (p=0.529). The children’s age, wound infections, and abdominal distension were the independent associated factors of LOS (p=0.025, 0.001, and 0.003 respectively). Pneumonia and urinary tract infection were independent factors associated with 30-day mortality (p=0.025).&#x0D; Conclusions: Early PN in acute pediatric burns was not associated with LOS or 30-day mortality. It can be considered as options of nutritional support in acute, major pediatric burns. Effective management of wound infections and abdominal distension may reduce LOS.