Percent Total Body Surface Area Research Articles

599 To Titrate or Not to Titrate, That Is the Burning Question: Enoxaparin and VTE Prophylaxis

Abstract Introduction Patients who sustain burn injury undergo metabolic and physiologic changes that place them at elevated risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). Although the benefit and safety of enoxaparin titration for prevention of VTE in trauma patients is well established, there is a lack of evidence regarding its applicability for burn injured patients. In this study, we sought to determine the safety and applicability of enoxaparin titration for burn injured patients admitted for treatment of their injury. Methods We performed a single center retrospective study of burn injured patients admitted to our American Burn Association verified burn center from June 2022 to June 2023. In May 2022, our burn center adopted the American Association for Surgeons in Trauma (AAST) protocol for enoxaparin dosing. This includes twice daily administration of enoxaparin, followed by measurement of anti-Xa levels prior to administration of the fourth or fifth dose. We previously administered a standard dose of 30mg twice daily. Anti-Xa levels were used to guide enoxaparin dose adjustments to remain within prophylactic range. Patients hospitalized for under 48 hours, with glomerular filtration rate less than 30, and with repeated refusal of enoxaparin were excluded. Results Eighty seven patients met our inclusion criteria. Fifty six patients started at 40mg twice daily dosing; the remainder started at 30mg twice daily dosing. Of these patients, forty two (48%) required dose adjustments by anti-Xa levels. Of those who required dose adjustment, thirty three (78%) required an increase. There was no significant difference in BMI (p=0.25) or inhalation injury (p=0.62) between patients who did and did not require enoxaparin titration. Patients who required titration had a non-significant trend toward larger percent total body surface area affected (p=0.08). There was also a significantly greater change in dosing for patients who required an increase in dose adjustment as opposed to those who required a decrease in dose adjustment (p < 0.0001). Finally, there was no difference in post-operative bleeding between patients who did and did not require dose titration (p=0.57). Conclusions Our results demonstrate that an individual approach to VTE prevention through enoxaparin titration is necessary in order to maintain appropriate prophylactic doses in burn injured patients. Furthermore, adoption of the AAST guidelines is safe and does not result in an increase in post-operative bleeding events. Applicability of Research to Practice This work highlights the safety and benefit of enoxaparin titration in burn injured patients to prevent VTE.

THE RISKS OF FIRST ONSET PRIMARY HYPERTENSION DIAGNOSIS IN THERMAL-INJURED PATIENTS.

Introduction: Hypertension is a prevalent condition in the United States and leads to an increased risk of developing various comorbidities. However, the impact of new-onset hypertension after severe burns on patient outcomes is not known. We posit that hypertension onset after severe burn is associated with increased risk of developing comorbidities and mortality. Methods: Using the TriNetX database, burned patients diagnosed with essential hypertension after injury were compared with those who did not develop hypertension; neither had prior hypertension. Each cohort was grouped by sex, percent total body surface area (TBSA) burned, and age, then propensity matched for sex, race, ethnicity, and laboratory values. Outcomes assessed were acute kidney injury (AKI), hyperglycemia, heart failure, myocardial infarction (MI), and death. Results: Those diagnosed with hypertension after severe burn were 4.9 times more likely to develop AKI, 3.6 times for hyperglycemia, 5.3 times for heart failure, 4.7 times for acute MI, and 1.5 times for mortality. Sex analysis shows that men were at greater risk for AKI (1.5 times), heart failure (1.1 times), and death (1.4 times). Women were 1.3 times more likely to develop hyperglycemia. Percent TBSA burned grouping showed increased risk for all outcomes with increasing severity. Age grouping indicated an elevated risk of developing AKI, heart failure, acute MI, and death. Conclusion: New-onset hypertension diagnosis in severely burned patients is associated with acute kidney injury, heart failure, acute MI, and death. Overall, males, older patients, and those with a higher % TBSA burned are at a higher risk of developing these comorbidities.

Characteristics and trends of pediatric firepit burns: insights for prevention and safety

IntroductionAs fire pits grow in popularity, so do the associated burn injuries. Our study examines pediatric fire pit burns characteristics to raise awareness and promote safety precautions.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective...

300 Intraoperative Thresholds for Transfusion During Burn Surgery

Abstract Introduction Burn injury is associated with significant morbidity. Deep partial thickness or full thickness burns require surgical excision and skin grafting. This process results in significant blood loss and frequently requires blood transfusions. There is scarcity in published literature addressing intraoperative blood transfusion requirements. The relationship between blood product volume and patient characteristics has not been clearly defined. The enhanced ability to predict blood transfusion requirements would allow for improved allocation of blood products and safer overall operations. Methods This is a retrospective review conducted at a large academic burn center. Inclusion criteria are adult patients admitted between December 2019 and August 2020 with burns requiring surgical excision. Prisoners, children, and non-operative burns were excluded. Operative cases requiring blood product administration were compared to cases that did not require transfusion. Two-tailed student’s t-tests were conducted with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results There were 103 total patients who underwent a total of 217 operations. Forty-eight percent (n=104) of cases required blood transfusion. As detailed in the table, the transfusion group had significantly increased percent total body surface area (TBSA) burn, along with longer hospital and ICU lengths of stay (LOS). Operatively, this group underwent more tissue excision (approximately 15% TBSA compared to 5%) with longer case lengths, coupled with higher estimated blood loss and a lower preoperative hemoglobin. Interestingly, the median time for the initiation of packed red blood cell transfusion was six minutes after incision. Conclusions The average estimated blood loss in cases resulting in transfusion was 907±462mL (with a median of 800mL) compared to 467±398mL estimated blood loss in the non-transfused group. Expected blood loss along with parameters such as planned area of excision (which was approximately three times greater in transfused patients) and severity of burn injury can guide the surgeon in anticipating perioperative administration of blood products. Future directions include stratification of blood volume administration by %TBSA, operative time, LOS, and percent excision. Applicability of Research to Practice The ability to predict blood product requirements preoperatively coupled with the incorporation of perioperative parameters can assist in the judicious and appropriate use of blood products during burn operations.

773 Inhalation Injury Severity Score on Admission Predicts Overall Survival in Burn ICU Patients

Abstract Introduction Inhalation injury (II) is identified in about one-third of burn patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. There are multiple scoring systems to grade II; however, no study has compared ability of these scoring systems to predict outcomes of interest such as overall survival. We hypothesized that II grades from each scoring system assessed would correlate strongly and that higher scores (representing higher grade II) would be associated with worse overall survival (OS). Methods This was a prospective, observational study that included intubated burn patients who underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy within 24 hours of admission. II was graded using three scoring systems: Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS), Inhalation Injury Severity Score (I-ISS), and Mucosal Score (MS). All scoring systems use a Likert-type scale (AIS: 0-4; I-ISS and MS: 0-3) with more severe IIs given higher scores. Agreement between scoring systems was assessed with Krippendorff’s Alpha (KA) >0.80 indicating high reliability. Multivariable analyses were used to determine variables independently associated with OS. Significance was set at p< 0.05. Results 99 patients were included in the analysis. Median percent total body surface area burned and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were 19.5% (interquartile range [IQR] 9-39%) and 25 (13-34), respectively. At admission, median AIS, I-ISS, and MS scores were 2 (1-3) for all scoring systems. Patients who died had higher overall injury burden than those who survived (Table 1). Additionally, patients who died had similar median admission AIS and MS scores, but higher I-ISS scores than those who survived (Table 1). There was strong correlation between the grade of II at admission using the three scoring systems (KA=0.85). On regression analysis, the only II scoring system independently associated with overall survival was I-ISS (score 3 compared to scores 1-2: OR 13.16, 95% CI 1.65-105.07; p=0.02). Conclusions Grade of II on admission correlated well between scoring systems, but only I-ISS on admission was independently associated with OS. Progression of injury after initial assessment may contribute to the poor correlation between admission score and overall survival for IIs graded with AIS and MS. Repeated assessment and re-grading II after initial resuscitation may more accurately identify patients at increased risk for mortality. Applicability of Research to Practice Grading II is common practice in Burn ICUs. This study demonstrates good reliability between the three most common II scoring systems utilized and that I-ISS on admission can be used to predict risk of mortality, which is useful prognostic information for both burn care providers as well as patients and their families.

89 Second-Degree versus Third-Degree Burn Differences in Length of Stay

Abstract Introduction Length of stay (LOS) is a crucial element to patient care plans, hospital profit, and a patient’s well-being. However, predicting LOS is difficult as burn injuries often have complications. The expectation for LOS in the burn ward is generally one day per percent total body surface area (TBSA) burned. This prediction approximates the average but rarely represents true patient LOS. Healing times for second and third-degree burns differ, yet most studies only evaluate TBSA rather than 2nd and 3rd degree burns separately. We hypothesized that third-degree burns would have a longer LOS than same sized second-degree burns. Methods We obtained a list of all patients diagnosed with Second/Third-degree and verified the inclusion of patients meeting the study criteria from July 01, 2011, to July 01, 2021. Afterward, data was manually extracted from electronic health records and separated from patients with inhalation injury. We placed the aggregate findings in a 3D scatter plot to develop a predictive LOS formula. Results The initial data set (n=678) decreased due to missing burn documentation and exclusion of the inhalation injury group yielding the final data set (n=388). For every one percent second-degree burn increase, the LOS (in days) increases by 0.587 + 0.057 (p= 3.07E-22). For every third-degree burn percent increase, LOS increases by 1.328 + 0.086 (p=1.4E-42). The intercept for the 3D scatter plot was set to 0 as a patient without burns or inhalation injury should have a LOS of 0. The r-squared value is 0.58 which shows a medium level of correlation. Our current equation – LOS = 0.587(2nd degree-burn) +1.328(3rd degree-burn). Conclusions The one day per percent TBSA rule does not accurately predict LOS. Third-degree burn percentage may double the length of stay when compared to second-degree burns. More closely following 2nd v. 3rd degree burn and other comorbidities will give patients a more accurate estimate of their LOS. Applicability of Research to Practice Insurance, physicians, and patients are all affected by LOS. Insurance companies require accurate depictions of LOS to ensure sufficient funding for their patients’ hospital stay. Physicians use LOS to assess course of healing and if other problems are hindering recovery. Furthermore, hospital stay changes a patient’s daily life, work, education, and family. Better predictions for LOS may allow patients to fully grasp what to expect with their recovery.

503 The Accuracy of the Revised Baux Score in Predicting Burn Mortality: A Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction Osler et al. revised the Baux score in 2010 to include inhalation injury, attempting to improve upon the original 1961 model given the significant advances in modern burn care. Other predictive models of burn mortality have similarly been developed using use an assortment of other variables, however there is no consensus on the preferred formula to use. This systematic review aims to investigate the accuracy of the revised Baux (rBaux) score in comparison to other models when determining mortality risk in patients with burn injuries. Methods A systematic review was performed by two independent reviewers using electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus) from March 1, 2010 to May 22, 2022. The majority of studies were classified as “high” quality and no studies were excluded due to risk of bias. Articles were included if they were published in English and assessed risk of mortality from burns using the rBaux model and an alternative model. The PRISMA statement was followed, and all the PROBAST quality appraisal checklist was used during data extraction. Results The search identified 79 non-duplicate citations, of which 33 underwent full-text review, and 21 met inclusion criteria. They assessed the predictive ability of the rBaux score in comparison to the original Baux score, Belgian Outcome for Burn Injury, Abbreviated Burn Severity Index, APACHE II, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, Boston Group/Ryan scores, the FLAMES model, the Prognostic Burn Index, and several other equations that have not been externally validated. The accuracy of mortality prediction (area under ROC curves) for the rBaux score ranged from 0.68 to 0.99 and 14 studies found a value greater than 0.90. These ROC values were found to be lowest in the two studies with subgroupings for age, demonstrating an ROC of 0.01 in children, and 0.68 and 0.92 in the elderly. Eleven studies described sensitivity, specificity, or both, with sensitivity ranging from 12% to 96%, and specificity ranging from 80% to 100%. Conclusions The rBaux score offers a relatively easy method to rapidly assess the mortality risk from burn injury in a broad range of patient populations based on age, percent total body surface area burned, and presence/absence of an inhalation injury. This tool remains valid despite the exclusion of patient comorbidities and other injury-related factors. However, this study also identified the rBaux’s ability to predict mortality risk was limited when applied to patients at the extremes of age, highlighting an important area for future research. At present, given its relative simplicity and generalizability, the rBaux score remains a useful clinical tool for predicting mortality. Applicability of Research to Practice The rBaux score remains a simple yet powerful predictor of mortality in burn patients, which can be applied at the bedside on initial presentation across diverse patient populations.

62 Effect of Glycemic Variability on Infectious Outcomes in Patients with Severe Burn Injuries

Abstract Introduction Stress-induced hyperglycemia is a common manifestation of severe burn injury, due to increased catecholamines, glucagon, corticosteroids, and cytokines. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between different measures of glycemic variability and infectious outcomes in burn patients. Methods This retrospective electronic chart review included patients admitted to a single American Burn Association-verified burn center for the year of 2020. Infectious complication was defined as occurrence of proven infection, autograft loss, or death. Glycemic variability indices tested include standard deviation, mean amplitude of glycemic excursions, J-index, and coefficient of variability. Demographics were compared utilizing Fisher’s exact or Mann-Whitney U test, depending on dichotomy. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to control for revised Baux score. Likelihood ratio test statistic was utilized to compare strength of association. Results Three-hundred and ninety-two patients were admitted during 2020 and screened for inclusion. After applying exclusion criteria, 112 patients remained in the study group. More than half were excluded for length of stay less than 3 days. Twenty-five (22%) had at least one infectious complication (21 infections, 3 with graft loss, and 4 deaths). Revised Baux, age, percent total body surface area burned, history of diabetes, and admission blood glucose were all higher in the group with an infectious complication. Out of the indices tested, only mean glucose (Odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.024, 1.004-1.045) and J-index (1.044, 1.002-1.087) were significantly associated with higher risk of an infectious complication. Quantile analysis of mean glucose thresholds indicated > 150 mg/dL to have the strongest association with infectious complications in burn patients. Conclusions Although J-index was significantly associated with infectious complications, mean glucose was also and has a simpler derivation. Applicability of Research to Practice A liberal glucose control strategy should continue to be avoided in patients with burn injuries due to higher risk of infectious complication.

42 Utilizing FAB Scores to Determine Next Level of Care for Patients with Burn Injury

Abstract Introduction Determining next level of care for burn patients is a difficult task for the entire medical team. Secondary to the nature of the injury, patients often do not have the social or economic support required to return to their prior level of function. The Functional Assessment for Burns (FAB) score has been shown an objective measure to determine functional independence and a predictor of discharge outcomes in adults. However, it is undetermined whether this assessment can be utilized to guide next level of care and time which it takes to return to prior level of function. We hypothesized the number of therapy sessions to be positively associated with patients’ return to baseline FAB. Methods This single center, retrospective study of patients admitted to a single ABA-verified burn center was completed by collecting FAB assessment scores within 48 hours of admission and within 48 hours of discharge over the last year. Demographics, injury characteristics, surgical procedures, and number of treatment sessions were collected. Shapiro-wilk test was utilized to test for normality. Regression analysis was utilized to analyze variable associations with changes in FAB scores. A paired t test was used to compare paired FAB scores between admission and discharge. Results One-hundred patients were included with a median age of 53 (38.5, 64) years and 7 (3.5, 14) percent total body surface area burned (TBSA). The median FAB for preadmission (preadm.), admission (adm.), and discharge (DC) were 35 (35, 35), 17 (14, 24), and 24 (19, 32), respectively. The paired difference between adm. and DC scores (< 0.001) indicated significant improvement. TBSA and age, together, were significant predictors of change in preadm. to adm. FAB (r2=0.202, p< 0.001). Adm. FAB and TBSA were both associated with number of therapy sessions. Only 16% of patients returned to preadm. level of functional independence by discharge with only 20% qualifying for / entering a post-acute inpatient rehabilitation facility. Number of combined therapy sessions was not associated with return to preadm. FAB. Of note, only 28% returned within 90% of preadmission FAB by discharge. In fact, 13% actually saw their FAB regress from adm. to DC. None of the collected variables were associated with the negative change in FAB scores through admission. Conclusions In this sample, number of sessions was not predictive of return to preadmission FAB; however, this may be due to the low numbers that achieved the milestone at all. Despite this fact, there was an alarmingly small number admitted to a subsequent inpatient rehabilitation facility. There was a significant improvement in paired scores from admission to discharge. Taken together, there may be value in reassessing inpatient rehabilitation facility adm. criteria. Applicability of Research to Practice FAB scores may be a useful indicator of further rehabilitation needs.

60 A Retrospective Review of High-Frequency Percussive Ventilation in Inhalation Injury

Abstract Introduction Inhalation injury (II) is a major contributor to mortality in burn patients. These patients often require mechanical ventilation, but there is no clear consensus on optimal ventilatory strategy for this population. Previous studies in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) demonstrated that high frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) improved oxygenation and mobilization of airway secretions. However, HFPV in the context of II remains poorly studied. We hypothesized that for these patients, use of HFPV in addition to conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) would reduce complications and decrease mortality compared to patients treated with CMV only. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of 200 patients admitted to a burn center from February 2008 - January 2019 with burns and/or II and ventilated either with CMV alone or with CMV + HFPV. Patients who were under the age of 18 or who received mechanical ventilation for less one day were excluded. Information including patient demographics and comorbidities, percent total body surface area burned, ventilation method, length of stay, complications, and outcomes were collected. Two-sample comparisons were performed by using score test for proportions and Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables with significance defined as p< 0.05. Results Of 200 patients studied, 84 received CMV + HFPV and 116 received CMV alone. There was no difference in mortality between groups (CMV+HFPV 39.3% vs CMV 31.0%; p=0.23). There was also similar incidence of pneumonia (CMV+HFPV 53.6% vs CMV alone 63.8%; p=0.15), pneumothorax, ARDS, and sepsis. Patients on CMV + HFPV had a greater incidence of acute kidney injury (CMV+HFPV 60.7% versus CMV alone 43.1%; p=0.014) and reduced development of wound complications (CMV+HFPV 7.1% versus CMV alone 16.4%; p=0.05). In surviving patients (n=131), length of hospital stay was not significantly different between groups. Conclusions These single-center results do not support the use of CMV + HFPV rather than CMV alone in patients with II. Further research in this area, including larger multi-center studies, is warranted. Applicability of Research to Practice This is a hypothesis-generating study that adds to the currently limited understanding of best practice for managing patients with II.

508 Retrospective Review of Early Pulmonary Mechanics After Inhalation Injury

Abstract Introduction Management of inhalation injury is largely supportive and consists primarily of mechanical ventilation, bronchodilators, muscarinic receptor antagonists, and inhaled mucolytics and anticoagulants. The purpose of this study is to examine the early changes in pulmonary mechanics after inhalation injury and see if the use of NT affects lung function. Methods Retrospective study was done on Inhalation injury patients over a 12 years period from 01/2009 to 01/2021. Patients’ data collected from their medical records, included patient demographics and outcomes, percentage Total Body Surface Area (TBSA), Carboxyhemoglobin level upon admission, Respiratory Treatments (bronchodilator, Mucolytic and Heparin), Tobramycin treatment, Oxygen requirement, Lung compliance (peak airway pressure & Mean airway Pressure), Mode of Ventilation, total Ventilator Day, and number of Hospital Days. Patients with inhalation injury from 2009-2019 were retrospectively reviewed for treatment of inhalation injury. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were performed using Excel and Stata. Results Of 90 patients with inhalation injury, median age was 53.5 (IQR:31-65) with 30% (n=28) women and median TBSA of 15%(IQR:2-38%). The median length of stay was 21 days (IQR:6-47). Median ventilator days was (8.5, IQR:3-21) and median ICU days was 12 (IQR:3-28). After adjusting for grade of inhalation injury, patients who did not receive NT were 2.7 times as likely to get pneumonia compared to patients who received NT (p=0.037). Initial median carboxyhemoglobin was 3.9 (IQR: 2-9.1). Overall mortality was 21%, but the incidence of death increased with grade of injury The Median Mean Airway Pressures were Day 1: 9.5mmHg, Day 2: 11mmHg, Day 3: 13mmHg, Day 4: 12mmHg The median peak pressures were Day 1; 20mmHg, Day 2: 21mmHg; Day 3: 22.5mmHg; Day 4: 21mmHg Conclusions Patients with inhalation injury are susceptible to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, indicated by a decrease in lung compliance and increase in the patient’s oxygenation support. The lung compliance of these patients being to change resulting in an increase in their Peak Airway Pressure and Mean Airway Pressure within the first 72 hours. Moderate hypoxemia is present in these patients with the progress of the smoke inhalation injury. The usage of NT did not have a direct benefit to the pulmonary mechanics for inhalation injury when used as a prophylactic strategy. Additional research and clinical trials are needed to better understand the effect of inhalation injury on pulmonary mechanics. Applicability of Research to Practice Analysis of pulmonary mechanics in patients with inhalation injury can allow clinicians to better tailor ventilator settings to improve clinical outcomes.

712 Added Effect, Injuries, And Complications Of Blast Injuries Among Burn Patients On Resuscitation And Outcomes

Abstract Introduction Major burn injuries present as complex cases due to the hemodynamic and cardiodynamic changes that occur following the injury which can lead to the development of sepsis, multiple organ failure, and death[1]. Complexity of these cases increase furthermore with the inclusion of explosion induced injuries. Concussive explosive forces can be particularly devastating for air containing organs like the lung, bowel and middle ear [8]. In explosion-related cases, “the mortality correlated significantly with higher burned total body surface area (TBSA), higher abbreviated burn severity index (ABSI) score, accompanying inhalation injuries, and lung contusions” [2]. Cardiac blast traumas may occasionally result directly from blast energy but are more often presented as indirect coronary emboli [4]. Explosive energies have been observed to induce bradycardia, hypotension, and apnea [5]. Although more common in underwater blasts, small bowel perforations can result directly from an explosion or indirectly up to 2 weeks following the explosion [4]. A longer ICU length of stay is also associated with patients suffering from an explosion event [7]. Methods Through a hypothesis-driven retrospective study, we isolated a group of 68 burn patients, ages 18-85, from 2010-2017 that fit our criteria. Inclusion to the test group required the presence of an injury related to an explosion that resulted in a TBSA% greater than 10%. We then collected data and compared that to the outcomes of patients who had burn injuries not caused by an explosion. The control group had statistically similar age, TBSA percentage, and comorbidities. We compared major outcomes such as length of stay, length of time on a ventilator, and mortality rates. Results When controlled for age, TBSA %, presence of inhalation injuries and comorbidities, the explosion group had significantly higher mortality rates (p< 0.001). The length of stay and length of intubation were not significantly different for the explosion group. The incidence of sepsis in the explosion group was nearly significant with a p-value of 0.051. Conclusions After analyzing the data, we conclude that patients experiencing an explosion experience higher mortality rates than burn patients of similar age, TBSA%, and comorbidities. The shockwave present in explosion cases likely causes additional injuries to patients that decrease survivability. There was indication that sepsis or infection events may be more likely in patients experiencing an explosion, but results nearly missed the standard of significance. Due to the relatively small sample size of 68 patients, some of the data might be limited in its generalizability. A larger study could provide more insight into the outcomes of patients experiencing explosions. Applicability of Research to Practice The effect of explosions on mortality provides an opportunity for quality improvement research and development of improved methods for treating explosion involved burn injuries.

707 Comparing VTE Prophylaxis Strategies in Thermal Injuries: Don't Get Burned by Heparin!

Abstract Introduction Burn patients are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) as well as bleeding complications, thus choosing the best option for thromboprophylaxis can be challenging. Previous studies have analyzed the preferred antithrombotic agent in trauma patients, but this has not been established in burns. We hypothesize that low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is associated with better outcomes than unfractionated heparin. Methods The Trauma Quality Improvement Project (TQIP) dataset was used to identify all patients with second- or third-degree burns that were administered VTE prophylaxis. Cases with missing data, < 24-hour hospital length of stay, other serious traumatic injuries (any AIS >3), interhospital transfer, history of kidney disease, or pre-hospital history of anticoagulant use were excluded. Bleeding complications were defined as hemorrhage control surgery, embolization procedures, or blood transfusion occurring after the initiation of thromboprophylaxis, consistent with other studies analyzing bleeding complications in TQIP. Rates of VTE and bleeding complications were compared between those who received heparin versus LMWH. Propensity score matching was performed to control for age, total body surface area percent (TBSA%) burned, and ICU admission (Table 1). Results The analysis included 9,857 patients (69% male). Median age was 50 (34-62) years. LWMH was associated with fewer complications including pulmonary embolism, any VTE, and bleeding (Table 2). Initiation of thromboprophylaxis within 24 hours of arrival was associated with a lower risk of VTE (1.0% vs 2.1%, p< 0.001) without showing a significant difference in bleeding complications (6.4% vs 7.2%, p=0.206). Conclusions This propensity score matched analysis of nearly ten thousand burn patients has demonstrated that low molecular weight heparin is associated with reduced risk of VTE and bleeding compared to heparin. Initiation of thromboprophylaxis within 24 hours is linked to lower rates of VTE. In burn patients without contraindications, thromboprophylaxis with LMWH should be started within 24 hours. Applicability of Research to Practice Venous thromboembolism is an important complication in burn patients, which may negatively impact patient outcomes. These patients regularly receive DVT prophylaxis and it is important for their care team to be able to select the proper agents.

43 Home alone: Factors associated with discharge with Home Health

Abstract Introduction Burn patients are discharged home with ongoing wound care needs. Many obtain assistance at home with home health services. There are few published studies that review factors associated with obtaining these services upon discharge. As such, this study aims to identify patient-specific and hospital-specific factors that may contribute to being discharged under the care of home health services. Methods The National Inpatient Sample was queried for all patients with age ≥ 18 years with ICD-9 codes for total body surface area (TBSA) burn ≥ 20% and non-elective admissions. Patients were further selected for those discharge home (routine) and those discharged under care of organized home health service organization. Years included were 2013- third quarter of 2015. Age, race, percent TBSA burn, demographic data, hospital factors and mortality were recorded. Statistical analysis was done with Chi-Square testing. Discharge was then used to perform a binary logistic regression using the significant variables. Results There were 3245 weighted cases. Females accounted for 21.3% of the population. Of these encounters, 22.8% were discharged home with home health services. The average age of those without home health was 39.61 ± 13.59 years, versus 44.75 ± 15.92 years for those with home health (p< 0.001). Gender, percent TBSA burn, quartile of median household income of residents in the patient's ZIP Code, patient insurance, use of alcohol or drugs (p< 0.001), hospital bed size, hospital region, and hospital control/ownership (p< 0.001) were found to be statistically significant on univariate analysis. Discharge with home health services was then used to perform a multivariate analysis with the statistically significant factors. This found age (p< 0.001), and alcohol or drug use (p< 0.001) to be significant factors. The additional statistically significant factors are listed in Table 1. Those with home health services were less likely to have history of drug or alcohol use (OR 0.550 [IQR 0.424-0.713]) but more likely to be older, and to have Government insurance (OR 2.899 [IQR 2.096-4.009]) or Private insurance (OR 2.398 [IQR 1.713-3.356]), compared to self pay. There is also significant variability based on hospital region. Conclusions Multiple patient-specific and hospital-specific factors may influence the possibility of burn patient being discharged home with home health services. It appears that patients who may benefit from these services were in fact captured as higher rates of home health services were noted among those with government insurance and within the lowest quartile of income based on patient zip codes. However, there seems to be room for improved services across the nation as there is great variability based on region. Applicability of Research to Practice Discuss factors associated with patients being discharged home with home health services. Identify areas of possible improvement to maximize access to these services for all burn patients.

Cross-Border Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Burn Patients.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing problem worldwide, with differences in regional resistance patterns partially driven by local variance in antibiotic stewardship. Trauma patients transferring from Mexico have more AMR than those injured in the United States; we hypothesized a similar pattern would be present for burn patients. Patients and Methods: The registry of an American Burn Association (ABA)-verified burn center was queried for all admissions for burn injury January 2015 through December 2019 with hospital length-of-stay (LOS) longer than seven days. Patients were divided into two groups based upon burn location: United States (USA) or Mexico (MEX). All bacterial infections were analyzed. Results: A total of 73 MEX and 826 USA patients were included. Patients had a similar mean age (40.4 years MEX vs. 42.2 USA) and gender distribution (69.6% male vs. 64.4%). The MEX patients had larger median percent total body surface area burned (%TBSA; 11.1% vs. 4.3%; p ≤ 0.001) and longer hospital LOS (18.0 vs. 13.0 days; p = 0.028). The MEX patients more often had respiratory infections (16.4% vs. 7.4%; p = 0.046), whereas rates of other infections were similar. The MEX patients had higher rates of any resistant organism (47.2% of organisms MEX vs. 28.1% USA; p = 0.013), and were more likely to have resistant infections on univariable analysis; however, on multivariable analysis country of burn was no longer significant. Conclusions: Antimicrobial resistance is more common in burn patients initially burned in Mexico than those burned in the United States, but location was not a predictor of resistance compared to other traditional burn-related factors. Continuing to monitor for AMR regardless of country of burn remains critical.

Predicting mortality and admission duration for burns patients in Queensland, Australia: a retrospective cohort study.

Burn outcomes can be improved by reducing mortality and hospital admission duration. This increases patient quality of life and reduces hospital-associated complications and costs. This study aimed to develop a model with which to predict burns inpatient mortality and admission duration. Multiple logistic and linear regression were used to investigate mortality and admission duration by age, total body surface area, sex, delay to presentation, the use of surgery, discharge distance and period. One thousand four hundred and seventynine patients (747 pre-COVID and 732 during COVID) were admitted between the study dates. Using multiple logistic regression, age and total body surface area predicted mortality LR X2 (5), P< 0.001, pseudo R2 = 0.57. Using multiple linear regression, age, total body surface area and the use of surgery predicted admission duration F (7, 1455)=161.42, P< 0.001, R2 = 0.44. Sex, delay to presentation, period and discharge distance did not predict mortality or admission duration. In our institution, mortality was increased by 8.6% for each additional year of age and by 11.3% for each additional percentage total body surface area. Likewise, admission duration was prolonged by 1 day for every 7 years of increased age, by 1 day for each additional percentage total body surface area or by 7 days if surgery was required. These models have been incorporated into a set of prediction tables for mortality and admission duration for use in our institute that can guide patient and family discussions.

Haemoglobin changes before and after packed red blood cells transfusion in burn patients: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

The present study aimed to investigate haemoglobin (Hb) changes before and after packed red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in burn patients. This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study that was conducted on burn patients in Velayat hospital in Rasht, Iran. The sampling method of this study was consecutive sampling. Data were collected using patient records, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), total body surface area (TBSA) percentage, length of hospitalisation, Frequency of receiving packed RBCs, and Hb level before each packed RBC transfusion and 4 to 6hours after transfusion. Paired t tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare the study variables. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between Hb changes after the transfusion of packed RBCs and the study variables. A total of 110 burn patients participated in this study. The average Hb before and after transfusion was 8.07 (SD=0.97) and 9.16 (SD=1.01), respectively, which were significantly different (P= .0001). The results showed that there was a significant negative relationship between the variables of age (r= -0.188, P= .0001), BMI (r= -0.110, P= .035), and TBSA percentage (r= -0.122, P= .019) with changes in Hb after transfusion. Also, the duration of hospitalisation had a significant positive relationship with Hb changes after transfusion (r= 0.124, P= .017). In sum, Hb level compensation through packed RBC transfusion in elderly burn patients has more challenges. The number of changes in Hb level after receiving packed RBCs decreased with increasing TBSA, BMI, and age. Also, there was a positive correlation between the duration of hospitalisation and changes in Hb levels.

Global Disparities in Burn Outcomes: Does Gender Predict Mortality in the Global Burn Registry?

IntroductionGlobal burn injury burden disproportionately impacts low- and middle-income countries. Surgery is a mainstay of burn treatment, yet access to surgical care appears to be inequitably distributed for women. This study sought to identify gender disparities in mortality and access to surgery for burn patients in the World Health Organization Global Burn Registry (GBR). MethodsWe queried the World Health Organization GBR for a retrospective cohort (2016-2021). Patients were stratified by sex. Outcomes of interest were in-hospital mortality and surgical treatment. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, outcomes, and health facility resources were compared between sexes with Wilcoxon rank sum test for nonparametric medians, and chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test for nonparametric proportions. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to assess the relationships between sex and mortality, and sex and surgery. ResultsOf 8445 patients in the GBR from 20 countries (10 low resource), 40% of patients were female, with 51% of all patients receiving surgical treatment during their hospitalization. Female patients had a higher incidence of mortality (24% versus 15%, P < 0.001) and a higher median total body surface area (20% versus 15%, P < 0.001), yet a lower incidence of surgery (47% versus 53%, P < 0.001) following burn injury when compared to males. In multivariable analysis, female sex was independently associated with mortality after controlling for age, time to presentation, smoke injury, percent total body surface area, surgery, and country income status. Female sex was independently associated with surgical care (odds ratio 0.86, P = 0.001). ConclusionsFemale burn patients suffer higher mortality compared to males and are less likely to receive surgery. Further study into this gender disparity in burns is warranted.

Factors associated with an extended length of stay in the pediatric burn patient

BackgroundThe Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services predicts the length of stay for pediatric burn patients based on several variables. However, many patients exceed their anticipated length. This study looks to identify aspects of patient presentation, wound characteristics, treatment, and discharge that are associated with a longer-than-predicted length of stay to identify strategies to safely reduce it. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of 535 pediatric burn patients admitted to our academic hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. 405 patients met inclusion criteria. Data were collected and analyzed. ResultsAverage patient age was 3.36 years. 72.3% were treated for scald burns. Average length of stay was 13.5 days. 20.5% (n = 83) of patients exceeded their predicted length of stay. In comparing patients who exceeded their predicted length of stay to those who did not, the former had significant differences in burn causes, percent total body surface area burned (12.80% vs 4.24% [P = .000]), and body areas involved. Patients who exceeded length of stay had a higher incidence of endotracheal intubation (15.7% vs 1.3%), surgical intervention (85.5% vs 29.2%), need for tube-feeding (48.2% vs 4.3%), and intensive care unit admissions (22.9% vs 2.2% [P = .00 all]). They also averaged more operations, autografting (31.3% vs 1.6% [P = .00]), total operating room time (250 vs 31 minutes [P = .00]), and time to the first operation (2.32 vs 1.64 days [P = .00]). Tube-feeding averaged 9.52 vs 0.72 days (P = .00) extending patient stay after wound stability (43.9% vs 4.3% [P = .00]). These patients also required more discharge planning, with higher rates of Child Protective Services involvement (39.8% vs 10.9% [P = .00]), services consulted (1.06 vs 0.24 [P = .00]), and discharges to inpatient rehabilitation (8.6% vs 0.6% [P = .00]). 89.6% of all patients followed up in clinic. ConclusionsTwenty percent of pediatric burn patients had a longer length of stay than predicted by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services. Many factors were strongly associated with a longer-than-predicted length of stay. Identifying these early on might help reduce length of stay and meet the targets of the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services.

Length of Stay and Costs with Autologous Skin Cell Suspension Versus Split-Thickness Skin Grafts: Burn Care Data from US Centers.

IntroductionAutologous skin cell suspension (ASCS) significantly reduces donor skin requirements versus conventional split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) for thermal burn treatment. In analyses using the Burn-medical counter measure Effectiveness Assessment Cost Outcomes Nexus (BEACON) model, ASCS was associated with shorter hospital length of stay (LOS) and cost savings versus STSG. This study hypothesized that daily practice data from the USA would support these findings.MethodsElectronic medical record data from 500 healthcare facilities (January 2019–August 2020) were used to match adult patients who received inpatient burn treatment with ASCS (± STSG) to patients treated with STSG alone on the basis of sex, age, percent total body surface area (TBSA), and comorbidities. Based on BEACON analyses, LOS was assumed to represent 70% of total costs and used as a proxy to assess the data. Mean LOS, costs, and the incremental revenue associated with inpatient capacity changes were calculated.ResultsA total of 151 ASCS and 2443 STSG patients were identified: 63.0% were male and average age was 44.5 years. Eight-one matches were made between cohorts. LOS was 21.7 days with ASCS and 25.0 days with STSG alone (difference 3.3 days [13.2%]). LOS was lower with ASCS than STSG in four of five TBSA intervals. The LOS difference led to hospital bed cost savings of $25,864 per ASCS patient; overall cost savings were $36,949 per patient. Similar cost savings were observed in TBSA groupings < 20% and ≥ 20%. The reduced LOS with ASCS translated into an increased capacity of 2.2 inpatients/bed annually, which increased hospital revenue by $92,283/burn unit bed annually.ConclusionsReal-world data show that ASCS (± STSG) is associated with reduced LOS and cost savings versus STSG alone across all burn sizes, supporting the validity of the BEACON analyses. ASCS use may also increase patient capacity and throughput, leading to increased hospital revenue.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-022-02306-y.