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Although patients with burns are known to develop hypocalcemia, the development of hypercalcemia has also been reported in a few patients in the burn intensive care unit. Here, the incidence of hypercalcemia in the burn unit of a single institution is reviewed. The records of all patients admitted to the burn intensive care unit over a period of 4 years of a single institution were reviewed. When looking at a select group of burn patients who have been hospitalized for more than 4 weeks, an unusually high incidence of hypercalcemia was found, especially in patients with renal failure (because of decreased renal clearance, patients with renal failure are prone to hypercalcemia if another inciting factor is present). As previously reported, the hypercalcemia in our patients was consistent with hypercalcemia caused by immobilization. We also observed that mortality correlated with higher calcium levels.

Purpura fulminans is a rare complication of a coagulopathy or an infection. Haemophilus influenzae infection, which has decreased since the haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine was initiated, is an unusual initiating cause of purpura fulminans. This case is the first reported in the literature of an adult who developed purpura fulminans after Haemophilus influenzae sepsis. Her elevated beta2 glycoprotein 1 ratio may have contributed to the severity of her disease. Although rare, Haemophilus influenzae may precipitate purpura fulminans. Current therapy is directed at control of precipitating factors, removal of nonviable tissue, treatment of secondary infections, and physiologic support. There also is evidence that patients respond well to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, with decreasing limb and tissue loss.

The term radiological hyperthermia is used to describe the exposure of biological tissues to temperatures just above physiological ones, namely between 42 and 45 degrees C. A machine for hyperthermia (SAPIC SV03 produced by Aeritalia, Caselle, Turin) is been experimentally used at the authors' institute. The present study aims to analyse the technical and qualitative aspects of temperature control using invasive and previsional thermometry. The term invasive thermometry is used to describe the insertion of small teflon catheters into the biological body through which thermometric probes are introduced to control deep temperature. Previsional thermometry is the phrase used to describe the computer simulation of hyperthermic treatment, starting from knowledge of the tissue to be heated and the type of applicator used. The simulated treatment and the real temperature measured are then compared in order to optimize the treatment used.