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Fluid resuscitation is of great importance in the management of major burns. Various formulae have been described for calculating fluid management, especially in severely burned patients. Although the Parkland formula is widely used, its efficacy and clinical value are discussed controversially. We investigated the impact of deviation from calculated fluid volume by Parkland formula and the maintenance i.v. fluid (Parkland*) on the outcome of burned pediatric patients. Patients aged < 16 years with thermal injuries included in the German Burn Registry between January 2016 and December 2022 with a total body surface area ≥ 15% were analyzed. Using mixed-effect negative binomial regression, the association between a deviation from Parkland* in the administered fluid volume and the primary outcome length of hospital stay was estimated—additionally adjusted for known risk factors. As a secondary outcome, we use in-hospital mortality, evaluated descriptively. In 86.5% of patients, the administered fluid volume was lower than Parkland*, with pronounced deviation in the seven patients who died in the hospital. Descriptively and based on mixed-effect negative binomial regression models, we found that a positive deviation from Parkland* increases the number of hospital days, whereas a negative deviation may decrease them. Conclusion: Very little is known about the role of administered resuscitation volumes for the outcome of pediatric severely burned patients. This study observed a tendency to a restricted resuscitation and its potential benefits in terms of length of hospital stay. What is Known: • Fluid resuscitation is an important aspect of therapy in the acute phase of children with extensive burns. • The Parkland formula is routinely used formula for determining fluid requirements. What is New: • 86.5 % received less volume than determined by Parkland and a tendency to restricted resuscitation and its potential benefits in terms of length of stay was observed. • There is still considerable lack of clarity, and a strictly individualized protocol with the support of formulas is of crucial importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burn injury is a major trauma which range from minor burns to major burns. Burns are the fourth most common type of trauma worldwide. Major burns have been known to have fatal outcomes. Hence, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the impact of inhalation injury on burn outcome and challenges of burn care in selected adult major burns patients treated at a Tertiary Institutional Teaching Hospital in Benin, City Edo State, Nigeria over a 12 months period using sixty patients of 28 males and 32 females with a male to female ratio of 1; 1.14. Upon patients' arrival, they were resuscitated. The burn size and the burn depth were estimated. Burn size was estimated using The Lund and Browder chart. The depth of the burn was assessed clinically. These were documented in charts and graphs. Thirty two patients (53.3%) presented in the hospital within 4 hours of burns. Seven patients (11.7%) presented between 5-8hours while 21(35.0%) presented after 8hours. Mortality rate was more in patients with inhalation injury (62.5%) as compared to those without (14.3%). This finding was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). Flame burn accounted for the highest aetiological agent with Kerosene explosions as the commonest cause. In conclusion, flame burns were the commonest aetiological factors in burns. Inhalation injury was a significant risk for death in patients with major burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate fluid resuscitation in adults with major burns is crucial to prevent or minimize burn shock, but needs to be balanced against the complications of over-resuscitation. A single-center, retrospective review of 95 ICU patients with severe burns from Jan 2014 to Aug 2021 was performed. Some 52 patients were managed with a liberal targeted fluid goal of 4 mL/kg/%TBSA, and 43 patients were managed after we incorporated a restricted fluid goal of 2 mL/kg/%TBSA into our standard resuscitation strategy. Of the 95 patients included in this analysis, 76 patients (80%) survived admission. The median age was 41 years, and the median TBSA was 36%. All patients received Ringers lactate as the primary fluid for resuscitation, and 40 of the 95 patients (42%) received colloids as a rescue infusion within 24 h of injury. Some 44 of the 95 patients (46.3%) had a concurrent inhalational injury. The median length of hospital stay was 37 days, and the median ICU length of stay was 18 days. A total of 17 of the 95 patients developed ARDS (17.9%), 51 of the 95 (53.7%) patients developed pneumonia, and 34 of the 95 patients (35.8%) developed AKI within the first 7 days of admission. The median fluid administered during the first day of hospitalization from 2019 onwards remained close to 4 mL/kg/%TBSA, despite transitioning to a 2 mL/kg/%TBSA formula for a 24 h fluid goal (unless there was an electrical burn, in which case the 4 cc/kg formula was utilized). Further exploratory analyses also suggested that under-resuscitation and administration of albumin may be associated with increased mortality, though this did not reach statistical significance. ARDS development was associated with increased age and TBSA as well as increased fluid intake within the first 24 h. A change in the targeted fluid goal from liberal (4 mL/kg/%TBSA) to a restricted (2 mL/kg/%TBSA) formula did not change the actual fluids administered over 24 h when guided by clinical criteria. Our review did suggest that under-resuscitation contributed to mortality, but that excessive fluid resuscitation likely contributed to ARDS risks for large TBSA patients. Our data suggest that strategies to optimize fluid administration are important to improve patient outcomes, but should focus on clinical parameters rather than calculated fluid goals.

Burn injury is a major trauma which range from minor burns to major burns. Burns are the fourth most common type of trauma worldwide. Major burns have been known to have fatal outcomes. Hence, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the impact of inhalation injury on burn outcome and challenges of burn care in selected adult major burns patients treated at a Tertiary Institutional Teaching Hospital in Benin, City Edo State, Nigeria over a 12 months period using sixty patients of 28 males and 32 females with a male to female ratio of 1; 1.14. Upon patients’ arrival, they were resuscitated. The burn size and the burn depth were estimated. Burn size was estimated using The Lund and Browder chart. The depth of the burn was assessed clinically. These were documented in charts and graphs. Thirty two patients (53.3%) presented in the hospital within 4 hours of burns. Seven patients (11.7%) presented between 5-8hours while 21(35.0%) presented after 8hours. Mortality rate was more in patients with inhalation injury (62.5%) as compared to those without (14.3%). This finding was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). Flame burn accounted for the highest aetiological agent with Kerosene explosions as the commonest cause. In conclusion, flame burns were the commonest aetiological factors in burns. Inhalation injury was a significant risk for death in patients with major burns.

Introduction: Burns are a global public health problem. Major burns can stimulate the body to enter a stress state, thereby increasing the risk of infection and adversely affecting the patient's prognosis. Recently, it has been discovered that cuproptosis, a form of cell death, is associated with various diseases. Our research aims to explore the molecular clusters associated with cuproptosis in major burns and construct predictive models. Methods: We analyzed the expression and immune infiltration characteristics of cuproptosis-related factors in major burn based on the GSE37069 dataset. Using 553 samples from major burn patients, we explored the molecular clusters based on cuproptosis-related genes and their associated immune cell infiltrates. The WGCNA was utilized to identify cluster-specific genes. Subsequently, the performance of different machine learning models was compared to select the optimal model. The effectiveness of the predictive model was validated using Nomogram, calibration curves, decision curves, and an external dataset. Finally, five core genes related to cuproptosis and major burn have been was validated using RT-qPCR. Results: In both major burn and normal samples, we determined the cuproptosis-related genes associated with major burns through WGCNA analysis. Through immune infiltrate profiling analysis, we found significant immune differences between different clusters. When K=2, the clustering number is the most stable. GSVA analysis shows that specific genes in cluster 2 are closely associated with various functions. After identifying the cross-core genes, machine learning models indicate that generalized linear models have better accuracy. Ultimately, a generalized linear model for five highly correlated genes was constructed, and validation with an external dataset showed an AUC of 0.982. The accuracy of the model was further verified through calibration curves, decision curves, and modal graphs. Further analysis of clinical relevance revealed that these correlated genes were closely related to time of injury. Conclusion: This study has revealed the intricate relationship between cuproptosis and major burns. Research has identified 15 cuproptosis-related genes that are associated with major burn. Through a machine learning model, five core genes related to cuproptosis and major burn have been selected and validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Psicoterapia y Psicosomática is the property of Instituto de Estudios Psicosomaticos & Psicoterapia Medica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Adequate fluid resuscitation in adults with major burns is crucial to prevent or minimize burn shock, but needs to be balanced against the complications of over-resuscitation. A single-center, retrospective review of 95 ICU patients with severe burns from Jan 2014 to Aug 2021 was performed. Some 52 patients were managed with a liberal targeted fluid goal of 4 mL/kg/%TBSA, and 43 patients were managed after we incorporated a restricted fluid goal of 2 mL/kg/%TBSA into our standard resuscitation strategy. Of the 95 patients included in this analysis, 76 patients (80%) survived admission. The median age was 41 years, and the median TBSA was 36%. All patients received Ringer’s lactate as the primary fluid for resuscitation, and 40 of the 95 patients (42%) received colloids as a rescue infusion within 24 h of injury. Some 44 of the 95 patients (46.3%) had a concurrent inhalational injury. The median length of hospital stay was 37 days, and the median ICU length of stay was 18 days. A total of 17 of the 95 patients developed ARDS (17.9%), 51 of the 95 (53.7%) patients developed pneumonia, and 34 of the 95 patients (35.8%) developed AKI within the first 7 days of admission. The median fluid administered during the first day of hospitalization from 2019 onwards remained close to 4 mL/kg/%TBSA, despite transitioning to a 2 mL/kg/%TBSA formula for a 24 h fluid goal (unless there was an electrical burn, in which case the 4 cc/kg formula was utilized). Further exploratory analyses also suggested that under-resuscitation and administration of albumin may be associated with increased mortality, though this did not reach statistical significance. ARDS development was associated with increased age and TBSA as well as increased fluid intake within the first 24 h. A change in the targeted fluid goal from liberal (4 mL/kg/%TBSA) to a restricted (2 mL/kg/%TBSA) formula did not change the actual fluids administered over 24 h when guided by clinical criteria. Our review did suggest that under-resuscitation contributed to mortality, but that excessive fluid resuscitation likely contributed to ARDS risks for large TBSA patients. Our data suggest that strategies to optimize fluid administration are important to improve patient outcomes, but should focus on clinical parameters rather than calculated fluid goals.

Background Critical illness may lead to activation of the sympathetic system. The sympathetic stimulation may be further increased by exogenous catecholamines, such as vasopressors and inotropes. Excessive adrenergic stress has been associated with organ dysfunction and higher mortality. β-Blockers may reduce the adrenergic burden, but they may also compromise perfusion to vital organs thus worsening organ dysfunction. To assess the effect of treatment with β-blockers in critically ill adults, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Materials and methods We conducted a search from three major databases: Ovid Medline, the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials and Scopus database. Two independent reviewers screened, selected, and assessed the included articles according to prespecified eligibility criteria. We assessed risk of bias of eligible articles according to the Cochrane guidelines. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.Results Sixteen randomized controlled trials comprising 2410 critically ill patients were included in the final review. A meta-analysis of 11 trials including 2103 patients showed a significant reduction in mortality in patients treated with β-blockers compared to control (risk ratio 0.65, 95%CI 0.53–0.79; p

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Burns are common in developing countries and place a large burden on the medical and social care systems. However, information about management and outcomes from such countries is scarce. The purpose of this study was to analyze the epidemiology and main factors related to the mortality in severely burned patients at the Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación in Medellín, Colombia. Methods: An observational retrospective cohort study was conducted. To establish prognostic factors associated with mortality, we analyzed variables such as age, sex, burned surface, and degree of burn, among others. Demographic, clinic, and management features as well as complications and factors associated with mortality were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: 4516 clinical histories were reviewed, 225 were included in the study. 76.9% were men, with a median age of 35 years; 64.9% were fire burns. The median burned body surface area was 42%. There were inhalation injuries in 135 patients and ocular in 106 patients. The main complication was infection followed by rhabdomyolysis. The overall hospital stay was 27 days, and the median length of stay at the intensive care unit was 7 days with in-hospital mortality of 30.7%. The variables associated with mortality were age, burned body surface area, degree of burn, and kidney injury. Surgical intervention was protective. Conclusions: Severely burned patients in our hospital have similar outcomes and, in some cases, better outcomes than those reported in the literature in countries with similar characteristics, and we have seen that in the last years, there has been a better experience in the management of these patients. Elderly, extension, and depth of burnt tissue are markers of poor outcomes. Early surgery and intubation have shown better outcomes, probably due to infection control and removal of necrotic tissue, airway management, and ventilatory support for metabolic and hemodynamic derangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) has been described in intensive care (ICU) survivors, being present in 50% of patients surviving 12 months, with well-defined risk factors. Severely burned patients combine many of these risk factors, but the prevalence of PICS has not yet been documented in burns. The study aimed to answer this question and identify associations of PICS with clinical characteristics.Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study of major burn survivors admitted to the burn ICU between 2013 and 2019. Main inclusion criteria: major burns>20 %BSA and ICU admission. The PICS components were assessed using three questionnaires: 1) Physical with Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B); 2) Cognitive health with MacNair Cognitive Difficulties Self-Rating Scale (CDS); 3) Mental health with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. PICS was considered present if at least one component out of three was abnormal. Data as mean±SD.Results: Among the 288 patients admitted during the period, 132 met the inclusion criteria: 53 patients were finally enrolled. They were aged 44 ± 18 years at the time of injury and burned 24 ± 20 BSA % and stayed 25 ± 44 days in the ICU. PICS was identified in 35 patients (66 %): more than one component was altered in 21 patients (60 %). Principal risk factors were more than 3 general anesthetics, prolonged mechanical ventilation (>4 days), ICU stay (>8 days), and hospital stay (>25 days) CONCLUSION: PICS occurred in 66 % of major burns with two or three components affected simultaneously in 60 %, i.e. more frequently than in general ICU patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical illness may lead to activation of the sympathetic system. The sympathetic stimulation may be further increased by exogenous catecholamines, such as vasopressors and inotropes. Excessive adrenergic stress has been associated with organ dysfunction and higher mortality. β-Blockers may reduce the adrenergic burden, but they may also compromise perfusion to vital organs thus worsening organ dysfunction. To assess the effect of treatment with β-blockers in critically ill adults, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. We conducted a search from three major databases: Ovid Medline, the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials and Scopus database. Two independent reviewers screened, selected, and assessed the included articles according to prespecified eligibility criteria. We assessed risk of bias of eligible articles according to the Cochrane guidelines. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Sixteen randomized controlled trials comprising 2410 critically ill patients were included in the final review. A meta-analysis of 11 trials including 2103 patients showed a significant reduction in mortality in patients treated with β-blockers compared to control (risk ratio 0.65, 95%CI 0.53–0.79; p <.0001). There was no significant difference in mean arterial pressure or vasopressor load. Quality of life, biventricular ejection fraction, blood lactate levels, cardiac biomarkers and mitochondrial function could not be included in meta-analysis due to heterogenous reporting of outcomes. In this systematic review we found that β-blocker treatment reduced mortality in critical illness. Use of β-blockers in critical illness thus appears safe after initial hemodynamic stabilization. High-quality RCT's are needed to answer the questions concerning optimal target group of patients, timing of β-blocker treatment, choice of β-blocker, and choice of physiological and hemodynamic parameters to target during β-blocker treatment in critical illness. A potential outcome benefit of β-blocker treatment in critical illness exists according to the current review and meta-analysis. Administration of β-blockers to resuscitated patients in the ICU seems safe in terms of hemodynamic stability and outcome, even during concomitant vasopressor administration. However, further studies, preferably large RCTs on β-blocker treatment in the critically ill are needed to answer the questions concerning timing and choice of β-blocker, patient selection, and optimal hemodynamic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burns 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. PNI 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. Of 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). The 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. • We investigated the association of PNI and PPCs in patients with major burns. • Preoperative PNI was a risk factor for PPCs, which showed a prevalence of 31.1%. • Preoperative PNI ≤ 31.5 was associated with higher PPC incidence and poorer outcomes. • PNI can be a useful indicator of PPCs and subsequent poor outcomes in major burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burn trauma induces hypermetabolism and alters thermoregulation resulting in elevated body temperature. Because patients with burns are prone to heat loss and hypothermia, maintaining physiologic body temperature is important. However, optimal target temperature is widely unknown because thermoregulation of burn trauma has mainly been studied in the previous century, when treatment concepts differed from current era. The aim of this study was to investigate current thermal management of burn treatment and to investigate the discrepancies between classical concepts of thermoregulation in burn trauma and current practice of temperature management. A paper-based survey was conducted in burn centres in Germany, Austria, and German-speaking Switzerland. Participants were asked for expected temperatures, temperature goals, and thermal management of severely burned patients. Results were evaluated for adults and children. 37 of 38 approached burn centres participated in this survey. 59 % expected that adults with burn trauma would develop hyperthermia (>37.5 °C) but only 27 % expected hyperthermia in children (>38 °C). The average target body temperature was 37.1 °C for adults and 36.9 °C for children. Adults below 35.7 °C and children below 36.0 °C were assessed to be hypothermic. Temperatures above 38.8 °C in adults and 38.7 °C in children raised suspicion for sepsis. Antipyretic treatment was assumed to be justified at temperatures above 39.1 °C in adults and 38.5 °C in children. Although the most common warming method was to increase ambient temperature, 89 % of all participants felt their wellbeing was affected by an increased ambient temperature and 68 % were concerned about temperature-related negative effects. Although 57 % of the responding centres had established a standard operating procedure for thermal management, only 41 % considered the available literature to be very relevant in daily practice and 89 % criticized the lack of guidelines. Limit and target temperatures in European burn centres are heterogeneous. Classic concepts of thermal management in burn care are not universally adopted. A majority of the centers expresses the need for specific guidelines. The basis for this should be multicentre clinical trials on temperature management in burn trauma., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study aimed to assess the accuracy of the revised BAUX score for predicting mortality among the major burn patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) compared with non-AKI group. The epidemiologic information and risk factors of AKI in major burn patients were also the point of interest. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study. The medical records of 144 major burn patients admitted at the burns unit of Siriraj Hospital from 2010-2016 were reviewed and important data were retrieved. Results: Age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, severity of the burn injuries, and inhalation injuries were the factors related to AKI in major burn patients. The mortality rate due to AKI in burn patients was high (44.4%). The accuracy of the revised BAUX score in predicting the mortality among the major burn patients from our series was only fair (66.7%). Conclusion: AKI affected on mortality of the major burn patients. Until the better predictor comes up, the revised BAUX score should be considered as a predictor of mortality in these patients.

Introduction: Burns are a global public health problem. Major burns can stimulate the body to enter a stress state, thereby increasing the risk of infection and adversely affecting the patient's prognosis. Recently, it has been discovered that cuproptosis, a form of cell death, is associated with various diseases. Our research aims to explore the molecular clusters associated with cuproptosis in major burns and construct predictive models., Methods: We analyzed the expression and immune infiltration characteristics of cuproptosis-related factors in major burn based on the GSE37069 dataset. Using 553 samples from major burn patients, we explored the molecular clusters based on cuproptosis-related genes and their associated immune cell infiltrates. The WGCNA was utilized to identify cluster-specific genes. Subsequently, the performance of different machine learning models was compared to select the optimal model. The effectiveness of the predictive model was validated using Nomogram, calibration curves, decision curves, and an external dataset. Finally, five core genes related to cuproptosis and major burn have been was validated using RT-qPCR., Results: In both major burn and normal samples, we determined the cuproptosis-related genes associated with major burns through WGCNA analysis. Through immune infiltrate profiling analysis, we found significant immune differences between different clusters. When K=2, the clustering number is the most stable. GSVA analysis shows that specific genes in cluster 2 are closely associated with various functions. After identifying the cross-core genes, machine learning models indicate that generalized linear models have better accuracy. Ultimately, a generalized linear model for five highly correlated genes was constructed, and validation with an external dataset showed an AUC of 0.982. The accuracy of the model was further verified through calibration curves, decision curves, and modal graphs. Further analysis of clinical relevance revealed that these correlated genes were closely related to time of injury., Conclusion: This study has revealed the intricate relationship between cuproptosis and major burns. Research has identified 15 cuproptosis-related genes that are associated with major burn. Through a machine learning model, five core genes related to cuproptosis and major burn have been selected and validated., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wang, Xiong, Hong, Liao, Yang, Jiang, Jing, Huang, Fu and Zhu.)

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Trauma & Emergency Surgery / Ulusal Travma ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Infections are the most severe and the most frequent complication in major burns requiring adequate diagnosis and treatment. Extensive burned areas, impaired immune system and antibiotic therapy contribute to the development of opportunistic fungal infections. An important aspect is the increased level of antimicrobial resistance in our country. We present a two years study on the burn patients hospitalized in our institution. A total of 355 burned patients were hospitalized during this period, 210 (59%) of them being addmited in Critical Care Burn Unit. We noted the main infectious complications and established a dinamic microbian mapping during patient hospitalization. Fungal infections were noted. We performed microbiological screening: testing at admission and once a week or in case of clinical signs from all potential sites. For the clinical therapy of mycoses, it is mandatory to know whether a fungal colonization or a fungal infection is involved. Unfortunately, often in severe burned patients, clinical presentation is unspecific and sensitivity of diagnostic results may be unreliable. Invasive fungal infections due to Candida species and Aspergillus species are important emerging causes of morbidity and mortality. The systemic use of antifungal agents is conducted depending on the general condition of the burn patient, the fungal species involved and the confirmation of fungemia. In conclusion, specific treatment of infectious complications has to be conducted according to the characteristics of the patients in order to reduce morbidity and mortality and avoid the development of antimicrobial resistance.

Reflection can help nurses make sense of their clinical surroundings and understand risks, challenges and opportunities. Learning the art required for reflective practice begins as a student when critical reflection is particularly important during practice placements. A suitable reflective framework is provided by Rolfe et al (2011). Adopting this framework, this article draws on the placement experiences of a second-year undergraduate children's nursing student in an acute setting, caring for a toddler with 13% partial and full-thickness burns. The decisions made about assessing and monitoring homeostasis, overall fluid and pain management, infection prevention and potential safeguarding concerns are explored. Reflecting on clinical experience provides students with invaluable transferable skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Traumatic loss of skin, particularly in major burns, requires skin grafting to repair the tissue. For a large burn, where donor sites are limited, the skin graft may need to be expanded. In addition, rapid wound closure is a large factor in successful recovery and is usually achieved by debridement and skin grafting. Micrografting was introduced by Meek and involved dividing the skin into small pieces, allowing for up to a tenfold skin expansion. Methods: We conducted a review of the literature, searched via Medline, Pubmed and Embase (from 1958 to June 2017), searching to identify studies and reports of micrografting. We searched using the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) 'micrograft', 'micrograft technique', 'Meek', 'Meek technique', 'Parker Cicero', 'major burn treatment' and 'mesh skin graft'. Results: We analysed 24 articles in which the description and modifications presented by the micrograft technique were presented, along with evidence that supports or rejects its use. The consensus was for the use of micrografting in burns of >30% total body surface area (TBSA). On poor wound beds, the evaluation of re-epithelialisation had greater success due to low metabolic demands and greater skin coverage compared with control groups (p<0.005). Comparing the 'mesh' with 'Meek' group, the micrograft group had fewer surgeries (10 versus 19.75), shorter average length of hospital stay (51 days versus 120.5 days; p<0.05). Conclusions: Micrografting can be used where there is poor bed vascularity (such as in patients with diabetes), with higher success due to low metabolic demand. This is recommended for major burns, >30% TBSA, with inadequate donor sites and comorbidities, such as diabetes. However, disadvantages include a 'polka dot' appearance on healing and the fact the initial surgeries, creating the micrograft squares, are labour-intensive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The deficit of donor sites in major burns over 50% of the total body surface area has necessitated the application of methods besides traditional meshed autografting to achieve definitive skin cover. The Meek micrografting technique was introduced at this hospital in 2011, especially in the absence of a reliable source of deceased donor allograft skin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this strategy with reference to its technical execution, efficacy and indications in the context of major paediatric burn surgery.Methods: A cohort study was performed of all paediatric patients with major burn who underwent Meek micrografting at a dedicated paediatric burn centre in a developing country over a five year period. Demographics, details of their burns, operative management and clinical course and outcomes were collected from patient records and operative notes and analysed.Results: Thirty-five patients were managed using the micrografting technique during the study period. The mean patient age was 4.1 years (range 3 months-11 years) and their mean total body surface area (TBSA) burn was 49.7% (range 15-86%). Eleven patients sustained inhalation injuries and five developed a re-feeding syndrome on account of delayed referral. The mean abbreviated burn severity index (ABSI) was 8.5 (range 2-13). The hospital length of stay in the 27 survivors was a mean of 75.5 days, equating to 1.4 days per percentage burn. Eight patients died during the course of treatment, with a mean TBSA burn of 67.75% (range 38-86%). Graft take one month after surgery was documented to be more than 90% in 24 patients, of whom 3 subsequently died. Eleven patients had less than 90% graft take at this time, of whom 5 died.Conclusion: There is a considerable 'learning curve' associated with this technique. In order to achieve success one must ensure a completely viable, non-infected bed, obtained by tangential or fascial excision, followed by allografting as temporary coverage and to 'test the wound bed' for definitive coverage. Infection resulted in the majority of autograft loss in this series, and in addition to risk factors like burn size and inhalation injury, accounted for many of the deaths in this series. Meek micrografting offers high expansion ratios, thereby facilitating durable wound cover in the presence of limited donor sites. It is unlikely that a lethal dose, 50% (LD50) of almost 70% TBSA would have been possible in this context without the regular application of this technique. This study advocates for the widespread availability of Meek micrografting and deceased donor allograft skin in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a considerable decrease in their incidence worldwide, burn injuries remain one of the commonest forms of trauma and account for a weighty proportion of trauma cases in health-care emergencies around the globe. Although the latest data reveal a substantial decline in burn-related mortality and hospital admissions in the US over the past three decades, severe thermal injuries continue to trigger devastating morbidity and significant mortality while their management remains a dynamic challenge for the entire medical and paramedical community. Concrete evidence continues to be established regarding burn-associated pathophysiologic responses, and their destructive sequelae and deleterious effects in survivors at cellular, systemic as well as socio-economic level. Better understanding of these responses have contributed to advances in therapeutic strategies, improved long-term outcomes and catalyzed the reintegration of victims back into society. This paper describes the current understanding of the pathophysiology of a burn injury and characterizes both local and systemic pathophysiologic responses in terms of metabolic, hemodynamics, cardiac, renal, hepatic, gastro-intestinal, immunologic, endocrine as well as male reproductive systems in an attempt to understand the corresponding treatment modalities for this unique patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The cost of the treatment of burns is high especially in self-inflicted burns with prolonged treatment. We performed a retrospective review of the self-inflicted burns at our regional burns centre to determine the costs incurred in their management and to identify factors which could reduce the financial burden in the future.Methods: The data was collected retrospectively of all the inpatient and outpatient self-inflicted burns presenting to our regional burns centre in the year 2011.Results: Twenty one patients (out of a total of 870 patients) presented with self-inflicted burns to our centre in 2011. Five (23.8%) were major burns with an average of 53.2% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) and 16 (76.2%) were minor burns with an average of 0.5% TBSA. 11 (52.4%) patients had flame burns including 4 self-immolation burns. The mortality rate was 4.8% (n=1). Five (23.8%) patients underwent surgical treatment. Seven (33.3%) patients were treated in intensive care and with average stay of 46.85 days. Critical care and theatre attendances made up most of the costs with average ICU stay per patient calculated at £313,131/day. The total cost of all 21 patients was £1,581,856.Conclusion: Burns are preventable injuries, early detection and intervention in patients with propensity to self-inflict burns can possibly reduce the costs of treatment in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The individual implications of major burns are likely to affect the full spectrum of patients' physical, emotional, psychological, social, environmental, spiritual and vocational health. Yet, not all of the post-burn health implications are inevitably negative. Utilizing a qualitative approach, this heuristic phenomenological study explores the experiences and perceptions early (ages 18-35) and midlife (ages 36-64) adults providing insight for how participants perceived their burns in relationship to their post-burn health.Methods: Participants were interviewed using semi-structured interview questions framed around seven domains of health. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim then coded line by line, identifying dominant categories related to health. Categories were analyzed identifying shared themes among the study sample.Results: Participants were Caucasian, seven males and one female. Mean age at time of interviews was 54.38 and 42.38 at time of burns. Mean time since burns occurred was 9.38 years with a minimum of (20%) total body surface area (TBSA) burns. Qualitative content analysis rendered three emergent health-related categories and associated themes that represented shared meanings within the participant sample. The category of "Physical Health" reflected the theme physical limitations, pain and sensitivity to temperature. Within the category of "Intellectual Health" were themes of insight, goal setting and self-efficacy, optimism and humor and within "Emotional Health" were the themes empathy and gratitude.Conclusions: By exploring subjective experiences and perceptions of health shared through dialog with experienced burned persons, there are opportunities to develop a more complete picture of how holistic health may be affected by major burns that in turn could support future long-term rehabilitative trajectories of early and midlife adult burn patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To determine epidemiological trends among burns patients admitted to our burns center during 2003–2012, and the usefulness of the Abbreviated Burns Severity Index (ABSI) for predicting burns-related mortality. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of 4481 burns patients. We analyzed the epidemiological trends and ABSI scores using Student t -test and one-way analysis of variance (continuous variables), chi-square test (categorical variables) and stepwise logistic-regression analysis (predictors of mortality). Results The mean age and male-to-female ratio were 39.9 ± 19.7 years and 2.88, respectively. ABSI scores decreased from 7.7 ± 3.0 in 2003 to 6.9 ± 3.0 in 2012. Mortality rate improved from 24.5% in 2003 to 15.8% in 2012. Burns were caused by flames (67.3%), scalding (22.0%) and electrical (7.5%), chemical (1.6%) and contact (1.5%) injuries. Scalding and flames were the most common causes in patients aged ≤20 years and ≥21 years, respectively. Female sex, inhalation injury, full-thickness burns, large total body surface area (TBSA) burned and old age predicted mortality. ABSI scores <4 and >14 were associated with 0.7% and >90% mortality, respectively. Conclusions The mortality of major burns has decreased but remains high. ABSI scores predict burns-related mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: Introduction: Inhalation injury is an important determinant of outcome in patients with major burns. However the diagnostic criteria remain imprecise, preventing objective comparisons of published data. The aims were to evaluate the utility of an inhalation score based on mucosal injury, while assessing separately the oro-pharyngeal sphere (ENT) and tracheobronchial tree (TB) in patients admitted to the ICU with a suspicion of inhalation injury. Methods: Prospective observational study in 100 patients admitted with suspicion of inhalation injury among 168 consecutive burn admissions to the ICU of a university hospital. Inclusion criteria, endoscopic airway assessment during the first hours. ENT/TB lesion grading was 1: oedema, hyperemia, hypersecretion, 2: bullous mucosal detachment, erosion, exudates, 3: profound ulcers, necrosis. Results: Of the 100 patients (age 42±17years, burns 23±19%BSA), 79 presented an ENT inhalation injury ≥ENT1 (soot present in 24%): 36 had a tracheobronchial extension, 33 having a grade ≥TB1. Burned vibrissae: 10 patients “without” suffered ENT injury, while 6 patients “with” had no further lesions. Length of mechanical ventilation was strongly associated with the first 24hrs’ fluid resuscitation volume (p <0.0001) and the presence of inhalation injury (p =0.03), while the ICU length of stay was correlated with the %BSA. Soot was associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation (p =0.0115). There was no extubation failure. Conclusions: The developed inhalation score was simple to use, providing a unified language, and drawing attention to upper airway involvement. Burned vibrissae and suspected history proved to be insufficient diagnostic criteria. Further studies are required to validate the score in a larger population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim of the study: Burn patients are subject to hypermetabolism and catabolic states. Aim was to evaluate our current practice in nutrition. Methods: Twenty-one severely burned patients were prospectively included during three months period. Body weight was measured at least two times in a week during all stay in burn ICU. Biological markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, CRP) and nutrition (prealbumin) were performed weekly. Protocol included early nasogastric feeding, tolerated gastric stasis less than 250mL at fourhours nasogastric aspirations, caloric target value of 40Kcal/kg per day and measurement of total daily calorie intakes. Results: Patient demographics showed a mean percent total body surface burn of 51.1±27 % (range 20–90), age of 38.7±13.1 years (range 18–67) and 57.3 % of smoke inhalation. All patients were ventilated and 19 patients survived. Length of stay was 75.7±47 days (range 22–184). Patients received only 58.9±10 % of calorie intakes recommended by French burn society. Loss of body mass was 15.2±9kg (range 3–31) or 19.1±10 % of admission weight (range 5–37). Erosion of body mass was not correlated with burned surface (p =0.08), calorie intakes (p =0.26), smoke inhalation (p =0.46), lengths of stay (p =0.53), lengths of ventilation (p =0.08) or nutrition (p =0.12), days of antibiotic (p =0.72), number of dressing changes (p =0.6) or surgery (p =0.64). Biological parameters showed CRP decreasing and prealbumin improving values. Conclusion: New strategies of nutrition are necessary to improve outcome and reduce body mass loss in burns. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the time course of infiltrated leukocytes and the subpopulations of infiltrated lymphocytes in deep wounds, and their relationship with injury severity in seriously burned patients. Methods: Six patients with major burns were enrolled in the study. Specimens were taken from deep partial-thickness burn wounds of all patients at 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks after burn. The appearance time and cellular components of infiltrated leukocyte zone in the burn wound were evaluated by histological and immunohistochemistry examination with lymphocyte monoclonal antibodies. Results: The infiltrated leukocyte zone of burn wound formed 1–2 weeks after burn. The more severe the degree of injury (including burn area, depth and combined injuries) was, the later the infiltrated leukocyte zone appeared. The infiltrated cells mainly consisted of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) during the early period after burn while macrophages and lymphocytes appeared later. There were some changes of the T lymphocyte subsets and their activation degree in the burn wound. Conclusion: The changes of infiltrated leukocyte zone of wound following burns were closely related to the injury severity, and represented alteration of the anti-infection ability and immune rejection of local wound. These results provide important evidence for appropriate wound treatment and prolonging the survival of skin allograft. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Enteral nutrition as an important component of modern treatment is mandatory for patients suffering from major burns. Regardless of the initial estimation of caloric requirements, actual daily volume of energy consumption may vary depending on the general condition of the patient and the side effects of enteral nutrition. The aim of our study was to investigate the relation between caloric value of enteral nutrition and treatment course. Methods: The prospective study involved 103 adult patients treated in the Hospital of Kaunas University of Medicine for 2°–3° burns of 10–80% body surface area from 1 January 2001 till 31 December 2003. All patients received enteral nutrition during the acute phase. After the completion of the treatment, caloric value of enteral nutrition was estimated, and patients were divided into two groups: group A received more than 30kcal/(kg24h); and group B, received less than 30kcal/(kg24h). We compared patients’ mortality, complication rate, and hospital stay time. Results: The mortality of patients, who enterally received less than 30kcal/(kg24h), was 32.6%, comparing to 5.3% mortality in patients who received 30 or more kcal/(kg24h) (p <0.01). The caloric value of less than 30kcal/(kg24h) increased the frequency of pneumonia by 2.0 times, and the frequency of sepsis by 1.8 times (p <0.05). The duration of the treatment of survivors in this group was by 12.6 days longer (p =0.01). Conclusions: The caloric value of enteral nutrition seems to be associated with patient mortality, complication rate, and treatment duration. The results of the treatment of patients who received more or 30kcal/(kg24h) were much better. Because determined relationship may not be directly causal, further study is needed to determine whether active intervention to improve nutrition could improve outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Patients with major burns lose the normal thermoregulatory function of their skin. They exhibit profound changes in metabolism which aim to compensate for the heat loss associated with water loss through burnt skin. Although these changes in physiology are well documented, the optimal methods for temperature management in both the Operating Theatre and Intensive Care Unit are less clear., Methods: We distributed a survey consisting of 19 questions to all burn units and centres in the United Kingdom with the aim of ascertaining perception of both hypo and hyperthermia, as well as methods used to manage both of these scenarios., Results: In the Operating Theatre, most respondents stated that they measured core temperature (82%); either alone (33%) or in conjunction with peripheral temperature (49%). In the Intensive Care Unit, most respondents measured both core and peripheral temperature (67%), with only a small minority not measuring core temperature (13%). Taking into consideration all professional groups, patients were considered hypothermic if their body temperature was less than 36.2°C (+/-0.7°C). On average, a patient was considered hyperthermic if their body temperature was above 38.8°C (+/-0.6°C)., Conclusion: Differences in perception between the professional groups surveyed did not reach clinical or statistical significance. In both the Operating Theatre and Intensive Care Unit, hypothermia was most often managed by increasing the ambient room temperature whereas hyperthermia was most often managed by giving paracetamol. As far as we are aware, this is the first study of the management of altered thermoregulation in major burn patients in the United Kingdom., Competing Interests: None., (IJBT Copyright © 2021.)

The gold standard of treatment for major burns is early burn excision and autografting. In major burns this is complicated by a lack of donor site availability. Another challenge after burn injury is achieving optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes. Dermal regeneration templates (DRT) are biomatrices that help to address these problems. Within our centre the most commonly used are two-stage Integra® and single-stage Matriderm®. We review the use and outcomes of DRT in primary burns reconstruction within our regional burns centre. All patients undergoing primary burn reconstruction using Integra® (n=59) or Matriderm® (n=35) over a 13-year period were included. Integra® was used in patients with significantly larger burns (20.4% TBSA vs 1.7% TBSA). Comparable levels of graft take were seen in both groups. Major infections were significantly higher in the Integra® group (11/35 compared to 3/59). There was no significant difference in haematoma development, hypertrophic scarring or the need for secondary reconstructive surgery. Burn contractures developed in 15 patients treated with Matriderm® and 21 with Integra®. DRT have been used safely and effectively and have played an increasingly important role in our service over the last 13 years. Integra® is used primarily in large burns with limited donor sites and Matriderm® in smaller burns in cosmetically sensitive areas., (Copyright © 2020 Euro-Mediterranean Council for Burns and Fire Disasters.)

Objectives: We evaluated the ability of new sepsis (S3) criteria (compared with previous definitions of sepsis [S1] and burn sepsis criteria) to accurately determine the mortality in severe burns patients with sepsis.Design: This was retrospective cohort study.Setting: The Burn ICU of Burn Center, Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, Seoul, Korea.Patients: A total of 1,185 adult patients (mean age, 49.1 yr) were admitted between January 2009 and December 2015.Interventions: The 1,185 patients enrolled in the present study and were then re-evaluated based on S1, burn sepsis, and S3 criteria, following which 565 patients, 812 patients, and 809 patients were diagnosed with sepsis based on S1, burn sepsis, S3 criteria, respectively.Measurements and Main Results: For diagnostic performance, sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and likelihood ratio were calculated. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to determine the accuracy of mortality prediction. The optimal cutoff value of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was calculated by the decision tree method. Total body surface area burned was 33.4%. Patients were identified with sepsis using S1 (812), S3 (809), and burn sepsis (565) criteria. Overall mortality was 20.3%, highest (82.2%) and lowest (26.5%) occurred with new septic shock (SH3) and S3, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for burn sepsis (84.6% and 61.8%) and SH3 (63.1% and 96.5%) were reported. Area under the curve values for Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores were the highest in all sepsis categories. With Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score greater than or equal to 6 (with infection), the accuracy was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.82-0.89).Conclusions: The S3 criteria failed to show superior prognostic accuracy for mortality in severely burned patients. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score greater than or equal to 6 may be a better criterion for the diagnosis of sepsis in burns patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Traumatic loss of skin, particularly in major burns, requires skin grafting to repair the tissue. For a large burn, where donor sites are limited, the skin graft may need to be expanded. In addition, rapid wound closure is a large factor in successful recovery and is usually achieved by debridement and skin grafting. Micrografting was introduced by Meek and involved dividing the skin into small pieces, allowing for up to a tenfold skin expansion., Methods: We conducted a review of the literature, searched via Medline, Pubmed and Embase (from 1958 to June 2017), searching to identify studies and reports of micrografting. We searched using the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) 'micrograft', 'micrograft technique', 'Meek', 'Meek technique', 'Parker Cicero', 'major burn treatment' and 'mesh skin graft'., Results: We analysed 24 articles in which the description and modifications presented by the micrograft technique were presented, along with evidence that supports or rejects its use. The consensus was for the use of micrografting in burns of >30% total body surface area (TBSA). On poor wound beds, the evaluation of re-epithelialisation had greater success due to low metabolic demands and greater skin coverage compared with control groups (p<0.005). Comparing the 'mesh' with 'Meek' group, the micrograft group had fewer surgeries (10 versus 19.75), shorter average length of hospital stay (51 days versus 120.5 days; p<0.05)., Conclusions: Micrografting can be used where there is poor bed vascularity (such as in patients with diabetes), with higher success due to low metabolic demand. This is recommended for major burns, >30% TBSA, with inadequate donor sites and comorbidities, such as diabetes. However, disadvantages include a 'polka dot' appearance on healing and the fact the initial surgeries, creating the micrograft squares, are labour-intensive.

Despite a considerable decrease in their incidence worldwide, burn injuries remain one of the commonest forms of trauma and account for a weighty proportion of trauma cases in health-care emergencies around the globe. Although the latest data reveal a substantial decline in burn-related mortality and hospital admissions in the US over the past three decades, severe thermal injuries continue to trigger devastating morbidity and significant mortality while their management remains a dynamic challenge for the entire medical and paramedical community. Concrete evidence continues to be established regarding burn-associated pathophysiologic responses, and their destructive sequelae and deleterious effects in survivors at cellular, systemic as well as socio-economic level. Better understanding of these responses have contributed to advances in therapeutic strategies, improved long-term outcomes and catalyzed the reintegration of victims back into society. This paper describes the current understanding of the pathophysiology of a burn injury and characterizes both local and systemic pathophysiologic responses in terms of metabolic, hemodynamics, cardiac, renal, hepatic, gastro-intestinal, immunologic, endocrine as well as male reproductive systems in an attempt to understand the corresponding treatment modalities for this unique patient population.

Multiple factors place burn patients at a high risk of pneumothorax development. Currently, no specific recommendations for the management of pneumothorax in large total body surface area (TBSA) burn patients exist. We present a case of a major burn patient who developed pneumothorax after central line insertion. After the traditional large bore (24 Fr) chest tube failed to resolve the pneumothorax, the pneumothorax was ultimately managed by a percutaneous placed pigtail catheter thoracostomy placement and resulted in its complete resolution. We will review the current recommendations of pneumothorax treatment and will highlight on the use of pigtail catheters in pneumothorax management in burn patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Severe burned patients need definitive and efficient wound coverage. Outcome of massive burns has been improved by using cultured epithelial autografts (CEA). Despite fragility, percentages of success take, cost of treatment and long-term tendency to contracture, this surgical technique has been developed in few burn centres. First improvements were to combine CEA and dermis-like substitute. Cultured skin substitutes provide earlier skin closure and satisfying functional result. These methods have been used successfully in massive burns. Second improvement was to allow skin regeneration by using epidermal stem cells. Stem cells have capacity to differentiate into keratinocytes, to promote wound repair and to regenerate skin appendages. Human mesenchymal stem cells contribute to wound healing and were evaluated in cutaneous radiation syndrome. Skin regeneration and tissue engineering methods remain a complex challenge and offer the possibility of new treatment for injured and burned patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The use of immune-enhancing diets (IEDs) has been shown to be beneficial in some categories of critically ill patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of early enteral feeding supplemented with glutamine and omega-3 fatty acids, as immune-enhancing diets, on the outcomes of patients after major burns. Forty thermally injured adult patients with 30-50% total body surface area (TBSA) burns, including deep areas ranging from 5-20%, were randomized into a prospective, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. They were placed into two equal groups: group A (IED group), in which patients received early enteral feeding supplemented with glutamine and omega-3 fatty acids as immune-enhancing diets; and group B (control group), in which patients received early enteral feeding not supplemented with immune-enhancing diets. Laboratory assessment of serum albumin, serum C-reactive protein, total lymphocytic count and serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG and IgM) was performed at admission, and on days 4, 7 and 14. Finally, outcomes were assessed by monitoring the survival rate, the length of hospital stay and the incidence of infection. There were no significant differences between the IED and control group regarding age (28.7±5.32 versus 29.85±5.94), sex, weight, %TBSA (37.75±4.4 versus 38.3±4.84) and %burn depth (11.7±2.36 versus 10.7±2.036). The incidence of infection (2 versus 8) and the length of hospital stay (16.3±0.92 days versus 17.95±2.96 days) were decreased significantly in the IED group versus the control group. There was no significant difference between the survival rates in both groups as there was only one death in the control group. Thanks to IEDs, patient outcome was improved and infectious morbidity and length of hospital stay were reduced, but there was no effect on the survival rates following major burns.

It is known that lymphocytes immunophenotype is a reflection of the functional level of the immune system. The immunosuppressive effect of major burns is also known for many years. T lymphocytes of 50 major burn patients were analyzed in base line (BL) samples at 24 hours and at 1 week and 2 weeks after burn, using monoclonal antibodies of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25 (IL2R) and HLA-DR by flow cytometry and β2-microglobulin (β2-m) by ELISA. Recorded values were compared with those of 50 healthy donors. There was statistically significant reduction in absolute number of CD3 positive cells (CD3+) (p<0.000) and CD4/CD8 ratio (p=0.01) in the first 24 hours in comparison with controls. CD25 (IL-2R) shows insignificant upregulation on T lymphocytes after burn with significant upregulation of HLA-DR. The absolute number of CD3+ cells began to increase after 2 weeks (p=0.03) but remained less than controls (p=0.08). CD4/CD8 ratio was more or less same as healthy controls after 2 weeks. Upregulation of CD25 was insignificantly increased and that of HLA-DR was markedly increased after 2 weeks (p=0.001). Significant negative correlations were detected between mean values of β2-m and both absolute numbers of CD3 and CD4 positive cells in BL and one week samples. In addition there was significant correlation between mean values of β2-m and values of CD25 expression in the BL samples. The obtained data is suggestive of persistent activation of T lymphocytes two weeks after major burns whereas early shedding of β2-m is related to activation of lymphocytes increasing their susceptibility to apoptosis, both indicative of altered immune response. Burn intensivists and surgeons should be keen to support the patients' immune system in the first hours following major burns. This support will ensure free-bacteremic blood with a consequent better prognosis.

Objective. We conducted a prospective study to identify the direct hospitalization cost of managing major acute burns in Lagos, Nigeria, and to determine the factors that influence the cost. Method. All consecutive and consenting patients seen and managed for major burns at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, between 1 June 2007 and 31 May 2008 were recruited for the study. A special form designed for the study was used to collect the necessary data. Results. Fifty-two patients were seen during the study period (27 males and 25 females). The ages ranged from 2 months to 69 yr with a mean of 25.4 ± 17.1 yr. The length of hospital stay ranged from 0.3-12 months (mean, 3.2 ± 3.1 months). The average daily cost of treating a patient was ₦ (naira) 8,855 (₦1000 = €4.44) and the average overall cost was ₦209,303.70, with the costs of wound dressings, hospital admission, and surgery constituting respectively 29.5%, 25.7%, and 19.1% of the total amount spent. Conclusion. The length of hospital stay was prolonged in many patients and management methods should be reviewed to reduce this. The cost of managing burns is prohibitive for an average Nigerian. Efforts should be intensified to prevent burn injury and a Special Health Insurance policy should be established to finance burns management.