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Hanson-Viana E, Rojas-Ortiz JA, Rendón-Medina MA, Luna-Zepeda BL. Bacterial fluorescence imaging as a predictor of skin graft integration in burn wounds. Burns 2024; 50:1799-1811. [PMID: 38735804 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Split-thickness skin graft (STSG)1 integration rates are susceptible to improvement. Infection and/or biofilm should be appropriately addressed prior to grafting to improve the likelihood of graft-take. Incorporating technological aids such as fluorescence (FL)2 imaging (MolecuLight®), which accurately locates areas of bacterial loads above 104 CFU/gr, for graft site assessment and preparation could yield better outcomes. METHODS This single-center, prospective observational study included adult burn patients with previously infected wounds that had been deemed clinically and microbiologically clean and were therefore candidates for grafting. Prior to grafting, a FL imaging assessment (blinded to the surgical team) localized areas positive for moderate-high bacterial loads (>104 CFU/gr). Intra-operatively, a standard swab sample from the recipient site was collected by the surgical team. Postoperatively, areas positive/negative for FL and areas of graft take and failure were overlapped and measured (cm2) over a 2D schematic. The performance and accuracy of FL imaging and swab sampling in relation to graft outcomes were assessed. RESULTS 38 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean total body surface area (TBSA)3 involvement was 14.5 ± 12.4 % [range 0.8 - 40.2 %]. 25/38 of the subjects enrolled had complete graft take while 13 had partial graft losses. There were no total losses. FL-imaging was positive in 100 % of losses versus 31 % (4/13) of the swab microbiology. FL-imaging was found to have a sensitivity of 86 %, specificity of 98 %, PPV of 72 %, NPV of 99 %, and an accuracy of 94 % for predicting any type or range of graft loss in the entire cohort. Meanwhile, the sensitivity of microbiology from swab samples was 30 %, with a specificity of 76 %. CONCLUSIONS FL imaging is an accurate method for assessing recipient sites and predicting the outcome of a skin graft among burn patients. These findings suggest that FL imaging can inform better decision-making surrounding grafts that may lead to better outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IIA, Therapeutic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Hanson-Viana
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Mexico City General Hospital Dr. Rúben Leñero, Mexico.
| | - Jorge Arturo Rojas-Ortiz
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Mexico City General Hospital Dr. Rúben Leñero, Mexico
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Bbaale D, Mohr C, Lindert J, Allorto N, Mabanza T, Katabogama JB, Chamania S, Elrod R, Boettcher M, Elrod J. Barriers and prospects for skin grafting in burn treatment across African countries. Burns 2024; 50:1150-1159. [PMID: 38490835 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2024.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The current standard management of full-thickness or deep dermal burns is early tangential excision and skin grafting. A conservative approach to deep burns without the option of skin grafting results in delayed wound healing, possibly leading to wound infection and is associated with hypertrophic scarring and increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to improve the understanding of the management and availability to perform skin grafting for burns on the African continent. It also sought to identify challenges and perceived improvements. METHODS A web-based, structured, closed-formatted, multinational survey was designed to gather information on the current state and availability of skin grafting of burn wounds on the African continent. The questionnaire consisted of 27 questions, available in English and French. It was reviewed within the GAP-Burn collaboration network and sent to 271 health care professionals who had participated in a previous study and had initially been recruited by means of the snowball system. RESULTS The questionnaire was completed 84 times (response rate: 31.0%), of which 3 were excluded. Responses originated from 22 African countries. The majority 71 (87.7%) resulted from countries with a low Human Development Index (HDI), 7 (8.6%) from medium HDI countries. Split thickness skin grafting (STSG) is performed in 51 (63.0%) centers. The majority considers STSG to reduce length of stay (72.8%) and improve scarring (54.3%), yet some indicated that STSG is associated with increased risk of donor site infection (8.6%) and severe bleeding (7.4%). Factors preventing increased grafting included lack of equipment and training. CONCLUSION Skin grafting is not performed in a significant number of hospitals treating burns. The majority of the staff believe that more skin grafting would lead to a better outcome. Advocacy and improved infrastructure, human resources coupled with introduction to well-structured health coverage for all in African countries could help to better access and affordability in burn care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Bbaale
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Beit Cure Children's Hospital, P.O.Box 31236, Blantyre, Malawi; Department of Surgery, International Hospital Kampala, Plot 4686 Barnabas Rd, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christoph Mohr
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Judith Lindert
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Rostock, Ernst-Heydemann Str 8, 18057 Rostock, Germany; German Society of Global and Tropical Surgery e.V., Germany
| | - Nikki Allorto
- Head Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Burn Service, Greys Hospital 201 Townbush Road, Pietermaritzburg 3201, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
| | - Tresor Mabanza
- Department of Surgery John F. Kennedy Medical Center/ A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine, Sinkor 20-24th Street, Monrovia, Liberia
| | | | - Shobha Chamania
- Choithram Hospital and Research Centre, 14, Manik Bagh Rd, Indore, India
| | - Richard Elrod
- Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Liebigstraße 27, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Boettcher
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Beit Cure Children's Hospital, P.O.Box 31236, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Julia Elrod
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany.
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Parry I, Bell J. Associations between burn care services and impairment at discharge after burn injury: Analysis of the Global Burn Registry. Burns 2024; 50:813-822. [PMID: 38503574 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Throughout the world, burn injury is a major cause of death and disability. In resource-limited countries, burn injury is one of the leading causes of permanent disability among children who survive traumatic injuries, and burn injury is the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide. This study applied Andersen's model of health care access to evaluate if patient characteristics (predisposing factors), burn care service availability (enabling factors) and injury characteristics (need) are associated with physical impairment at hospital discharge for patients surviving burn injuries globally. Specifically, access to rehabilitation, nutrition, operating theatre, specialized burn unit services, and critical care were investigated as enabling factors. The secondary aim was to determine whether associations between burn care service availability and impairment differed by country income level. METHODS This is a cross-sectional secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from the World Health Organization, Global Burn Registry. The outcome of interest was physical impairment at discharge. Simple and multivariable logistic regressions were used to test the unadjusted and adjusted associations between the availability of burn care services and impairment at hospital discharge, controlling for patient and injury characteristics. Effect modification was analyzed with service by country income level interaction terms added to the models and, if significant, the models were stratified by income. RESULTS The sample included 6622 patients from 20 countries, with 11.2% classified with physical impairment at discharge. In the fully adjusted model, patients had 89% lower odds impairment at discharge if the treatment facility provided reliable rehabilitation services compared to providing limited or no rehabilitation services (OR.11, 95%CI.08,.16, p < .01). However, this effect was modified by county income with the strong and significant association only present in high/upper middle-income countries. Sophisticated nutritional services were also significantly associated with less impairment in high/upper middle-income countries (OR=.04, 95% CI 0.203, 0.05, p < .01), but significantly more impairment in lower middle/low-income countries (OR=2.01, 95% CI 1.50, 2.69, p < .01). Patients had 444% greater odds of impairment if treated at a center with specialty burn unit services (OR 5.44, 95%CI 3.71, 7.99, p < .01), possibly due to a selection effect. DISCUSSION Access to reliable rehabilitation services and sophisticated nutritional services were strongly associated with less physical impairment at discharge, but only in resource-rich countries. Although these findings support the importance of rehabilitation and nutrition after burn injury, they also highlight potential disparities in the quantity or quality of services available to burn survivors in poorer countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Parry
- University of California, Davis, School of Nursing and Health Care Leadership, California, USA.
| | - Janice Bell
- University of California, Davis, School of Nursing and Health Care Leadership, California, USA
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Salemans RFC, van Uden D, van Baar ME, Haanstra TM, van Schie CHM, van Zuijlen PPM, Lucas Y, Scholten-Jaegers SMHJ, Meij-de Vries A, Wood FM, Edgar DW, Spronk I, van der Vlies CH. Timing of surgery in acute deep partial-thickness burns: A study protocol. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299809. [PMID: 38466683 PMCID: PMC10927102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
For deep partial-thickness burns no consensus on the optimal treatment has been reached due to conflicting study outcomes with low quality evidence. Treatment options in high- and middle-income countries include conservative treatment with delayed excision and grafting if needed; and early excision and grafting. The majority of timing of surgery studies focus on survival rather than on quality of life. This study protocol describes a study that aims to compare long-term scar quality, clinical outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes between the treatment options. A multicentre prospective study will be conducted in the three Dutch burn centres (Rotterdam, Beverwijk, and Groningen). All adult patients with acute deep-partial thickness burns, based on healing potential with Laser Doppler Imaging, are eligible for inclusion. During a nine-month baseline period, standard practice will be monitored. This includes conservative treatment with dressings and topical agents, and excision and grafting of residual defects if needed 14-21 days post-burn. The subsequent nine months, early surgery is advocated, involving excision and grafting in the first week to ten days post-burn. The primary outcome compared between the two groups is long-term scar quality assessed by the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale 3.0 twelve months after discharge. Secondary outcomes include clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes like quality of life and return to work. The aim of the study is to assess long-term scar quality in deep partial-thickness burns after conservative treatment with delayed excision and grafting if needed, compared to early excision and grafting. Adding to the ongoing debate on the optimal treatment of these burns. The broad range of studied outcomes will be used for the development of a decision aid for deep partial-thickness burns, to fully inform patients at the point of consent to surgery and support optimal person-centred care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roos F. C. Salemans
- Trauma Research Unit Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Burn Centre, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Margriet E. van Baar
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tjitske M. Haanstra
- Department of Dermal Therapy, Faculty of Health, Nutrition & Sport, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, The Hague, the Netherlands
- Dutch Burns Foundation, Beverwijk, the Netherlands
- Research Group Relational Care, Centre of Expertise Health Innovation, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | | | - Paul P. M. van Zuijlen
- Burn Centre, Red Cross Hospital, Beverwijk, the Netherlands
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Red Cross Hospital, Beverwijk, the Netherlands
- Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Paediatric Surgical Centre, Emma’s Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ymke Lucas
- Burn Centre, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Annebeth Meij-de Vries
- Burn Centre, Red Cross Hospital, Beverwijk, the Netherlands
- Paediatric Surgical Centre, Emma’s Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Red Cross Hospital, Beverwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Fiona M. Wood
- Fiona Wood Foundation, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- State Adult Burn Unit, Fiona Stanley Hospital, South Metropolitan Health Service, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Dale W. Edgar
- Fiona Wood Foundation, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- State Adult Burn Unit, Fiona Stanley Hospital, South Metropolitan Health Service, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, Burn Injury Research Node, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia
- Burn Injury Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Safety and Quality Unit, Armadale Kalamunda Group Health Service, East Metropolitan Health Service, Mt Nasura, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Inge Spronk
- Burn Centre, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Dermal Therapy, Faculty of Health, Nutrition & Sport, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, The Hague, the Netherlands
- Research Group Relational Care, Centre of Expertise Health Innovation, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelis H. van der Vlies
- Trauma Research Unit Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Trauma and Burn Surgery, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Legrand M, Clark AT, Neyra JA, Ostermann M. Acute kidney injury in patients with burns. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:188-200. [PMID: 37758939 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00769-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Burn injury is associated with a high risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) with a prevalence of AKI among patients with burns of 9-50%. Despite an improvement in burn injury survival in the past decade, AKI in patients with burns is associated with an extremely poor short-term and long-term prognosis, with a mortality of >80% among those with severe AKI. Factors that contribute to the development of AKI in patients with burns include haemodynamic alterations, burn-induced systemic inflammation and apoptosis, haemolysis, rhabdomyolysis, smoke inhalation injury, drug nephrotoxicity and sepsis. Early and late AKI after burn injury differ in their aetiologies and outcomes. Sepsis is the main driver of late AKI in patients with burns and late AKI has been associated with higher mortality than early AKI. Prevention of early AKI involves correction of hypovolaemia and avoidance of nephrotoxic drugs (for example, hydroxocobalamin), whereas prevention of late AKI involves prevention and early recognition of sepsis as well as avoidance of nephrotoxins. Treatment of AKI in patients with burns remains supportive, including prevention of fluid overload, treatment of electrolyte disturbance and use of kidney replacement therapy when indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Legrand
- Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Care, Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Audra T Clark
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Burn, Trauma, Critical Care, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Javier A Neyra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Marlies Ostermann
- Department of Critical Care & Nephrology, King's College London, Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
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Eftekhari H. Early wound excision in burned patients. Burns 2024; 50:283-284. [PMID: 37932177 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2023.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hojat Eftekhari
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Center, Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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De La Tejera G, Corona K, Efejuku T, Keys P, Joglar A, Villarreal E, Gotewal S, Wermine K, Huang L, Golovko G, El Ayadi A, Palackic A, Wolf SE, Song J. Early wound excision within three days decreases risks of wound infection and death in burned patients. Burns 2023; 49:1816-1822. [PMID: 37369613 PMCID: PMC10721718 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In lieu of limited studies on the timing of burn wound eschar excision for burns, a more comprehensive analysis is indicated to determine the effects of early wound excision following burns. This study aims to address the outcomes of early wound excision in burn patients. METHODS Data collection were from TriNetX research database. Three groups of burn patients were stratified by the number of days in which they received burn wound excision within 14 days of injury. Five outcomes were observed: death, wound infection, sepsis, myocardial contractile dysfunction, and blood transfusion. Risk and incidence of various health outcomes were compared between the groups after propensity-matching age, sex, ethnicity, race and burn size using a z-test with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS We identified 6158 burn patients with wound excision within 14 days of injury, the majority of whom (60.1%) received burn wound excision between 0 and 3 days after burn. 72.5% of patients had burns covering less than 20% of total body surface area. After propensity matching, we found a significantly lower risk of mortality in those who received burn wound excision within the first three days (3.84%) as compared to 8-14 days after burn (6.09%) (p < 0.05). Moreover, we found a decreased risk of wound infection in patients with burn wound excision within 0-3 days (37.84%) compared to those 4-7 days (42.48%) (p < 0.05). No statistical difference was detected in propensity-matched groups for myocardial contractile dysfunction, blood transfusion, or sepsis. In addition, the risk of hypertrophic scaring significantly decreased when wound excision was performed within 0-3 days (22% within 0-3 days, 28% within 4-7 days, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Burn wound excision within 3 days of injury is beneficial when comparing to later treatment between 4 and 14 days, which results in a significantly lowered risk of mortality and infection in burn patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kassandra Corona
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States
| | - Tsola Efejuku
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States
| | - Phillip Keys
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States
| | - Alejandro Joglar
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States
| | - Elvia Villarreal
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States
| | - Sunny Gotewal
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States
| | - Kendall Wermine
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States
| | - Lyndon Huang
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States
| | - George Golovko
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States
| | - Amina El Ayadi
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States
| | - Alen Palackic
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States
| | - Steven E Wolf
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States
| | - Juquan Song
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States.
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Ede CJ, Kruger D, Libhaber E, Moeng M, Crawford R, Achilleos K, Kodisang C, Pabu R, Stavrou C, Uzonwa G, Njiba B, Iwuji E, Nxumalo H, Moore R. A comparative study of outcomes of burns across multiple levels of care. Burns 2023; 49:1879-1885. [PMID: 37827938 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burn injuries are a significant contributor to the burden of diseases. The management of burns at specialised burn centres has been shown to improve survival. However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) major burns are managed at non-specialised burn centres due to resource constraints. There is insufficient data on survival from treatment at non-specialised burn centres in LMICs. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of burns treatment between a specialised burn centre and five non-specialised centres. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted on patients aged 18 years or above from January 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021. Participants were selected from the admission register at the emergency department. All burns irrespective of the mechanism of injury or %TBSA were included. Data were entered into REDCap. Statistical analysis of outcomes such as positive blood culture, length of hospital stay (LOHS) and 90-day mortality between specialised burn versus non-specialised centres was performed. Furthermore, an analysis of risk factors for mortality was performed and survival data computed. RESULTS Of the 488 study participants, 36% were admitted to a specialised burn centre compared to 64% admitted to non-specialised centres. The demographic characteristics were similar between centres. Patients at the specialised burn centre compared to non-specialised centres had a significantly higher inhalation injury of 30.9% vs 7.7% (p < 0.001), > 10%TBSA at 83.4% vs 45.7% (p < 0.001), > 20%TBSA at 46.9% vs 16.6% (p < 0.001), and a median (IQR) ABSI score of 6 (5-7) vs 5 (4-6) (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, patients from specialised burn vs non-specialised centres had a longer median (IQR) time from injury to first burn excision at 7 (4-11) vs 5 (2-10) days, higher rate of burn sepsis 69% vs 35%, increased LOHS 17 (11-27) vs 12 (6-22) days, and 90-day mortality rates at 19.4% vs 6.4%. After adjusting for cofounding variables, survival data showed no difference between specialised burn and non-specialised centres (HR 1.8 95% CI 1.0-3.2, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION Although it appears that the survival of burn patients managed at non-specialised centres in a middle-income country is comparable to those managed at specialised burn centres, there is uncounted bias in our survival data. Hence, a change in practice is not advocated. However, due to resource constraint specialised burn centres in addition to managing major burns should provide training and support to the non-specialised centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chikwendu J Ede
- Johnson and Johnson Adult Burn Treatment Centre, Department of Surgery, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, South Africa; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Deirdre Kruger
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Elena Libhaber
- Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maeyane Moeng
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Richard Crawford
- Johnson and Johnson Adult Burn Treatment Centre, Department of Surgery, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, South Africa
| | - Katerina Achilleos
- Johnson and Johnson Adult Burn Treatment Centre, Department of Surgery, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, South Africa
| | - Chris Kodisang
- Leratong Hospital,1 Adcock Street, Chamdor, Krugersdorp, South Africa
| | - Remy Pabu
- Pholosong Hospital, 1067 Indaba Street Extension One, Brakpan, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Christopher Stavrou
- Tambo Memorial Hospital, Cnr Hospital Road and Railway Street, Boksburg, South Africa
| | - Godson Uzonwa
- Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital, Nguza Street, Extension 14, Vosloorus 12390, South Africa
| | - Busanga Njiba
- Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital, Nguza Street, Extension 14, Vosloorus 12390, South Africa
| | - Eunice Iwuji
- Wits Health Consortium, 31 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Hlengiwe Nxumalo
- Wits Health Consortium, 31 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rachel Moore
- Johnson and Johnson Adult Burn Treatment Centre, Department of Surgery, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, South Africa; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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9
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Davis D, An S, Kayange L, Wolf L, Boddie O, Charles A, Gallaher J. The Timing of Operative Intervention for Pediatric Burn Patients in Malawi. World J Surg 2023; 47:3093-3098. [PMID: 37816976 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-023-07218-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Defining the optimal timing of operative intervention for pediatric burn patients in a resource-limited environment is challenging. We sought to characterize the association between mortality and the timing of operative intervention at a burn center in Lilongwe, Malawi. METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of burn patients (<18 years old) presenting to Kamuzu Central Hospital from 2011 to 2022. We compared patients who underwent excision and/or burn grafting based on the timing of the operation. We used logistic regression modeling to estimate the adjusted odds ratio of death based on the timing of surgery. RESULTS We included 2502 patients with a median age of 3 years (IQR 1-5) and a male preponderance (56.8%). 411 patients (16.4%) had surgery with a median time to surgery of 18 days (IQR 8-34). The crude mortality rate among all patients was 17.0% and 9.1% among the operative cohort. The odds ratio of mortality for patients undergoing surgery within 3 days from presentation was 5.00 (95% CI 2.19, 11.44) after adjusting for age, sex, % total burn surface area (TBSA), and flame burn. The risk was highest for the youngest patients. CONCLUSIONS Children who underwent burn excision and/or grafting in the first 3 days of hospitalization had a much higher risk of death than patients undergoing surgical intervention later. Delaying operative intervention till >72 h for pediatric patients, especially those under 5 years old, may confer a survival advantage. More investment is needed in early resuscitation and monitoring for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylane Davis
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 4006 Burnett Womack Building, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7228, USA
| | - Selena An
- Department of Surgery, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Linda Kayange
- Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AZ, USA
| | - Lindsey Wolf
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 4006 Burnett Womack Building, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7228, USA
| | - Olivia Boddie
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 4006 Burnett Womack Building, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7228, USA
- Department of Surgery, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Anthony Charles
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 4006 Burnett Womack Building, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7228, USA
| | - Jared Gallaher
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 4006 Burnett Womack Building, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7228, USA.
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Stewart BT, Yadav M. Invited Commentary: 'The Timing of Operative Intervention for Pediatric Burn Patients in Malawi'-Heeding the Call for Safer and more Effective Approaches to Early Excision for Major Burn Injury among Children in Low-Resource Settings. World J Surg 2023; 47:3099-3100. [PMID: 37925651 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-023-07231-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Manish Yadav
- Department of Burns, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery, Kirtipur Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
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11
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Abstract
Infections are the leading cause of mortality in burn patients who survive their initial resuscitation. Burn injury leads to immunosuppression and a dysregulated inflammatory response which can have a prolonged impact. Early surgical excision along with support of the multidisciplinary burn team has improved mortality in burn patients. The authors review diagnostic and therapeutic challenges as well as strategies for management of burn related infections.
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12
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Souto J, Rodrigues AG. Reducing Blood Loss in a Burn Care Unit: A Review of Its Key Determinants. J Burn Care Res 2023; 44:459-466. [PMID: 36106386 DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/irac114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Patients with a major burn injury differ considerably from the typical critical ill and trauma population. Very often, burn patients suffer from anemia throughout their hospital stay. This is caused both by combination of persistent blood loss with decreased erythropoiesis. Therefore, burn patients do have major transfusion requirements. However, transfusion is not devoid of risks or costs. We hereby review the best surgical techniques and medical approaches, aiming to reduce blood loss in a burn patient and optimize red cell production, so that we can reduce the need of RBC transfusion. The implementation of a combination of surgical techniques aiming to reduce blood loss and medical care approaches to prevent anemia, rather than single attitudes, should be adopted in burn care. There is an urgent need for clear guidelines that can easily be accepted, applied, and spread across different burn units to methodically implement measures to reduce blood loss and transfusion needs, and ultimately improve burn patients' outcome and the health care financial status.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Souto
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Acacio Goncalves Rodrigues
- Burn Unit and Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, S. João University Hospital Center, Porto, Portugal.,CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal
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13
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Leclerc T, Sjöberg F, Jennes S, Martinez-Mendez JR, van der Vlies CH, Battistutta A, Lozano-Basanta JA, Moiemen N, Almeland SK. European Burns Association guidelines for the management of burn mass casualty incidents within a European response plan. Burns 2023; 49:275-303. [PMID: 36702682 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A European response plan to burn mass casualty incidents has been jointly developed by the European Commission and the European Burn Association. Upon request for assistance by an affected country, the plan outlines a mechanism for coordinated international assistance, aiming to alleviate the burden of care in the affected country and to offer adequate specialized care to all patients who can benefit from it. To that aim, Burn Assessment Teams are deployed to assess and triage patients. Their transportation priority recommendations are used to distribute outnumbering burn casualties to foreign burn centers. Following an appropriate medical evacuation, these casualties receive specialized care in those facilities. METHODS The European Burns Association's disaster committee developed medical-organizational guidelines to support this European plan. The experts identified fields of interest, defined questions to be addressed, performed relevant literature searches, and added their expertise in burn disaster preparedness and response. Due to the lack of high-level evidence in the available literature, recommendations and specially designed implementation tools were provided from expert opinion. The European Burns Association officially endorsed the draft recommendations in 2019, and the final full text was approved by the EBA executive committee in 2022. RECOMMENDATIONS The resulting 46 recommendations address four fields. Field 1 underlines the need for national preparedness plans and the necessary core items within such plans, including coordination and integration with an international response. Field 2 describes Burn Assessment Teams' roles, composition, training requirements, and reporting goals. Field 3 addresses the goals of specialized in-hospital triage, appropriate severity criteria, and their effects on priorities and triage. Finally, field 4 covers medical evacuations, including their timing and organization, the composition of evacuation teams and their assets, preparation, and the principles of en route care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Leclerc
- Percy Military Teaching Hospital, Clamart, France; Val-de-Grâce Military Medical Academy, Paris, France
| | | | - Serge Jennes
- Charleroi Burn Wound Center, Skin-burn-reconstruction Pole, Grand Hôpital de Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium
| | | | - Cornelis H van der Vlies
- Department of Trauma and Burn Surgery, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Trauma Research Unit Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Battistutta
- Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG-ECHO), European Commission, Brussels, Belgium
| | - J Alfonso Lozano-Basanta
- Emergency Response Coordination Center, Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG-ECHO), European Commission, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Naiem Moiemen
- University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK; University of Birmingham, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Stian Kreken Almeland
- Norwegian National Burn Center, Department of Plastic, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway; Norwegian Directorate of Health, Department of Preparedness and Emergency Medical Services, Oslo, Norway.
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14
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Donat N, Leclerc T, Almeland SK. Enzymatic debridement shall not modify the global strategy for mass burn events. Mil Med Res 2022; 9:66. [PMID: 36434708 PMCID: PMC9700992 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-022-00427-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Donat
- Burn Treatment Centre, Percy Military Teaching Hospital, 92140, Clamart, France.
| | - Thomas Leclerc
- Burn Treatment Centre, Percy Military Teaching Hospital, 92140, Clamart, France.,Val-de-Grâce Military Medical Academy, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Stian Kreken Almeland
- Norwegian National Burn Center, Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021, Bergen, Norway
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