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Lytic cocktail: An effective method to alleviate severe burn induced hyper-metabolism through regulating white adipose tissue browning. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09128. [PMID: 35846468 PMCID: PMC9280373 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Browning of white adipose tissue is associated with elevated resting metabolic rates and is considered to be one of the indispensable causes of hypermetabolism in burn patients. Hypermetabolism means increased resting energy expenditure, raised body temperature and acute-phase proteins. Persistently elevated levels of circulating stress hormones have been reported to induce browning of subcutaneous white adipose tissue. The lytic cocktail is a combination of medicines pethidine, chlorpromazine, and promethazine that has been used clinically in sedation for the management of patients. As reported this sedative treatment can reduce the expression of catecholamines in major burn rats. Thus, in this paper we focused on the effects of lytic cocktail in the regulation of white adipose tissue browning and hypermetabolism and we further investigated the underlying mechanism. Methods A 30% total body surface area (TBSA) Ⅲ degree scald rat model was used for this study. The rats were randomly divided into a sham scald group, a scalding with immediate resuscitation group, and a group of scalding with immediate resuscitation and lytic cocktail treatment. The levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine in plasma were dynamically detected. Changes of the rat body weight and food intake were recorded and compared as indexes of metabolism responses after post-scalding. For the study of white adipose tissue browning, inguinal adipose tissue was used. Metabolic changes, while indicatives of white fat browning were measured by PET/CT. The expression of white adipose browning related proteins and the changes of mitochondria number were used to assess browning of inguinal adipose. Results The level of plasma catecholamines norepinephrine and epinephrine in the lytic cocktail-treated group was significantly lower than the other two groups. Morphology and PET/CT showed that the inguinal white adipose browning was inhibited in the lytic cocktail treated group, whereas scalding with immediate resuscitation group showed browning of white adipose. The number of mitochondria, the expressions of white adipose browning related proteins in the lytic cocktail group were also significantly lower than that of the group of scalding with immediate resuscitation. Conclusion By reducing expression of heat-related proteins, the application of lytic cocktail medicines inhibits the white adipose tissue browning, which suppresses hypermetabolism in scalded rats. The mechanism might be related to decreased expression levels of stress hormones induced by lytic cocktail. This research suggests that lytic cocktails may be an effective treatment for hypermetabolism after severe burn injury.
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Blears E, Sommerhalder C, Toliver-Kinsky T, Finnerty CC, Herndon DN. Current problems in burn immunology. Curr Probl Surg 2020; 57:100779. [PMID: 32507131 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpsurg.2020.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Blears
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | | | - Tracy Toliver-Kinsky
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX.
| | - Celeste C Finnerty
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX; Shriners Hospitals for Children, Galveston, TX
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Matsuura H, Matsumoto H, Osuka A, Ogura H, Shimizu K, Kang S, Tanaka T, Ueyama M, Shimazu T. Clinical Importance of a Cytokine Network in Major Burns. Shock 2020; 51:185-193. [PMID: 29621119 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000001152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Major burns elicit an acute inflammatory response including various inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines play mutual interacting roles in inflammatory diseases. There is little evidence of the clinical significance of the cytokine network in patients with major burns. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of the cytokine network in patients with major burn. This prospective observational study comprising 38 patients with major burns (total body surface area (%TBSA) ≥ 20%) and 12 healthy controls was conducted from April 2014 to December 2016. Blood samples were collected from patients at six points: day 1, day 2, days 3-5, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month after the burn injury. Inflammatory cytokines (interferon [IFN]-α, IFN-γ, interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12/IL-23p40, IL-17A, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 [MCP-1], TNF-α), and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) were measured. Twenty-eight-day mortality, %TBSA, prognostic burn index (PBI) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores were evaluated. Hierarchical clustering analysis and network visualization showed one cluster and network, respectively. Both were formed by four cytokines including IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and MCP-1 on days 1 and 2, suggesting the presence of a cytokine network in the early hospital phase. Each cytokine showed significant associations with the SOFA score within 5 days and 1 month after burn injury. Cox regression analysis highlighting days 1 and 2 showed significant correlation of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 with 28-day mortality. We showed a cytokine network and its relation with prognosis and injury severity on days 1 and 2 and suggest that this cytokine network may play a role in major burns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Matsuura
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hisatake Matsumoto
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akinori Osuka
- Department of Trauma, Critical Care Medicine and Burn Center, Japan Community Health Care Organization Chukyo Hospital, Minami-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ogura
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kentaro Shimizu
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sujin Kang
- Department of Clinical Application of Biologics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshio Tanaka
- Department of Clinical Application of Biologics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masashi Ueyama
- Department of Trauma, Critical Care Medicine and Burn Center, Japan Community Health Care Organization Chukyo Hospital, Minami-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takeshi Shimazu
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Abstract
Hypermetabolism is the ubiquitous response to a severe burn injury, which was first described in the nineteenth century. Despite identification of important components of this complex response, hypermetabolism is still not well understood in its entirety. This article describes this incredibly fascinating response and the understanding we have gained over the past 100 years. Additionally, this article describes novel insights and delineates treatment options to modulate postburn hypermetabolism with the goal to improve outcomes of burn patients.
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Fear VS, Poh WP, Valvis S, Waithman JC, Foley B, Wood FM, Fear MW. Timing of excision after a non-severe burn has a significant impact on the subsequent immune response in a murine model. Burns 2016; 42:815-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2016.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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The Immune Response to Skin Trauma Is Dependent on the Etiology of Injury in a Mouse Model of Burn and Excision. J Invest Dermatol 2015; 135:2119-2128. [DOI: 10.1038/jid.2015.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Abstract
Outcomes of patients with burns have improved substantially over the past two decades. Findings from a 2012 study in The Lancet showed that a burn size of more than 60% total body surface area burned (an increase from 40% a decade ago) is associated with risks and mortality. Similar data have been obtained in adults and elderly people who have been severely burned. We discuss recent and future developments in burn care to improve outcomes of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc G Jeschke
- Ross Tilley Burn Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.
| | - David N Herndon
- Shriners Hospitals for Children and Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Williams FN, Branski LK, Jeschke MG, Herndon DN. What, how, and how much should patients with burns be fed? Surg Clin North Am 2011; 91:609-29. [PMID: 21621699 DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2011.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The hypermetabolic response to severe burn injury is characterized by hyperdynamic circulation and profound metabolic, physiologic, catabolic, and immune system derangements. Failure to satisfy overwhelming energy and protein requirements after, and during, severe burn injury results in multiorgan dysfunction, increased susceptibility to infection, and death. Attenuation of the hypermetabolic response by various pharmacologic modalities is emerging as an essential component of the management of patients with severe burn injury. This review focuses on the more recent advances in therapeutic strategies to attenuate the hypermetabolic response and its postburn-associated insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia N Williams
- Department of Surgery, Shriners Hospital for Children and University of Texas Medical Branch, 815 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
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Jeschke MG, Gauglitz GG, Kulp GA, Finnerty CC, Williams FN, Kraft R, Suman OE, Mlcak RP, Herndon DN. Long-term persistance of the pathophysiologic response to severe burn injury. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21245. [PMID: 21789167 PMCID: PMC3138751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 425] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Main contributors to adverse outcomes in severely burned pediatric patients are profound and complex metabolic changes in response to the initial injury. It is currently unknown how long these conditions persist beyond the acute phase post-injury. The aim of the present study was to examine the persistence of abnormalities of various clinical parameters commonly utilized to assess the degree hypermetabolic and inflammatory alterations in severely burned children for up to three years post-burn to identify patient specific therapeutic needs and interventions. Methodology/Principal Findings Patients: Nine-hundred seventy-seven severely burned pediatric patients with burns over 30% of the total body surface admitted to our institution between 1998 and 2008 were enrolled in this study and compared to a cohort non-burned, non-injured children. Demographics and clinical outcomes, hypermetabolism, body composition, organ function, inflammatory and acute phase responses were determined at admission and subsequent regular intervals for up to 36 months post-burn. Statistical analysis was performed using One-way ANOVA, Student's t-test with Bonferroni correction where appropriate with significance accepted at p<0.05. Resting energy expenditure, body composition, metabolic markers, cardiac and organ function clearly demonstrated that burn caused profound alterations for up to three years post-burn demonstrating marked and prolonged hypermetabolism, p<0.05. Along with increased hypermetabolism, significant elevation of cortisol, catecholamines, cytokines, and acute phase proteins indicate that burn patients are in a hyperinflammatory state for up to three years post-burn p<0.05. Conclusions Severe burn injury leads to a much more profound and prolonged hypermetabolic and hyperinflammatory response than previously shown. Given the tremendous adverse events associated with the hypermetabolic and hyperinflamamtory responses, we now identified treatment needs for severely burned patients for a much more prolonged time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc G Jeschke
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America.
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Abstract
The profound hypermetabolic response to burn injury is associated with insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, significantly contributing to the incidence of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. These responses are present in all trauma, surgical, or critically ill patients, but the severity, length, and magnitude is unique for burn patients. Although advances in therapeutic strategies to attenuate the postburn hypermetabolic response have significantly improved the clinical outcome of these patients during the past years, therapeutic approaches to overcome stress-induced hyperglycemia have remained challenging. Intensive insulin therapy has been shown to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. High incidence of hypoglycemic events and difficult blood glucose titrations have led to investigation of alternative strategies, including the use of metformin, a biguanide, or fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonist. Nevertheless, weaknesses and potential side affects of these drugs reinforces the need for better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying insulin resistance postburn that may lead to novel therapeutic strategies further improving the prognosis of these patients. This review aims to discuss the mechanisms underlying insulin resistance induced hyperglycemia postburn and outlines current therapeutic strategies that are being used to modulate hyperglycemia after thermal trauma.
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Gauglitz GG, Jeschke MG. Burn Causes Prolonged Insulin Resistance and Hyperglycemia. Intensive Care Med 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-92278-2_66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Norbury WB, Jeschke MG, Herndon DN. Metabolic Changes Following Major Burn Injury: How to Improve Outcome. Intensive Care Med 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/0-387-35096-9_48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Norbury WB, Jeschke MG, Herndon DN. Early Manipulation of Metabolic Changes due to Severe Burns in Children. Intensive Care Med 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-49518-7_70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of burn patients requires a complex interaction of surgical, medical, critical care, and rehabilitation approaches. Severe burn patients are some of the most challenging critically ill patients who may have multiple-system organ failure with life-threatening complications. OBJECTIVE To review and highlight some of the recent advances in burn critical care. We focused on some of the new treatment modalities in the management of respiratory complications, advances in burn resuscitation, management of the metabolic response to burns, and recent ideas in burn immunotherapy. DATA SOURCE A search of the MEDLINE database and manual review of published articles and abstracts from national and international meetings. DATA SYNTHESES AND CONCLUSIONS: The respiratory management of burn patients includes strategies to minimize iatrogenic injury with low tidal volume ventilation, to improve ventilation/perfusion mismatch, and to diagnosis pneumonia. Many aspects of burn resuscitation remain controversial, and the best form of fluid resuscitation has yet to be identified. Recent research in the metabolic response to thermal injury has identified many potentially beneficial treatments. Although immunomodulation therapy is promising, currently most of these treatments are not clinically viable, and further clinical and translational research is warranted.
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Pereira C, Murphy K, Jeschke M, Herndon DN. Post burn muscle wasting and the effects of treatments. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2005; 37:1948-61. [PMID: 16109499 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2005.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2004] [Revised: 04/20/2005] [Accepted: 05/03/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Severe burns are typically followed by a hypermetabolic response that lasts for at least 9-12 months post-injury. The endocrine status is also markedly altered with an initial and then sustained increase in proinflammatory 'stress' hormones such as cortisol and other glucocorticoids, and catecholamines including epinephrine and norepinephrine by the adrenal medulla and cortex. These hormones exert catabolic effects leading to muscle wasting, the intensity of which depends upon the percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) involved, as well as the time elapsed since initial injury. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies may be used to reverse the catabolic effect of thermal injury. Non-pharmacological strategies include early excision and wound closure of burn wound, aggressive treatment of sepsis, elevation of the environmental temperature to thermal neutrality (31.5+/-0.7 degrees C), high carbohydrate, high protein continuous enteral feeding and early institution of resistive exercise programs. Pharmacological modulators of the post-burn hypermetabolic response may be achieved through the administration of recombinant human growth hormone, low dose insulin infusion, use of the synthetic testosterone analogue, oxandrolone and beta blockade with propranolol. This paper aims to review the current understanding of post-burn muscle proteolysis and the effects of clinical and pharmacological strategies currently being studied to reverse it curb these debilitating sequelae of severe burns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford Pereira
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch and Shriners' Hospitals for Children, 815 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
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Pereira CT, Herndon DN. The pharmacologic modulation of the hypermetabolic response to burns. Adv Surg 2005; 39:245-61. [PMID: 16250555 DOI: 10.1016/j.yasu.2005.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Patients with burns less than 40% TBSA do not have catabolism unless sepsis develops. Those with burns more than 40% TBSA always experience catabolism, which causes metabolic derangements that persist for at least 1 year after the injury in most body tissues. The accomplishments of the past decade have placed us in the midst of an exciting paradigm shift from what used to be a primary concern (ie, mortality) to areas that are more likely to enhance the quality of life of burn survivors. Modulating postburn hypermetabolism for the burned patient is of overwhelming importance in both the immediate care stage and the rehabilitative stage. Postburn hypermetabolism cannot be completely reversed but may be manipulated by nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic means. Early burn wound excision and complete wound closure, prevention of sepsis, the maintenance of thermal neutrality for the patient by elevation of the ambient temperature, and graded resistance exercises during convalescence are simple, highly effective primary treatment goals. Although the initial burn injury and sepsis-related complications principally determine the extent of the metabolic response in burn victims, obligatory activity, background- and procedural-related pain, and anxiety also greatly increase metabolic rates. Judicious maximal narcotic support, appropriate sedation, and supportive psychotherapy are mandatory if their effects are to be minimized. Several anabolic and anticatabolic agents are available for use during immediate care and rehabilitation. Exogenous, continuous low-dose insulin infusion, beta-blockade with propranolol, and the use of the synthetic testosterone analogue oxandrolone are the most cost-effective and least toxic therapies to date. These greatly assist therapeutic minimization of the loss of lean body mass and linear growth delay and are effective in burned patients with and without sepsis. Adverse effects, cost benefits, and the ease of administration and monitoring must be examined when considering the possibility of their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford T Pereira
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Galveston, Texas, USA
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Arbabi S, Ahrns KS, Wahl WL, Hemmila MR, Wang SC, Brandt MM, Taheri PA. Beta-Blocker Use Is Associated with Improved Outcomes in Adult Burn Patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 56:265-9; discussion 269-71. [PMID: 14960966 DOI: 10.1097/01.ta.0000109859.91202.c8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no direct evidence that beta-blockers improve mortality in burn victims. Beta-blockers attenuate hypermetabolic states in burned children, and perioperative use in elective adult cases has beneficial effects, which suggests that beta-blockers may also improve burn outcomes. However, beta-blockers decrease cardiac output and may decrease oxygen delivery, and theoretically may increase mortality. What is the effect of beta-blockers on healing time and mortality in burn patients? METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study. We identified three cohorts of adult burn patients between 1996 and 2001: all who were on beta-blockers (BB) before their injury (PMH BB); all who were initiated on BB during their hospitalization for management of hypertension or tachyarrhythmia (HOSP BB); and control, who were never treated with beta-blockers. For each patient in the PMH BB and HOSP BB groups, two patients were placed in the control cohort by matching age and total body surface area burn. Premorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disease, renal insufficiency, and diuretic and calcium channel blocker use were analyzed. Multivariate regression models were used to identify independent modifiers. RESULTS There were 21 PMH BB, 22 HOSP BB, and 86 control patients. All PMH BB patients remained on their BB regimen in the hospital. HOSP BB patients were initiated on beta-blockers at a mean of 8.8 days postinjury. There were no differences in age (mean, 58 +/- 17 years), total body surface area burned (mean, 14 +/- 12%), or mechanism of injury among the cohorts. The mortality rate was 5% for the PMH BB cohort, 27% for the HOSP BB cohort, and 13% for controls. The mean healing times were 51 +/- 29 days for PMH BB patients, 79 +/- 54 days for HOSP BB patients, and 60 +/- 39 for controls. In multivariate analyses, PMH BB was associated with a significant decrease in fatal outcome and healing time (p < or = 0.05 compared with control). CONCLUSION Beta-blockers have the potential to improve adult burn outcomes. Postinjury treatment should be studied in a randomized, clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Arbabi
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0033, USA.
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Dauber A, Osgood PF, Breslau AJ, Vernon HL, Carr DB. Chronic Persistent Pain After Severe Burns: A Survey of 358 Burn Survivors. PAIN MEDICINE 2002; 3:6-17. [PMID: 15102213 DOI: 10.1046/j.1526-4637.2002.02004.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence, characteristics, and effects of chronic persistent pain on burn survivors. DESIGN Mail survey. SETTING Respondents' homes. PATIENTS All members of the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. INTERVENTIONS None. OUTCOME MEASURES Twenty-three questions on the prevalence of pain and its characteristics, including the short form of the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire. RESULTS Of 1,500 members who received the survey, 358 (24%) responded. Respondents had burns covering an average of 59% of their bodies. Time between the injury and the survey averaged 12 years. On the survey, 52% of respondents reported ongoing burn-related pain, and 46% were able to characterize their pain with one or more of 15 characteristics. Two-thirds (66%) reported that pain interfered with their rehabilitation, and 55% reported that pain interfered with their daily lives. Asked "what makes the pain worse now?," the most frequent reply (15%) was "the weather" (including "hot" or "cold"). Various physical activities (e.g., walking, bicycling) were also mentioned, along with nerve regrowth, contractures, remembering the accident, and depression. "Things that make your pain better now" included "nothing," a variety of over-the-counter analgesics, "rest,""exercise,""yoga,""acupuncture,""family and friends," and "God." In coping with their pain, most respondents found family the most helpful, although nurse(s) received almost as high a rating. CONCLUSIONS Pain associated with burn trauma continues to be of considerable significance in the lives of burn victims long after the initial injury and hospitalization. Little research has been done on this population.
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