Investigation of red cell distribution width as a prognostic criterion in severe burns.

This study was conducted to examine red cell distribution width (RDW) as a prognostic criterion in severe burns. The study is a descriptive correlational study and was carried out retrospectively. Patients with high RDW and low albumin values among severe burn injuries in the burn unit of a university hospital constituted half of the sample. Severe burns with RDW within normal range and a prognostic criterion for which albumin level normal and closest to normal accounted for the other half. RDW and albumin values were compared with the clinical results of patients with severe burns. IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) Statistics 25 was used for data analysis. Of the burn patients, 38.33% were between the age of 65-80, 51.67% were men, and 92.5% had third-degree burns. The mean albumin level of the patients was 2.39 ± 0.34 g/dL, and the mean RDW level was 18.47 ± 6.15%. The length of the stay in the intensive care unit was 13.45 ± 7.83 days, and the duration of central venous catheter use was 23.41 ± 8.25 days. High RDW and low albumin values were found to be associated with death, length of stay in the intensive care unit, and more blood transfusion. High RDW and hypoalbuminemia significantly affect the clinical results of severe burns. Both parameters are effective in determining the clinical course of burn patients, the length of hospital stay, presence of catheters and medication treatment protocol.

A Mixed-ligand Pb(II)-coordination Polymer: Photocatalytic Performance and Reduction Activity of the Inflammatory Response After Severe Burns by Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Via the employment of a mixed-ligand method, a novel Pb(II)-coordination polymer with the chemical formula of [Pb(pdc)(bdc)]·2DMF (1, H2bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid and H2pdc = 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid) has been produced via reaction of Pb(NO3)2 with the two organic linkers in a mixed solvent of DMF and water. Complex 1 has high photocatalytic degradation efficiency for methylene blue and rhodamine B under ultraviolet light irradiation. The mechanism of photocatalysis was hypothesized and verified in detail by the r photocatalysis reaction in the existence of the hydroxyl radical scavenger mannitol. Furthermore, the influence of the inflammatory response in the severe burns rats was evaluated. Firstly, the inflammatory response levels were assessed by measuring the content of IL-6 and TNF-α in the plasma after treated with compound. Next, the real time RT-PCR was carried out to determine the signaling pathway of NF-κB relative expression in inflammatory cells.

Generation of a novel human dermal substitute functionalized with antibiotic-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) with antimicrobial properties for tissue engineering.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of patients affected by severe burns is challenging, especially due to the high risk of Pseudomonas infection. In the present work, we have generated a novel model of bioartificial human dermis substitute by tissue engineering to treat infected wounds using fibrin-agarose biomaterials functionalized with nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with two anti-Pseudomonas antibiotics: sodium colistimethate (SCM) and amikacin (AMK). RESULTS: Results show that the novel tissue-like substitutes have strong antibacterial effect on Pseudomonas cultures, directly proportional to the NLC concentration. Free DNA quantification, WST-1 and Caspase 7 immunohistochemical assays in the functionalized dermis substitute demonstrated that neither cell viability nor cell proliferation were affected by functionalization in most study groups. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry for PCNA and KI67 and histochemistry for collagen and proteoglycans revealed that cells proliferated and were metabolically active in the functionalized tissue with no differences with controls. When functionalized tissues were biomechanically characterized, we found that NLCs were able to improve some of the major biomechanical properties of these artificial tissues, although this strongly depended on the type and concentration of NLCs. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that functionalization of fibrin-agarose human dermal substitutes with antibiotic-loaded NLCs is able to improve the antibacterial and biomechanical properties of these substitutes with no detectable side effects. This opens the door to future clinical use of functionalized tissues.

A prospective observation on nutrition support in adult patients with severe burns.

Nutrition therapy is considered an important treatment of burn patients. The aim of the study was to delineate the nutritional support in severe burn patients and to investigate association between nutritional practice and clinical outcomes. Severe burn patients were enrolled (n 100). In 90 % of the cases, the burn injury covered above 70 % of the total body surface area. Mean interval from injury to nutrition start was 2·4 (sd 1·1) d. Sixty-seven patients were initiated with enteral nutrition (EN) with a median time of 1 d from injury to first feed. Twenty-two patients began with parenteral nutrition (PN). During the study, thirty-two patients developed EN intolerance. Patients received an average of about 70 % of prescribed energy and protein. Patients with EN providing <30 % energy had significantly higher 28- d and in-hospital mortality than patients with EN providing more than 30 % of energy. Mortality at 28 d was 11 % and in-hospital mortality was 45 %. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that EN providing <30 % energy and septic shock were independent risk factors for 28- d prognosis. EN could be initiated early in severe burn patients. Majority patients needed PN supplementation for energy requirement and EN feeding intolerance. Post-pyloric feeding is more efficient than gastric feeding in EN tolerance and energy supplement. It is difficult for severe burn patients to obtain enough feeding, especially in the early stage of the disease. More than 2 weeks of underfeeding is harmful to recovery.

[Acute inpatient treatment of severe burns]. / Prise en charge hospitalière des brûlures graves.

Acute inpatient treatment of severe burns. Acute in-hospital care of severely burned patients intricately combines surgery and intensive care. Systemic and supportive care is centered on hemodynamic management of the initial plasmorrhagic shock, airway control, enteral nutrition in order to compensate for hypercatabolism, analgesia and adjuncts. Infection is a major risk, to be prevented and managed topically. Sytemic administration of antibiotics is limited to documented sepsis. Smoke inhalation injury is diagnosed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy and managed with protective ventilation, iterative bronchoscopic cleansing, and nebulized heparin, mucolytics and bronchodilators. Emergent surgery in the burned patient includes initial treatment of associated trauma, escharrotomies, and fasciotomies in selected cases. Acute surgery is centered on early excision and skin autografts to restore cutaneous integrity. Reconstructive surgery is delayed.

Prise en charge hospitalière des brûlures graves. Le traitement hospitalier aigu des brûlés graves associe étroitement chirurgie et réanimation. Le traitement général est centré sur la gestion hémodynamique du choc plasmorragique initial, le contrôle des voies aériennes, la nutrition entérale pour compenser l'hypercatabolisme, l'analgésie-sédation, et la suppléance des défaillances. L'infection, risque majeur, est prévenue et traitée par voie locale en priorité : l'antibiothérapie systémique est réservée aux sepsis documentés. L'inhalation de fumées, de diagnostic fibroscopique, est traitée par ventilation protectrice, toilettes bronchiques itératives, et aérosols d'héparine, mucolytique et bronchodilatateur. La chirurgie du brûlé comprend, en urgence, le traitement prioritaire des traumatismes associés, les escarrotomies de décharge, voire les fasciotomies ; en phase aiguë, la restitution de l'intégrité cutanée par des excisions et autogreffes précoces ; à distance, la chirurgie réparatrice des séquelles.

The Use of Redox Expression and Associated Molecular Damage to Evaluate the Inflammatory Response in Critically Ill Patient with Severe Burn.

The patient with severe burns always represents a challenge for the trauma team due to the severe biochemical and physiopathological disorders. Although there are many resuscitation protocols of severe burn patient, systemic inflammatory response, oxidative stress, decreased immune response, infections, and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes are still secondary complications of trauma, present at maximum intensity in this type of patients. Currently there are numerous studies regarding the evaluation, monitoring, and minimizing the side effects induced by free radicals through antioxidant therapy. In this study, we want to introduce biochemical and physiological aspects of oxidative stress in patients with severe burns and to summarize the biomarkers used presently in the intensive care units. Systemic inflammations and infections are according to the literature the most important causes of death in these type of patients, being directly involved in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and death.

PROGNOSTIC VALUES OF NEUTROPHIL/LYMPHOCYTE RATIO IN SEVERE BURN PATIENTS.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and prognostic value of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with severe burns. A retrospective study was conducted on 245 burn patients over 18 years old without comorbidity or combined injury, burn extent ≥20% TBSA, hospitalized within 24 hours after burn. The collected criteria included patient characteristics, NLR on admission, 3rd and 7th day after burn, and outcome. The results showed that NLR was higher than the normal value at all collected times. In addition, compared to the survivor group, NLR on admission, 3rd and 7th day after burn was significantly higher in the mortality group (p <.01). Multivariate analysis found that the NLR on the 7th day postburn was an independent factor associated with mortality (p <.05), along with the increase in age, burn extent, and presence of inhalation injury (AUC = .85; cut off: 14.13; sensitivity: 75% and specificity: 83.43%). In conclusion, NLR on the 7th day post burn may be used as a predictive factor for mortality amongst severe burn patients.

Le but de cette étude est d'évaluer les valeurs et l'intérêt pronostique du rapport neutrophiles/lymphocytes (RNL) chez le patient gravement brûlé. Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective conduite auprès de 245 adultes (> 18 ans) brûlés sur >20% SCT, sans inhalation de fumée ni comorbidité, hospitalisés dans les 24h suivant le traumatisme. Nous avons examiné les caractéristiques du patient, les RNL à J3 et J7 ainsi que le devenir. Les RNL étaient systématiquement élevés, significativement plus chez ceux destinés à mourir (p <0,01). En analyse multivariée, la valeur de RNL à J7 est significativement corrélée à la mortalité (p <0,05), comme l'âge, la surface brûlée et l'inhalation. Au seuil de 14,13 on obtient une sensibilité de 75%, une spécificité de 83,43% et une AUC/ROC de 0,85. Le RNL à J7 peut être utilisé comme paramètre prédictif de mortalité chez les patients gravement brûlés.

A new surgical concept for the efficient treatment of large and deep burns.

Effective burn surgery is based on two fundamental principles: prompt excision of necrotic tissue and definitive coverage preserving functional dermis and body contour. There is often compromise, either prioritizing the urgency of excision or opting for patient stability and optimal conditions prior to autografting. We propose a surgical concept that addresses this critical treatment gap. In 2022 we implemented a new three-phase protocol, EDM: (Excision phase, E) Immediate excision of the burn wound preserving body contour; (Dermis phase, D) definitive temporization of the wound bed, using Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM), to prepare it for successful grafting. (Meek phase, M): Upon complete dermal temporization, full autologous coverage in a single micrografting procedure. We performed a retrospective single-center cohort study to characterize the EDM protocol compared to the prior standard of care (>40%TBSA, n=5 in EDM vs. n=10 matched controls). Primary outcomes were total surgeries required, total surgeries to achieve>90% healing, uninterrupted recovery time without surgery, and time on mechanical ventilation. The EDM group required fewer surgeries in total (5 vs. 9.5 ; p=0.01) and to achieve>90% healing (3 vs. 6.5; p=0.001). EDM patients experienced longer uninterrupted recovery (24 vs. 14 days, p=0.001). Additionally, EDM patients spent less time on mechanical ventilation (210 vs. 1136 hours, p=0.005). The EDM protocol could improve surgical efficiency, ultimately having the potential to expedite rehabilitation in severely burned patients. The study underscores the potential of combining fundamentals of burn surgery, with innovative surgical techniques and materials, in order to bridge the gap between excision and grafting.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Thrombocytopenia in Severe Burn Injuries.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Burn injuries are the most severe type of trauma, with complex biological consequences associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Prompt recognition and management of burn-related complications are imperative for improving the vital and functional prognosis of the patient. Changes in biological parameters can be essential determinants in the prognosis of the burned patient. Thrombocytopenia in critically ill patients is linked to an elevated risk of mortality. We sought to investigate the significance of thrombocytopenia in severely burned patients while considering the limited available data in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A two-year retrospective study was conducted on 90 patients with severe burns admitted to our Burn Centre. Demographic data, burn lesion characteristics, and daily total blood counts, including platelet assessment, complications, and mortality, were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Patients with extensive burns in our study had a poor prognosis based on their Abbreviated Burn Severity Index score (ABSI), age, percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) burned, presence of third-degree burns, and inhalation injuries. Regardless of the moment, patients with thrombocytopenia in our study died significantly more frequently. Compared with the survivors, the platelet count was significantly lower at any given time in the non-survivors group. Significant statistical associations between thrombocytopenia and ABSI score, burn surface area, presence of third-degree burns, and inhalation injuries were identified at different timeframes post-burn injury. Sepsis was encountered in one-third of the patients. Thrombocytopenia was more frequent in patients with sepsis who did not survive compared to survivors and did not normalize until the time of death. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombocytopenia represents an early indicator of severe complications and outcome predictor in severely burned patients. It is correlated with recognized negative prognostic factors and also with sepsis occurrence. Future research efforts should focus on refining early detection parameters and interventions to improve the prognosis of burn patients.

Post-traumatic stress disorder in burn patients - A large database analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) afflicts a significant portion of burn patients. This study aims to analyze the morbidity, prevalence, and treatment of PTSD in the burn population. METHODS: Using the TriNetX database, we identified burned patients > 18 years of age without (A) or with (B) a PTSD diagnosis. Patients were then stratified by percent of total body surface area (TBSA) burned. Morbidity and mortality was analyzed in each cohort. Prevalence and pharmacologic treatments for PTSD were analyzed from 2002 to 2022. RESULTS: PTSD incidence increased from 2.4% (n = 2281) in patients with < 10% to 3.1% (n = 542) in 10-30%, 7.4% (n = 285) in 30-59%, and 5.3% (n = 90) in > 60% TBSA burned. In patients with < 60% TBSA burned, PTSD diagnosis increased the risk of depression (p = <0.0003) and anxiety (p = <0.0001). In those with < 30% TBSA burned, PTSD diagnosis also increased risk of insomnia (p = <0.0001) and pruritus (p = 0.0211 for TBSA <10% and 0.0059 for TBSA 10-29%). PTSD diagnosis was associated with a decreased risk of mortality in patients with > 30% TBSA burned (p = 0.0179 for TBSA 30-59% and p = 0.0089 for TBSA >60%). From 2002 to 2022, the prevalence of PTSD in all burn patients was relatively stable between 2.2% and 3.2%. We found an increase in the use of serotonergic agents and prazosin for the treatment of PTSD during this timeframe. CONCLUSION: PTSD is not uncommon in the burn population, and those with burns and concomitant PTSD have an increased risk of morbidity. Screening and preventative measures to reduce morbidity and early implementation of care in burned patients with PTSD are indicated.

The asynchronous dynamic changes and interrelationships between leukocyte composition and inflammatory markers and potential clinical significance in the early stage and sepsis stage in severe burns.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the dynamic changes and interrelationships between leukocyte components and inflammatory markers in the early stages and sepsis stage in severe burns, and explore their potential clinical significance. METHODS: This is a 5-year retrospective cohort study involving 107 patients with severe burns (the total body surface area of burn (TBSA) > 50%), in which, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, monocyte count, the ratio of the product of monocyte and lymphocyte count to neutrophil count (MLPN), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), capillary leakage index (CLI) and creatinine (Scr) were investigated. RESULTS: Within one week after injury, the leukocyte components and MLPN showed a V-shaped change, with a peak immediately after injury and a trough on the 4th or 5th day after injury, while CRP showed a continuous upward trend, and the leukocyte compositions of all patients were negatively correlated with CRP values. The counts of leukocytes components and CRP values in deceased patients were higher than those in surviving patients within 2 days after injury. In the resorption stage, although no significant difference in lymphocyte and monocyte counts between surviving and deceased patients was found, the monocyte and lymphocyte counts in deceased patients were lower than those in surviving patients on the 5th to 7th day after injury, while neutrophils counts and CRP values remained higher than those in surviving patients. And the dynamic changes of MLPN were consistent with those of leukocyte compositions and opposite to those of PCT values. Moreover, MLPN were negatively correlated with CRP, CLI, and Scr values in the early stage of severe burns. In sepsis stage, as the condition worsened, the values of CRP, PCT and neutrophil counts continuously increased with varying degree, while lymphocyte and monocyte counts, and MLPN showed continuously decrease, but rebounded to increase before death. And the occurrence of the trough of monocyte counts was earlier than that of lymphocyte counts, a negative correlation between neutrophil counts and PCT values was found. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed the dynamic interrelationships between leucocyte components and inflammatory indicators in the early stages and sepsis stage in severe burns, reflecting the different weightings of inflammatory responses and immune dysfunction in different disease stages and its correlation with outcomes, which providing useful clinical information for dynamic immunomodulatory therapy. Moreover, dynamic monitoring of MLPN value can provide timely information for clinical evaluation.

The Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio on the 6th Day Postburn Is Associated with Clinical Outcome of Severe Burns.

OBJECTIVE: As an immune/inflammatory indicator, the application of monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in the treatment of severe burns is lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic changes of the MLR value in the early stage of severe burns and its clinical value. METHODS: This is a 5-year retrospective cohort study involving 100 patients with severe burns (II-III degree and total body surface area (TBSA) >50%), in which the lymphocyte count, monocyte count, MLR value, C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine (Scr), and capillary leakage index (CLI) were evaluated soon after injury, and 30-day mortality rates were investigated. RESULTS: The MLR values in non-survivors with severe burns were higher than those in survivors in the first two days after injury, while the values on the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th day after injury were lower than those in survivors. The differences between the 6th and 7th days after injury were statistically significant. According to the results of logistic and Cox regression analysis, the MLR values on the 6th day after injury were independent predictors of mortality, and the area under the ROC curve of the 6th day MLR for severe burn-delayed death prediction was 0.658 (95% confidence interval, 0.541-0.774), and the optimal cut-off value was 0.991. The 30-day mortality rates differed significantly between the MLR6 ≥0.991 group and the MLR6≤0.991 group (P<0.05). Within one week after injury, the MLR values were negatively correlated with Scr, CRP and CLI levels for severe burns. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed the dynamic characteristics of the MLR value in the early stage of severe burns, reflecting important changes in the immune/inflammatory related stress response soon after injury, low MLR level was associated with the worsening of disease condition.

Revalidating the prognostic relevance of the Abbreviated Burn Severity Index (ABSI): A twenty-year experience examining the performance of the ABSI score in consideration of progression and advantages of burn treatments from a single center in Vienna.

BACKGROUND: The Abbreviated Burn Severity Index (ABSI) is a five-variable scale to help evaluate burn severity upon initial assessment. As other studies have been conducted with comparatively small patient populations, the purpose of this study is to revalidate the prognostic relevance of the ABSI in our selected population (N = 1193) 4 decades after its introduction, considering the progress in the treatment of severe burn injuries over the past decades. In addition, we evaluate whether comorbidities influence the survival probability of severely burned patients. METHODS: This retrospective study presents data from the Center for Severely Burned Patients of the General Hospital in Vienna. We included 1193 patients for over 20 years. Regression models were used to describe the prognostic accuracy of the ABSI. RESULTS: The ABSI can still be used as a prognostic factor for the probability of survival of severely burned patients. The odds of passing increases by a factor of 2.059 for each unit increase in the ABSI with an area under the curve value of 0.909. Over time, the likelihood of survival increased. The existence of chronic kidney disease negatively impacts the survival probability of severely burned patients. CONCLUSION: The ABSI can still be used to provide accurate information about the chances of survival of severely burned patients; however, further exploration of the impact of chronic kidney disease on the survival probability and adding variables to the ABSI scale should be considered. The probability of survival has increased over the last 20 years.

Case report of the first Caucasian burn patient transplanted with Cutimed Sorbact®-based cultured epithelial autografts technique at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa: An 8-year follow-up.

Cultured epithelial autograft applications are limited by the associated cost and time constraints in resource-limited settings. A modified composite technique using the patients' own tissue and Cutimed Sorbact dressing was employed as a life-saving emergency measure. Since the non-Caucasian population was more commonly treated at the center, it was important to report the first Caucasian patient outcome, as the graft-take outcome for all populations was unknown. A 54-year-old male with extensive flame burns and a low chance of survival was admitted to the Tygerberg Burn Center. He received traditional skin grafts and cultured epithelial cells, after the 2 week-culture period using the current technique. Short- (⩽2 weeks) and long-term graft take (⩽8 years) was inspected. Good graft take and complete epithelialization was observed during short-term inspection with partially healed areas initially attributed to extensive burn depth and dressing removal. Long-term follow-up indicated a near normal tissue appearance and excellent pliability.

Computational Drug Discovery in Diaphragm dysfunction via Text Mining and Biomedical Database.

The diaphragm, which is crucial for ventilation, is the primary muscle responsible for inspiration. Patients with severe burns who experience diaphragmatic dysfunction have an increased risk of mortality. Unfortunately, there are currently no effective medications available to prevent or treat this condition. The objective of our study is to utilize bioinformatics to identify potential genes and drugs associated with diaphragmatic dysfunction. In this study, text mining techniques were utilized to identify genes associated with diaphragmatic dysfunction and recovery. Common genes were then analyzed using GO and KEGG pathway analysis, as well as protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. The obtained hub genes were processed using Cytoscape software, and their expression levels in diaphragmatic dysfunction were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in severe burn rats. Genes that were confirmed were then examined in drug-gene interaction databases to identify potential drugs associated with these genes. Our analysis revealed 96 genes that were common to both the "Diaphragm dysfunction" and "Functional Recovery" text mining concepts. Gene enrichment analysis identified 19 genes representing ten pathways. qRT-PCR showed a significant increase in expression levels of 13 genes, including CCL2, CCL3, CD4, EGF, HGF, IFNG, IGF1, IL17A, IL6, LEP, PTGS2, TGFB1, and TNF, in samples with diaphragmatic dysfunction. Additionally, we found that a total of 56 drugs targeted 5 potential genes. These findings provide new insights into the development of more effective drugs for treating diaphragmatic dysfunction, and also present substantial opportunities for researching new target pharmacology and promoting drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.

Long-term renal function after burn-related acute kidney injury with continuous renal replacement therapy.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of severe burn injury and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is the preferred treatment for stage 3 AKI due to severe burn. This retrospective cohort study at a single institution aimed to examine the long-term renal outcomes after discharge of burn survivors who underwent CRRT during their ICU stay between 2012-2021 due to burn-related AKI, hypothesizing a return to baseline renal function in the long term. Among the 31 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 22 survived their burn injuries, resulting in a 29 % mortality rate. No significant disparities were observed in demographics, comorbidities, burn characteristics, or critical care interventions between survivors and non-survivors. Serum creatinine and eGFR values normalized for 91 % of patients at discharge. Impressively, 91 % of survivors demonstrated a return to baseline renal function during long-term (>3 years) follow-up. Furthermore, only 18 % underwent dialysis after discharge, primarily within the first year. Cumulative mortality rates were 18.2 %, 22.7 %, and 31.8 % at 1, 3, and > 3 years after discharge, respectively. Causes of death were primarily non-renal. These results suggest that burn-related AKI with CRRT results in lower rates of conversion to ongoing renal dysfunction compared to general ICU cohorts. Despite limitations, this study contributes vital insights into the underexplored issue of long-term outcomes after dicharge in this patient population.

Evaluation of a thermoregulatory intravascular catheter in critically ill burns patients.

Patients with severe burns are at high risk of thermoregulatory failure. Yet, there is a lack of consensus regarding the optimum approach to temperature dysregulation in patients with severe burns. Intravascular temperature management catheters may offer a superior method of temperature control, but robust data is lacking. In this article we describe our experience in using a thermoregulatory catheter for temperature management in a tertiary referral burns centre. We conducted a single-centre, prospective evaluation of the use of a thermoregulatory intravenous catheter system (Thermogard XP®) in critically injured burns patients admitted to our Intensive Care Unit over an 18-month period. 10 patients had a total of 12 catheters inserted. Patient temperatures were maintained between a median low of 36.9°C and median high of 38.4°C whilst in the Intensive Care Unit. If patients were transferred to theatre, the median temperature change was -0.15°C (IQR -0.3, 0) if Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) was ≤50% and -1.45°C (IQR -2.05, -0.975) if >50%. No surgical procedures were terminated due to intra-operative hypothermia. On return from theatre, 72.2% of patients were normothermic with a median temperature of 36.8°C. 30% of patients developed a thrombotic complication. Overall, the device appeared reliable in achieving and maintaining normothermia for critically ill burns patients manifesting temperature dysregulation. It may also be of benefit to patients expected to show temperature fluctuations during operative procedures. Further research is needed to define whether this represents an improvement over current practice and to investigate the thrombus risk associated with such devices.

Serum Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1, α 1-Acid Glycoprotein, C-Reactive Protein, and Platelet Factor 4 Levels-Promising Molecules That Can Complete the "Puzzle" of the Biochemical Milieu in Severe Burns: Preliminary Results of a Cohort Prospective Study.

Background: Burns represent a serious health problem, associated with multiple-organ failure, prolonged hospitalization, septic complications, and increased rate of mortality. The main aim of our study was to evaluate the levels of various circulating molecules in children with severe burns (more than 25% TBSA), in three different moments: 48 h, day 10, and day 21 post-burn. Materials and Methods: This study included 32 children with burns produced by flame, hot liquid, and electric arc and 21 controls. Serum plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), α 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and platelet factor 4 (PF4) were detected using the Multiplex technique. Several parameters, such as fibrinogen, leucocyte count, thrombocyte count, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone were also determined for each patient during hospitalization. Results: Significant statistical differences were obtained for CRP, AGP, and PF4 compared to the control group, in different moments of measurements. Negative correlations between CRP, AGP, and PF4 serum levels and burned body surface, and also the hospitalization period, were observed. Discussions: CRP levels increased in the first 10 days after burn trauma and then decreased after day 21. Serum PAI-1 levels were higher immediately after the burn and started decreasing only after day 10 post-burn. AGP had elevated levels 48 h after the burn, then decreased at 7-10 days afterwards, and once again increased levels after 21 days. PF4 serum levels increased after day 10 since the burning event. Conclusions: Serum CRP, AGP, PAI-1, and PF4 seem to be promising molecules in monitoring patients with a burn within the first 21 days.

Treatment Challenges in a Pregnant Patient With Severe Burn Injury and Wound Care Using Amniotic Membrane: A Case Report.

We report a case of severe burn injury in a 42-year-old pregnant patient referred to our hospital's burn unit after experiencing a scald burn injury that burned her neck, chest, trunk, abdomen and limbs. The patient had burn wounds distributed on her neck, all four extremities, the chest and abdomen, with a total burn area of 46.5%. The burn wounds were treated with surgical debridement and then covered with silver sulfadiazine and damp gauze. The patient's wounds were treated every three days. The patient delivered a healthy baby full-term through a spontaneous, vaginal delivery. After delivery, the amniotic membrane from the patient was used as an amniotic membrane graft and was planted on the patient's chest, right arm and right thigh. The amniotic membrane in this patient helped to accelerate the preparation of the wound bed for skin grafting. Split-thickness skin grafts were then used on the wounds and the patient was discharged from the hospital one week later. Patients that present with burn injuries during pregnancy require intense monitoring and careful management from a multidisciplinary team. A collaborative effort needs to be made in order to plan the best outcome for the mother and fetus. Precise and early resuscitation is the first step to treating such cases. The administration of fluids should be titered based on the patient's hemodynamic condition and urine output. Wound management can also be optimized using the amniotic membrane as a temporary dressing before skin grafting.

Nous rapportons le cas d'une femme de 42 ans, enceinte, hospitalisée dans le service après un ébouillantement touchant le cou, le thorax, l'abdomen et les membres, représentant 46,5% SCT. Les pansements étaient réalisés tous les 3 jours avec de la sulfadiazine argentique recouverte de gaze humide. La patiente a accouché naturellement, à terme. Sa membrane amniotique a été utilisée pour recouvrir le thorax et les membres droits en attente de greffes, la patiente étant sortie 1 semaine après leur réalisation. Les patientes se brûlant durant leur grossesse doivent bénéficier d'un suivi multidisciplinaire attentif s'intéressant à la maman et au fœtus. Le remplissage initial doit être adapté à l'hémodynamique et à la diurèse. Le traitement local peut être optimisé, avant greffe, par l'utilisation de la membrane amniotique.

Histamine H1 receptor antagonist attenuates catecholamine surge and organ injury after severe burns.

Severe burns induce a catecholamine surge, causing severe damage to the organism and raising the possibility of multisystem organ failure. Few strategies are generally acceptable to reduce catecholamine surge and organ injury post-burn. We have previously shown that histamine can amplify the catecholamine surge. In addition, promethazine, a first-generation histamine H1 receptor antagonist, alleviates catecholamine surge and organ injury after severe burns in rats. However, evidence is lacking on whether promethazine benefits patients after severe burns. Currently, sedation and analgesia (such as midazolam and fentanyl) are commonly required for patients after severe burns. It remains unclear if patients after severe burns derive clinical benefit from histamine H1 receptor antagonists combined with sedation and analgesia. This study investigates the therapeutic effect of promethazine on patients after severe burns. Moreover, we test the therapeutic effect of cetirizine, a second-generation histamine H1 receptor antagonist, combined with sedation and analgesia in rats after severe burns. We find that promethazine-pethidine treatment shows a tendency for a lower level of total bilirubin than midazolam-fentanyl in patients 7-day after severe burn. Our study confirms that cetirizine combined with midazolam and fentanyl reduces catecholamine surge and liver and lung damage after severe burns in rats; the effects are better than midazolam and fentanyl treatment. In summary, for the first time, we suggest that histamine H1 receptor antagonist has the potential clinical value of reducing liver injury in patients after severe burns. In addition, we reveal that cetirizine combined with midazolam and fentanyl may be an ideal strategy for treating severe burns.