Complications of Burn Injuries

Study Notes

Burns can be life-threatening and often lead to significant complications. These complications can range from infectious to systemic issues depending on the severity and extent of the burn injury. Some of the complications associated with burns include:

Infection

Burn wounds are susceptible to infection due to the disruption of the skin's natural barrier. Infection can lead to further tissue damage, delayed healing, and the spread of infection to other parts of the body. Common pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis.

Sepsis

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition, can occur as a complication of burn injury. It is caused by a severe inflammatory response to an infection, often involving the release of inflammatory mediators known as cytokines.

Fluid and electrolyte imbalances

Burn injuries can cause significant fluid loss, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Patients may require aggressive resuscitation measures to maintain fluid balance and prevent complications such as hypovolemic shock.

Respiratory complications

Inhalational injuries can occur when a patient inhales hot gases or smoke during a fire. These injuries can cause airway obstruction, respiratory failure, and long-term lung damage.

Gastrointestinal complications

Burn injuries can lead to gastrointestinal complications such as delayed gastric emptying, malnutrition, and even gastrointestinal bleeding.

Cardiovascular complications

Burn injuries can cause significant cardiovascular complications, including arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac failure.

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)

SIRS can occur as a result of the systemic inflammatory response to burn injury. It can lead to organ dysfunction and failure, and is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in burn patients.

Psychological complications

Burn injuries can have significant psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

Early and appropriate clinical treatments are crucial to reduce the mortality rates associated with burn injuries. Wound closure achieved by skin regeneration, rather than repair, should be the goal of burn wound management. Traditional concepts of temporary wound dressings are being replaced by the idea of temporary scaffolds or regenerative templates to promote healing by regeneration. Specialized burn centers, which care for these patients with multidisciplinary teams, are the best places to treat children with major thermal injuries.

Description

Learn about the various complications associated with burn injuries, ranging from infections and sepsis to respiratory and psychological complications. Understand the importance of early clinical treatments and wound management techniques for reducing mortality rates.