Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association
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Severe burns induce a profound hypermetabolic response, leading to a prolonged state of catabolism associated with organ dysfunction and delay of wound healing. Oxandrolone, a synthetic testosterone analog, may alleviate the hypermetabolic catabolic state thereby decreasing associated morbidity. However, current literature has reported mixed outcomes on complications following Oxandrolone use, specifically liver and lung function. ⋯ Oxandrolone did not change the incidence of transient liver dysfunction or mechanical ventilation requirements. There is evidence to suggest that Oxandrolone is a beneficial adjunct to the acute care of burn patients; shortening hospital stays and improving several growth and wound healing parameters. It does not appear that Oxandrolone increases the risk of progressive or transient liver injury, although monitoring liver enzymes is recommended.
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It is well-established that survival in burn injury is primarily dependent on three factors: age, percent total-body surface area burned (%TBSA), and inhalation injury. However, it is clear that in other (nonburn) conditions, nonmedical factors may influence mortality. Even in severe burns, patients undergoing resuscitation may survive for a period of time before succumbing to infection or other complications. ⋯ On analysis by race, only Hispanic patients significantly differed from white patients, and Hispanics were more likely to survive the first 72 hours (p = .028). Traditional medical factors are major factors in early burn deaths. However, these results show that nonmedical socioeconomic factors including race, gender, and especially insurance status influence early burn deaths as well.
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Despite the fact that obesity is a known risk factor for comorbidities and complications, there is evidence suggesting a survival advantage for patients classified by body mass index (BMI) as overweight or obese. Investigated in various clinical areas, this "Obesity Paradox" has yet to be explored in the burn patient population. We sought to clarify whether this paradigm exists in burn patients. ⋯ The adjusted odds ratio for mortality for underweight patients was 4.13 (95% CI 0.416 to 41.055). There was no statistically significant difference in odds of mortality between the normal and overweight BMI categories. In conclusion, the obesity paradox exists in burn care: further investigation is needed to elucidate what specific phenotypic aspects confer this benefit and how these can enhance the care of burn patients.
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Eighty-eight percent of all patients burned in North America suffer burns of less than 20% TBSA. These patients may need care at a burn center, but barring any inhalation injury or polytrauma, these patients do not require helicopter transport (HEMS). We sought to identify a cohort of patients suffering smaller burns who do not benefit from HEMS to establish significant health care system savings. ⋯ Average cost per helicopter transport was US$29K. Accurate triage and burn center consultation before scene transport or hospital transfer could help identify patients not benefiting from HEMS yet safely transferrable by ground, or better served by early clinic follow-up, which would reduce cost without compromising care in this cohort. Annual patient savings approximating US$444K could be multiplied were non-HEMS transport universally adopted for smaller burns.