Recognizing the long-term sequelae of burns as a chronic medical condition

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.

The Development and Management of Neck Burn Scar Contracture Recurrence: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Burn neck contractures pose a great challenge for reconstructive surgeons. A paucity of literature exist regarding long-term outcomes based on different surgical management strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of the treatment of neck burn scar contractures and evaluate surgical strategies according to their long-term effectiveness and associated complications.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to review outcomes of neck contractures release after burn injury. All patients operated on between January 2009 and February 2023 at a single institution were included.

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients developed neck burn scar contracture and were included in this study. The mean age was 32.9 ± 20.3 years. The burn injuries were most commonly thermal (n = 19, 95%). All burn injuries were full-thickness burns, with an average neck defect size of 130.5 ± 106.0 cm2. Overall, 45 surgical scar release procedures were performed on the 20 patients who developed a neck contracture. Patients underwent 1.65 ± 1.04 surgeries on average to address neck contracture. Although 25% of patients only received 1 surgery to treat neck contracture, some patients underwent as many as 8 surgeries. Contracture recurrence (CR) was the most common complication and occurred in 28.9% of the cases. The mean percentage total body surface area did not significantly differ in CR patients (26.7% ± 14.9%) and no-CR patients (44.5% ± 30.2%). However, there was a significant difference (P = 0.01) in the average neck defect size between CR patients (198.5 ± 108.3 cm2) and no-CR patients (81.1 ± 75.1 cm2).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that risk factors for initial burn scar contractures may differ from those associated with CR, highlighting the importance of neck defect size as a predictor. The study also examines various surgical approaches, with Z-plasty showing promise for managing CR. However, the absence of data on neck range of motion is a limitation. This research underscores the complexity of managing CR and emphasizes the need for ongoing postoperative monitoring.

Worse Itch and Fatigue in Racial and Ethnic Minorities: A Burn Model System Study

Racial and ethnic minority patients experience worse hypertrophic scars after burn injury than White patients. Subsequently, minority patients encounter differences in scar-related recovery domains such as itch and fatigue. This study examines disparities regarding postburn injury itch and fatigue in minority patients to better inform counseling and treatment considerations. From the multicenter National Institute of Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research Burn Model System Database (2015-2019), outcomes were analyzed at three time-points (discharge from index hospitalization, 6- and 12-months post-injury) using the 5D Itch and PROMIS-29 Fatigue measures. Multilevel linear mixed effects regression modeling analyzed associations between race/ethnicities and outcomes over time. Of 893 total patients, minority patients reported higher/worse itch scores at all time points compared to White patients. Itch scores were significantly higher for Black patients at 6 months (β = 1.42, P = .03) and 12 months (β = 3.36, P < .001) when compared to White patients. Black patients reported higher fatigue scores than White patients at all time points. Fatigue scores were significantly higher for Hispanic/Latino patients at discharge (β = 6.17, P < .001), 6 months (β = 4.49, P < .001), and 12 months (β = 6.27, P < .001) than White patients. This study supports investigation of potential factors leading to increased itch and fatigue such as sociocultural factors, disparities in healthcare access, and psychosocial impacts of these symptoms. In the short-term, minority patients may benefit from additional counseling and focused treatments addressing itch and fatigue after burn injury.

PROMIS-25 Reliability and Validity Among Children Living with Burn Injury: A Burn Model System National Database Study

This study examined the reliability and validity of the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMIS)-25, a profile instrument consisting of four-item fixed short forms for six health domains, in children living with burn injury. Data were provided by children participating in a multi-center longitudinal study of outcomes after burn injury. Floor and ceiling effects, unidimensionality, internal consistency, reliability, and differential item functioning (DIF) of the PROMIS-25 Profile v.2.0 were examined. Correlations with other established measures were calculated to assess concurrent validity. Children (n = 256) between the ages of 8-18 years with moderate to severe injury provided responses on PROMIS-25 domains. All PROMIS-25 domains showed high internal consistency. Substantial portions of the sample reported no symptoms (anxiety [58.2%], depressive symptoms [54.6%], fatigue [50.8%], pain [60.1%]). There was a large ceiling effect on peer relationships (46.8%) and physical function mobility (57.5%). One-factor confirmatory factor analyses supported unidimensionality for all domains. Reliability was sufficient for group mean comparisons (>0.8) across at least some trait levels for most domains except fatigue and anxiety. No DIF with respect to burn status was detected when comparing the burn sample to the PROMIS pediatric general U.S. population testing sample. These results provide evidence of reliability and validity of PROMIS-25 scores among children living with burn injury. Reliability of domains was low to moderate and would likely be improved, and ceiling effects reduced for some domains, by administering the PROMIS-37, which includes six items per domain.

Defining numerical cut points for mild, moderate, and severe pain in adult burn survivors: A northwest regional burn model system investigation

INTRODUCTION

Pain is a common and often debilitating sequela of burn injury. Burn pain develops following damage to peripheral sensory nerves and the release of inflammatory mediators from injury. Burn pain is complex and can include background and procedural pain that result from the injury itself, wound care, stretching, and surgery. Clinicians and researchers need valid and reliable pain measures to guide screening, treatment, and research protocols. Unlike other conditions, visual analog, or numeric pain rating scale (VAS/NRS) scores that represent mild, moderate, and severe pain among people with burn injury have not been established. The aim of this study was to identify the most suitable average pain intensity rating scores for mild, moderate, and severe pain in adult burn survivors using a PROMIS Pain Interference (PROMIS-PI) short form.

METHODS

An average pain intensity VAS/NRS score (0-10) and customized PROMIS-PI short form were administered to adults with burn injury treated at a regional burn center at hospital discharge (baseline) and at 6, 12, and 24-months after injury. To identify pain intensity scores that represent mild, moderate, and severe pain, we computed F values and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) statistics associated with multiple ANOVA comparisons for mean pain interference scores by various pain intensity cut points. Six possible cut points (CP) were compared: CP 3,6; 3,7; 4,6; 4,7; 2,5; and 3,5. Optimal cut points were considered those with the highest ANOVA F statistics. Models with similar F statistics were also compared with BIC.

RESULTS

Data from a sample of 253 participants (83% white, 66% male, mean age 47 years) with VAS/NRS pain intensity and PROMIS-PI scores at one or more timepoints were analyzed. The optimal classification for mild, moderate, and severe pain was CP 2,5 at baseline and 12-months. Although CP 3,6 had the highest F value at 6-months, there was not strong evidence to support CP 3,6 over CP 2,5 (BIC difference: 2.9); similarly, CP 3,7 had the highest value at 24-months, but the BIC difference over CP 2,5 was only 2.2.

CONCLUSIONS

VAS/NRS scores for pain among adults with burn injury can be categorized as mild (0-2), moderate (3-5), and severe (6-10). These findings advance our understanding regarding the meaning of pain intensity ratings after burn injury, and provide an objective definition for clinical management, quality improvement, and pain research.

Effects of Aerobic Exercise in the Intensive Care Unit on Patient-Reported Physical Function and Mental Health Outcomes in Severely Burned Children-A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Trial

Severe burns are life-altering and can have lasting effects on patients' physical and mental health. Alterations in physical function, changes in appearance, and psychological disturbances resulting from severe burns are especially concerning in children, as they are still in the early stages of identity formation. Exercise in the nonburn population has been shown to improve quality of life and result in better physical and mental status. However, the effect of early exercise on the quality of life in pediatric burn patients requires more research.

METHODS

Forty-eight children between the ages of seven and seventeen with ≥30% total body surface area (TBSA) burn were randomized in a 1:2 fashion to receive treatment with standard-of-care (SOC) or standard-of-care plus exercise (SOC+Ex). Surveys administered at admission and discharge collected patient-reported information regarding physical and mental health outcomes. The results are given as means +/- standard deviation. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The average age of the SOC and SOC+Ex groups were 12 ± 3 and 13 ± 4 years, respectively. The average %TBSA burned in the SOC and SOC+Ex groups were 54 ± 17 and 48 ± 14, respectively. The SOC+Ex group averaged 10 ± 9 exercise sessions (range of 1 to 38 sessions) with an attendance rate of 25% (10 sessions out of 40 BICU days). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in patient-reported physical and mental outcomes during hospital admission (p < 0.05) However, additional exercise did not exhibit any additional benefits for measured levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our recommendation is for all pediatric patients in the BICU to continue with the SOC and consult with their physician over the benefits of additional aerobic exercise. This study suggests that perhaps there is potential for increasing the amount of exercise that can be administered to pediatric burn survivors beyond SOC as we did not find aerobic exercise to be of any harm to any patients if it is performed properly and under supervision.

The Impact of Burn Size on Community Participation: A Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE) Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association of burn size and community participation as measured by the LIBRE Profile.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Burn size is an established clinical predictor of survival after burn injury. It is often a factor in guiding decisions surrounding early medical interventions; however, literature is inconclusive on its relationship to quality of life outcomes.

METHODS

This is a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional survey of adult burn survivors. Self-reported data were collected between October 2014 and December 2015 from 601 burn survivors aged ≥18 years with ≥5% total body surface area (TBSA) or burns to critical areas. Sociodemographic characteristics were compared between participants with small burns (≤40% TBSA burned) and large burns (>40% TBSA burned). Ordinary least squares regression models examined associations between burn size and LIBRE Profile scale scores with adjustments for sex, current work status, burns to critical areas, and time since burn injury.

RESULTS

The analytic sample comprised 562 participants with data available for burn size. 42% of respondents had large burns (>40% TBSA burned) and 58% reported smaller burns (TBSA ≤40%). In adjusted regression models, patients with large burns tended to score lower on the Social Activities and Work & Employment scales ( P < 0.05) and higher on the Family & Friends scale ( P < 0.05). Participants with burns >40% TBSA scored lower for several individual items in the Social Activities scale and one item in the Work & Employment scale ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing burn size was found to be negatively associated with selected items of Work & Employment and Social Activities, but positively associated with aspects of Family & Friend Relationships. Future longitudinal studies are necessary to assess and understand the long-term social impact of burn injuries on adult populations.

Are burns a chronic condition? Examining patient reported outcomes up to 20 years after burn injury-A Burn Model System National Database investigation

BACKGROUND

People living with burn injury often face long-term physical and psychological sequelae associated with their injuries. Few studies have examined the impacts of burn injuries on long-term health and function, life satisfaction, and community integration beyond 5 years postinjury. The purpose of this study was to examine these outcomes up to 20 years after burn injury.

METHODS

Data from the Burn Model System National Longitudinal Database (1993-2020) were analyzed. Patient-reported outcome measures were collected at discharge (preinjury status recall) and 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, and 20 years after injury. Outcomes examined were the SF-12/VR-12 Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Community Integration Questionnaire. Trajectories were developed using linear mixed models with repeated measures of outcome scores over time, controlling for demographic and clinical variables.

RESULTS

The study population included 421 adult burn survivors with a mean age of 42.4 years. Lower Physical Component Summary scores (worse health) were associated with longer length of hospital stay, older age at injury and greater time since injury. Similarly, lower Mental Component Summary scores were associated with longer length of hospital stay, female sex, and greater time since injury. Satisfaction with Life Scale scores decrease negatively over time. Lower Community Integration Questionnaire scores were associated with burn size and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity.

CONCLUSION

Burn survivors' physical and mental health and satisfaction with life worsened over time up to 20 years after injury. Results strongly suggest that future studies should focus on long-term follow-up where clinical interventions may be necessary.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiologic; Level III.

Adolescents with and without head and neck burns: comparison of long-term outcomes in the burn model system national database

INTRODUCTION

Facial burns account for persistent differences in psychosocial functioning in adult burn survivors. Although adolescent burn survivors experience myriad chronic sequelae, little is known about the effect of facial injuries. This study examines differences in long-term outcomes with and without head and neck involvement.

METHODS

Data collected for 392 burn survivors between 14-17.9 years of age from the Burn Model System National Database (2006-2015) were analyzed. Comparisons were made between two groups based on presence of a head and neck burn (H&N) using the following patient reported outcome measures: Satisfaction with Appearance Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Community Integration Questionnaire, and Short Form-12 Health Survey at 6, 12, and 24 months after injury. Regression analyses were used to assess association between outcome measures and H&N group at 12-months.

RESULTS

The H&N group had more extensive burns, had longer hospital stays, were more likely to be burned by fire/flame and were more likely to be Hispanic compared to the non-H&N group. Regression analysis found that H&N burn status was associated with worse SWAP scores. No significant associations were found between H&N burn status and other outcome measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with H&N burn status showed significantly worse satisfaction with appearance at 12-months after injury. Future research should examine interventions to help improve body image and coping for adolescent burn survivors with head and neck burns.

Trajectory Curves for Purposes of Benchmarking and Predicting Clinical Outcomes: A Scoping Review

Trajectory curves are valuable tools to benchmark patient health status and predict future outcomes. A longitudinal study is underway to examine social participation after burn injury using the Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE) Profile with the goal of developing trajectory curves for specific domains that focus on social reintegration. We conducted a scoping review to inform and understand trajectory curves applied in clinical settings to compare outcomes for an individual to a matched cohort of comparable patients or predicted expected outcomes over time. This scoping review utilized a PubMed search from January 2014 to August 2019 for the following terms: "trajectory curves" or "trajectory models" and "clinic" or "clinical." Only articles that specifically referenced longitudinal and clinical research designs were included in the scoping review. Articles were assessed using standard scoping review methods and categorized based on clinical application of trajectory curves for either benchmarking or prediction. The initial literature review identified 141 manuscripts and 34 met initial inclusion criteria. The reviewed articles support the clinical use of trajectory curves. Findings provide insight into several key determinants involved with the successful development and implementation of trajectory curves in clinical settings. These findings will inform efforts to use the LIBRE Profile to model social participation recovery and assist in developing effective strategies using trajectory curves to promote social reintegration after burn injury.

Validation of PROMIS-29 domain scores among adult burn survivors: A National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Burn Model System Study

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcomes are important for understanding recovery after burn injury, benchmarking service delivery and measuring the impact of interventions. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-29 domains have been validated for use among diverse populations though not among burn survivors. The purpose of this study was to examine validity and reliability of PROMIS-29 scores in this population.

METHODS

The PROMIS-29 scores of physical function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, ability to participate in social roles, and pain interference were evaluated for validity and reliability in adult burn survivors. Unidimensionality, floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency, and reliability were examined. Differential item functioning was used to examine bias with respect to demographic and injury characteristics. Correlations with measures of related constructs (Community Integration Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Post-Traumatic Stress Checklist-Civilian, and Veteran's Rand-12) and known-group differences were examined.

RESULTS

Eight hundred and seventy-six burn survivors with moderate to severe injury from 6 months to 20 years postburn provided responses on PROMIS-29 domains. Participants' ages ranged from 18 years to 93 years at time of assessment; mean years since injury was 3.4. All PROMIS domain scores showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.87-0.97). There was a large ceiling effect on ability to participate in social roles (39.7%) and physical function (43.3%). One-factor confirmatory factor analyses supported unidimensionality (all comparative fit indices >0.95). We found no statistically significant bias (differential item functioning). Reliability was high (>0.9) across trait levels for all domains except sleep, which reached moderate reliability (>0.85). All known-group differences by demographic and clinical characteristics were in the hypothesized direction and magnitude except burn size categories.

CONCLUSION

The results provide strong evidence for reliability and validity of PROMIS-29 domain scores among adult burn survivors. Reliability of the extreme scores could be increased and the ceiling effects reduced by administering PROMIS-43, which includes six items per domain, or by administering by computerized adaptive testing.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic Test or Criteria, level III.

Burn injury prevention in low- and middle- income countries: scoping systematic review

BACKGROUND

Burn injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and disability, with the burden of disease being disproportionately higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Burn prevention programmes have led to significant reductions in the incidence of burns in high-income countries. However, a previous systematic review published in 2015 highlighted that implementation and evaluation of similar programmes has been limited in LMIC. The objective of this scoping review and narrative synthesis was to summarise and understand the initiatives that have been carried out to reduce burn injuries in LMIC and their effectiveness.

METHODS

We aimed to identify publications that described studies of effectiveness of burn prevention interventions applied to any population within a LMIC and measured burn incidence or burns-related outcomes. Suitable publications were identified from three sources. Firstly, data was extracted from manuscripts identified in the systematic review published by Rybarczyk et al. We then performed a search for manuscripts on burn prevention interventions published between January 2015 and September 2020. Finally, we extracted data from two systematic reviews where burn evidence was not the primary outcome, which were identified by senior authors. A quality assessment and narrative synthesis of included manuscripts were performed.

RESULTS

In total, 24 manuscripts were identified and categorized according to intervention type. The majority of manuscripts (n = 16) described education-based interventions. Four manuscripts focused on environmental modification interventions and four adopted a mixed-methods approach. All of the education-based initiatives demonstrated improvements in knowledge relating to burn safety or first aid, however few measured the impact of their intervention on burn incidence. Four manuscripts described population-based educational interventions and noted reductions in burn incidence. Only one of the four manuscripts describing environmental modification interventions reported burns as a primary outcome measure, noting a reduction in burn incidence. All mixed-method interventions demonstrated some positive improvements in either burn incidence or burns-related safety practices.

CONCLUSION

There is a lack of published literature describing large-scale burn prevention programmes in LMIC that can demonstrate sustained reductions in burn incidence. Population-level, collaborative projects are necessary to drive forward burn prevention through specific environmental or legislative changes and supplementary educational programmes.

Utilization of Acupuncture and Herbal Ointment Instead of Skin Graft Surgery for the Treatment of Burn Injuries: A Case Series and Literature review

Skin graft surgery is a standard treatment that increases the survival rate of patients with burn injuries; however, it leaves many sequelae. Conventional external preparations for the treatment of burns also have various side effects. In this retrospective case study, we assessed the cases of four patients with topical third-degree burns who did not wish to undergo the skin graft surgeries recommended by medical doctors and were thus treated using traditional medicine alone. A Korean medicine doctor administered integrative traditional medicine treatment to the patients using acupuncture and herbal ointments. Analysis of the patients' treatment photographs, quantitative evaluation indices, and vivid narratives suggested that their skin recovered well without adverse effects. Traditional Korean medicine treatment, including acupuncture and herbal ointment treatment, can be a new alternative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with topical burns who do not want to undergo skin graft surgery or who have higher risks for poor surgical outcomes.

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the burn specific health scale-brief: A National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Burn Model System Study

OBJECTIVE

The Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B) is a commonly used burn specific health outcome measure that includes 40 items across nine subscales. The objective of this study was to use both classical and modern psychometric methods to evaluate psychometric properties of the BSHS-B.

METHODS

Data were collected post burn injury by a multisite federally funded project tracking long term outcomes. We examined dimensionality, local dependence, item fit, and functioning of response categories, homogeneity, and floor and ceiling effects. Items were fit to Item Response Theory models for evaluation.

RESULTS

A total of 653 adults with burn injury completed the BSHS-B. Factor analyses supported unidimensionality for all subscales, but not for a total score based on all 40 items. All nine of the subscales had significant ceiling effects. Six item pairs displayed local dependence suggesting redundance and 11 items did not fit the Item Response Theory models. At least 15 items have too many response options.

CONCLUSIONS

Results identified numerous psychometric issues with the BSHS-B. A single summary score should never be used for any purpose. Psychometric properties of the scale need to be improved by removing redundant items, reducing response categories and modifying or deleting problematic items. Additional conceptual work is needed to, at a minimum, revise the work subscale and optimally to revisit and clearly define the constructs measured by all the subscales. Additional items are needed to address ceiling effects.

The relationship between psychosocial distress and oral health status in patients with facial burns and mediation by oral health behaviour

BACKGROUND

There is limited discussion on the influence of psychosocial factors on the oral health of patients with a facial burn injury. This report investigated the relationship between oral health and psychosocial distress in patients with facial burns and the role of oral health behaviour in mediating the relationship.

METHODS

The data were part of a cross-sectional study that had systematically and randomly selected patients with > 10% total burn surface area from a burn centre in Pakistan. The oral health status (DMFT, CPI, OHI-S) and severity of facial disfigurement were assessed. Validated instruments in the Urdu language were self-administered and information relating to oral health behaviour (brushing and dental visits), oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-14), satisfaction with appearance, self-esteem, anxiety and depression, resilience, and social support were collected. The statistical analyses included simple linear regression, Pearson correlation, t-test, and ANOVA. Mediation analysis was carried out to examine the indirect effect by oral health behaviour.

RESULTS

From a total of 271 participants, the majority had moderate to severe facial disfigurement (89%), low self-esteem (74.5%), and moderate to high levels of social support (95%). The level of satisfaction with appearance was low, whereas anxiety and depression were high. Disfigurement and satisfaction with appearance were associated with lower self-esteem and social support (p < 0.05). Greater severity of disfigurement, higher levels of anxiety and dissatisfaction with appearance, and lower levels of self-esteem and social support were associated with greater DMFT and OHIP-14 scores, worse periodontal and oral hygiene conditions, and less frequent tooth brushing and dental visits (p < 0.05). The main barriers to oral healthcare utilization were psychological and social issues (p < 0.05). The indirect effect by oral health behaviour was not significant for anxiety but was significant for disfigurement, satisfaction with appearance, self-esteem, and social support.

CONCLUSION

There is an association between the psychosocial factors and oral health of patients with facial burns through a direct effect and mediation by oral health behaviour.

Agreement between proxy- and self-report scores on PROMIS health-related quality of life domains in pediatric burn survivors: a National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Burn Model System Study

PURPOSE

To examine agreement between pediatric burn survivor self- and caregiver proxy-report on multiple PROMIS domains and examine factors associated with differences between self- and proxy-reports.

METHODS

Children 8-17 years of age and their caregivers completed PROMIS measures (physical function, depression, peer relationships, pain interference, and anger) between 6 months and 15 years after injury. Self- and proxy-report scores were compared using Wilcoxon sign rank test, Cohen's effect size, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and by agreement across severity of symptoms based on recommended cutoffs. Ordinary least squares regression analyses examined child- (self-report score, age, gender, and ethnicity) and proxy-related (relationship to child) factors associated with score differences.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventy four child-caregiver pairs completed the PROMIS measures. Mean child age was 13.0 (SD:3) years. Caregivers reported significantly worse scores than the child on physical function, pain, and anger (all p ≤ 0.01). The effect sizes were small across all domains except physical function. Similarly, ICCs were all of moderate agreement. The percentage of dyads in agreement by severity groups was high with only 5%-9% of pairs discordant. Only higher self-report score was associated (all p < 0.05) with greater differences across all domains in regression analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the use of pediatric proxy PROMIS depression, physical function, peer relationships, pain interference, and anger scales in pediatric burn patients. Although agreement was moderate to good, assessing proxy-report alone as a surrogate should only be considered when self-report is not possible or practical. Caregivers typically report slightly worse severity of symptoms than children across all domains.

Inhalation injury is associated with long-term employment outcomes in the burn population: Findings from a cross-sectional examination of the Burn Model System National Database

Introduction

Inhalation injuries carry significant acute care burden including prolonged ventilator days and length of stay. However, few studies have examined post-acute outcomes of inhalation injury survivors. This study compares the long-term outcomes of burn survivors with and without inhalation injury.

Methods

Data collected by the Burn Model System National Database from 1993 to 2019 were analyzed. Demographic and clinical characteristics for adult burn survivors with and without inhalation injury were examined. Outcomes included employment status, Short Form-12/Veterans Rand-12 Physical Composite Score (SF-12/VR-12 PCS), Short Form-12/Veterans Rand-12 Mental Composite Score (SF-12/VR-12 MCS), and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) at 24 months post-injury. Regression models were used to assess the impacts of sociodemographic and clinical covariates on long-term outcome measures. All models controlled for demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

Data from 1,871 individuals were analyzed (208 with inhalation injury; 1,663 without inhalation injury). The inhalation injury population had a median age of 40.1 years, 68.8% were male, and 69% were White, non-Hispanic. Individuals that sustained an inhalation injury had larger burn size, more operations, and longer lengths of hospital stay (p<0.001). Individuals with inhalation injury were less likely to be employed at 24 months post-injury compared to survivors without inhalation injury (OR = 0.63, p = 0.028). There were no significant differences in PCS, MCS, or SWLS scores between groups in adjusted regression analyses.

Conclusions

Burn survivors with inhalation injury were significantly less likely to be employed at 24 months post-injury compared to survivors without inhalation injury. However, other health-related quality of life outcomes were similar between groups. This study suggests distinct long-term outcomes in adult burn survivors with inhalation injury which may inform future resource allocation and treatment paradigms.