Early and Late Acute Kidney Injury in Severely Burned Patients

Ten-Year Retrospective Analysis of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Burn Patients: Impact on Survival and Timing of Initiation

BACKGROUND Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common issue in intensive care units and is a potentially lethal consequence of severe burns. In severely burned patients with non-renal indications, renal replacement treatment is frequently used. This study's aim was to compile a 10-year summary of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) experience at a single burn center, including patient outcomes, effectiveness, and potential complications in the context of severe burns. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective analysis included the clinical data from 723 burned patients. The data analysis of 300 patients with CRRT therapy included clinical data, laboratory tests, and CRRT parameters. The study group was split into 2 subgroups regarding onset of CRRT: early (up to 7 days after the trauma) and late. RESULTS Age, burn extent, length of stay, and inhalation injury all had an impact on survival. Early CRRT was linked to a greater probability of death (P<0.005). Upon admission to the burn center, patients with early CRRT exhibited a bigger burn area, higher Baux and SOFA scores, and were younger (P<0.05). Sepsis was diagnosed more frequently in the late CRRT group. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that patients who require CRRT within the first 7 days following a burn injury have a poorer prognosis; however, this is not due to CRRT's effect, but rather to the trauma's severity. Future studies should explore long-term patient outcomes of CRRT among burn patients.

Early Acute Kidney Injury in Adult Patients With Burns in Australia & New Zealand

INTRODUCTION

Acute kidney injury (AKI) following burns is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Some patients require renal replacement therapy. There is limited large-scale data to sufficiently validate risk factors influencing the incidence and severity of early AKI, defined as AKI within the first 72 h since admission to a burn center following burn injury. The aims of this study were to compare the profile of adult patients admitted to Australian and New Zealand burn centers, with burns ≥10% total body surface area (TBSA) who developed early AKI with patients who did not develop AKI and to quantify the association between early AKI and in-hospital outcomes.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand for adults (≥18 y), with burns ≥10% TBSA admitted to Australian or New Zealand burn centers between July 2016 and June 2021. All patients with two valid serum creatinine blood tests within the first 72 h were included. Differences in patient profiles and in-hospital outcomes were investigated. Univariable and multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to quantify associations between early AKI and outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

There were 1297 patients who met the inclusion criteria for this study. Eighty-three patients (6.4%) developed early AKI. Compared to patients without AKI, patients with an AKI were older (P = 0.006), had a greater median %TBSA burned (P < 0.001), and had an inhalation injury (P < 0.001). In adjusted models, the development of early AKI was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) [95% CI] 2.73 [1.33, 5.62], P < 0.001) and the need for mechanical ventilation (aOR [95% CI] 3.44 [1.77, 6.68], P = 0.001), but there was no significant increase in the hospital length of stay or intensive care unit length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first large-scale study looking at early AKI in adult burns ≥10% TBSA. The incidence of AKI was lower than previously reported and AKI was associated with higher in-hospital mortality and increased need for mechanical ventilation. These findings support the notion that development of AKI in the immediate phase post burns injury can potentially have consequences and the appropriate care should be given to prevent its development.

Precursors to oliguria during major burn resuscitation: An analysis of a prospective observational trial at 5 major US burn centers

Currently, urine output is the leading variable used to tailor fluid resuscitation in patients with large TBSA burns. However, this metric often lags with respect to resuscitation. Our group sought to identify derangements in variables that precede development of oliguria (<30 cc/hr) that we hypothesize will aid in more efficient resuscitation. We performed a retrospective analysis of 146 adult patients admitted within 4 h of a large TBSA (>20%) burn. We then divided them into two cohorts: those who developed oliguria within 6 h of admission and those who did not. Patients who experienced early oliguria had a higher incidence of invasive SBP < 90 (p = 0.02) or DBP < 40 (p = 0.009), lower minimum bicarbonate level (p = 0.04), more full thickness burns (p = 0.004), and higher TBSA (p = 0.01). More female patients were found in the oliguric group (p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis was used to develop a model to predict development of oliguria. When evaluated together, minimum DBP, sex, TBSA (or percent full thickness burn), and maximum base deficit constituted the most parsimonious model that significantly predicted oliguria (AUC = 0.92). Interestingly, the model lost significance when DBP was omitted, highlighting the importance of diastolic pressure in the development of oliguria.

Acute kidney injury in pediatric burn patients

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and important complication of burn injury. Although there are numerous adult studies, data regarding AKI in pediatric burn patients are scarce. Here, we aimed to evaluate the frequency, clinical features, and prognosis of AKI among pediatric burn injury patients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients aged between 1 month and 18 years who had been followed up between the years 2011 and 2017 were included, and patients with previous kidney disease were excluded. Demographic data, laboratory and clinical variables, management strategies, and outcome data were obtained from the hospital records. Factors associated with AKI were determined by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 697 patients had been followed up, and 87 (12.5%) had AKI. Older age, refugee status, prolonged duration between the incident and time of hospitalization, presence of sepsis, severity and type of burn, volume of fluid administration, intubation status, and accompanying organ failure were all associated with the development of AKI. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, the most statistically significant factors associated with the development of AKI were older age and increased serum hemoglobin values. In terms of outcomes, length of stay and mortality increased in patients with AKI when compared with patients without AKI.

CONCLUSION

Similar to adults, AKI is an important and common complication of burn injury in pediatric burn patients and is associated with increased length of stay, morbidity, and mortality. Early recognition and prompt and appropriate management are crucial to avoid morbidity and mortality.

Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and 3 (TIMP-3) as New Markers of Acute Kidney Injury After Massive Burns

BACKGROUND Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious complication after massive burn injury. One of the postulated etiologies is destruction of the extracellular matrix of nephrons, caused by a local imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and specific inhibitors. The aim of this study was to analyze the dynamics of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) during the first 5 days after massive thermal injury and the relationship with the risk of AKI. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-three adults (22 men, 11 women) with severe burns were enrolled in the study. The values of TIMPs 1 to 4 were measured in blood serum and urine using the multiplex Luminex system. The associations between TIMPs and the risk of AKI were analyzed by using the generalized linear mixed models for repeated measurements. RESULTS Significant changes in serum and urine activities of TIMPs were confirmed, especially during the first 2 days after burn injury. Almost half of patients presented renal problems during the study. Significant differences between values of TIMPs in AKI and non-AKI status were also observed. However, a significant relationship between concentration of TIMPs and risk of AKI was confirmed only for urine TIMP-1 and serum TIMP-3. CONCLUSIONS The evaluation of TIMPs in the early stage after burn injury has potential benefits. The important roles of urine TIMP-1 and serum TIMP-3, as novel markers of the risk of AKI development, were confirmed. Other parameters require further analysis.

Alleviation effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate against acute kidney injury following severe burns

BACKGROUND

Burn patients often face a high risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) after severe burn injuries, meanwhile epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been proven to be effective in alleviating organ injury.

METHODS

This study used the classical burn model in rats. Thirty model rats were randomly divided into a Burn group, a Burn + placebo group, a Burn + EGCG (50 mg/kg) group, and ten non-model rats as Sham group. The urinary excretion of the rats was subsequently monitored for a period of 48 h. After 48 h of different treatments, rat serum and kidneys were taken for the further verification. The efficacy of EGCG was assessed in pathological sections, biochemical indexes, and at the molecular level.

RESULTS

Pathological sections were compared between the Burn group and Burn + placebo group. The rats in the Burn + EGCG group had less kidney damage. Moreover, the EGCG group maintained significantly elevated urine volumes, biochemical indexes manifested that EGCG could reduce serum creatinine (Cr) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) level and inhibit the oxidation-related enzyme malondialdehyde (MDA) level, meanwhile the superoxide dismutase (SOD) level was increased. The molecular level showed that EGCG significantly reduced the mRNA expression levels of the inflammation-related molecules interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).

CONCLUSION

The research indicated that EGCG had an alleviating effect on kidney injury in severely burned rats, and its alleviating effects were related to improving kidney functions, alleviating oxidative stress, and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors.

The effects of timing onset and progression of AKI on the clinical outcomes in AKI patients with sepsis: a prospective multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

Limited studies are available concerning on the earlier identification of AKI with sepsis. The aim of the study was to identify the risk factors of AKI early which depended on the timing onset and progression of AKI and investigate the effects of timing onset and progression of AKI on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Patients who developed sepsis during their first 48-h admission to ICU were included. The primary outcome was major adverse kidney events (MAKE) consisted of all-cause mortality, RRT-dependence, or an inability to recover to 1.5 times of the baseline creatinine value up to 30 days. We determined MAKE and in-hospital mortality by multivariable logistic regression and explored the risk factors of early persistent-AKI. C statistics were used to evaluate model fit.

RESULTS

58.7% sepsis patients developed AKI. According to the timing onset and progression of AKI, Early transient-AKI, early persistent-AKI, late transient-AKI, late persistent-AKI were identified. Clinical outcomes were quite different among subgroups. Early persistent-AKI had 3.0-fold (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.61 - 4.62) risk of MAKE and 2.6-fold (OR 2.60, 95%CI 1.72 - 3.76) risk of in-hospital mortality increased compared with the late transients-AKI. Older age, underweight, obese, faster heart rate, lower MAP, platelet, hematocrit, pH and energy intake during the first 24 h on ICU admission could well predict the early persistent-AKI in patients with sepsis.

CONCLUSION

Four AKI subphenotypes were identified based on the timing onset and progression of AKI. Early persistent-AKI showed higher risk of major adverse kidney events and in-hospital mortality.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (www.chictr.org/cn) under registration number ChiCTR-ECH-13003934.

Epidemiology and mortality in patients hospitalized for burns in Catalonia, Spain

Burn injuries are one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide. Although the overall incidence of burns and burn-related mortality is declining, these factors have not been analysed in our population for 25 years. The aim of this study has been to determine whether the epidemiological profile of patients hospitalized for burns has changed over the past 25 years. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalised between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2018 with a primary diagnosis of burns. The incidence of burns in our setting was 3.68/105 population. Most patients admitted for burns were men (61%), aged between 35 and 45 years (16.8%), followed by children aged between 0 and 4 years (12.4%). Scalding was the most prevalent mechanism of injury, and the region most frequently affected was the hands. The mean burned total body surface (TBSA) area was 8.3%, and the proportion of severely burned patients was 9.7%. Obesity was the most prevalent comorbidity (39.5%). The median length of stay was 1.8 days. The most frequent in-hospital complications were sepsis (16.6%), acute kidney injury (7.9%), and cardiovascular complications (5.9%). Risk factors for mortality were advanced age, high abbreviated burn severity index score, smoke inhalation, existing cardiovascular disease full-thickness burn, and high percentage of burned TBSA. Overall mortality was 4.3%. Multi-organ failure was the most frequent cause of death, with an incidence of 49.5%. The population has aged over the 25 years since the previous study, and the number of comorbidities has increased. The incidence and severity of burns, and the percentage of burned TBSA have all decreased, with scalding being the most prevalent mechanism of injury. The clinical presentation and evolution of burns differs between children and adults. Risk factors for mortality were advanced age, smoke inhalation, existing cardiovascular disease, full-thickness burn, and high percentage of burned TBSA.

Burn-Induced Acute Kidney Injury-Two-Lane Road: From Molecular to Clinical Aspects

Severe burn injuries lead to acute kidney injury (AKI) development, increasing the mortality risk up to 28-100%. In addition, there is an increase in hospitalization days and complications appearance. Various factors are responsible for acute or late AKI debut, like hypovolemia, important inflammatory response, excessive load of denatured proteins, sepsis, and severe organic dysfunction. The main measure to improve the prognosis of these patients is rapidly recognizing this condition and reversing the underlying events. For this reason, different renal biomarkers have been studied over the years for early identification of burn-induced AKI, like neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), cystatin C, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7). The fundamental purpose of these studies is to find a way to recognize and prevent acute renal injury progression early in order to decrease the risk of mortality and chronic kidney disease (CKD) onset.

Incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury in severely burned patients in Mulago Hospital, Uganda - a prospective cohort

BACKGROUND

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is associated with increased mortality among severely burned patients. According to World Health Organization (WHO) 11 million people suffer from burns worldwide and burns contribute to 180,000 deaths yearly. Majority of these burns occur in the Low and Middle-Income Countries. Currently there is no published data on the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of AKI among patients with severe burns in Uganda. Early screening and treatment of patients at risk of developing AKI has been shown to improve survival. We therefore carried out a study to determine the incidence and risk factors of AKI in Uganda.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study that consecutively included patients with severe burns admitted in Mulago National Referral Hospital burns unit between February and May 2018. Patients were followed up for 14 days and AKI was assessed according to the KIDGO criteria. The incidence of AKI was expressed as a proportion. Kaplan Meier graph was used to estimate the median survival of patients with or without AKI. The risk factors for AKI were assessed using cox proportion hazard regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 147 patients screened, 92 met the inclusion criteria but 2 declined to participate in the study. Of the study participants, 48 (53.3%) were male, 47 (52.2%) were aged 3 years and below, the median TBSA was 17 (IQR; 13-23), 58 (69.9%) had low albumin levels and 16 (18.6%) had inhalation burns. The incidence of AKI was found to be 34.4% (95% CI; 25.9-45.9) with a mortality of 11.76% (95% CI; 6.37-20.73). Total burn surface area HR=3.10 (95% CI; 1.39 to 6.94 P=0.003) was the only independent risk factor for AKI.

CONCLUSION

The incidence and mortality rate of AKI in patients with severe burns was found to be high. Having burns greater than 18% TBSA was an independent risk factor for AKI. Therefore, patients with burns greater than 18% should be assessed regularly for AKI so that treatment is instituted early should it occur.

Rifle Criteria For Acute Kidney Injury In Burn Patients: Prevalence And Risk Factors

Acute kidney injury is one of the severe complications after burns. The purpose of this study was to identify prevalence, risk factors to the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in burn patients and mortality, using RIFLE classification: risk (R), injury (I), failure (F), loss (L), and end-stage kidney disease (E). This 3-year retrospective study was conducted in burn patients admitted to the Dr. Soetomo Hospital Burn Center between January 2018 and September 2020. Burn patients aged >18 years old and diagnosed with acute kidney injury during hospitalization were enrolled in this study. Factors influencing AKI and its mortality were assessed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Eighty-nine burn patients were available for analysis, and 18 (20%) of them developed AKI according to the RIFLE classification: risk in 6 (33%), injury in 7 (39%) and failure in 5 (28%). Patients with AKI had a significantly higher age and % of TBSA than those without AKI (p-value <0.05). Age more than 60 years old was significantly associated as a risk factor to develop AKI (OR=25.553, p value=0.014). The mortality rate of patients with AKI was 83% (15 deaths from 18 patients), with the overall mortality of patients 16.8%. Chi-square analysis indicated inhalation injury, % of TBSA, and age as risk factors for mortality (p-value < 0.05). The conclusion of our study was that the incidence of AKI in burn patients was relatively high. Older age as a risk factor to develop AKI and inhalation injury, TBSA, and age were associated with mortality.

Meta-Analysis of Renal Replacement Therapy for Burn Patients: Incidence Rate, Mortality, and Renal Outcome

Background: Renal replacement therapy (RRT) was often needed by some severe burn patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). The primary aim of this study was to review incidence rate and mortality of RRT in severe burn patients. Second aims were to review RRT complications and renal outcome.

Methods: We searched multiple databases for studies published between 1 January 1960 and 31 December 2019. Studies about adult populations with burn injury, providing epidemiologic data on prevalence or mortality of RRT, were included.

Results: A total of selected 57 studies, including 27,437 patients were enrolled in our analysis. The prevalence rates of RRT were 8.34% (95% CI 7.18–9.5%) in all burn patients and 37.05% (95% CI 29.85–44.24%) in AKI patients. The mortality of all burn patients with RRT was 65.52% (95% CI 58.41–72.64%). The prevalence rates of RRT in sample size≥100 group were 6.86% (95% CI 5.70–8.03%), which was lower than that of <100 group (17.61%, 95% CI 13.39–21.82%). With the increase of TBSA, the prevalence of RRT may have the increasing trend. The prevalence rates of RRT in Asian group was 12.75% (95% CI 9.50–16.00%), which was higher than that of European (10.45%, 95% CI 7.30–13.61%) and North America group (5.61%, 95% CI 4.27–6.95%). The prevalence rates of RRT in 2010–2019 group was 12.22% (95% CI 10.09–14.35%), which was higher than that of 2009–2000 group (5.17%, 95% CI 2.88–7.46%). The prevalence rates of RRT in 1989 and before group was the lowest, which was 1.56% (95% CI 0–3.68%). However, there was no significant correlation between the year of publication and the mortality of burn patients with RRT. Dialysis-requiring AKI in burn patients could increases the risk of chronic kidney disease progression and end-stage renal disease. About 35% of RRT patients need to maintain haemodialysis temporarily, even if they survive and leave hospital.

Conclusions: The prevalence rate of RRT is about 6–8%; approximately, one-third of burn patients with AKI need RRT. The prevalence rate of RRT increased over time, but the mortality did not change. The prevalence rates of RRT in Asian group was higher than that of European and North America group.

Admission creatinine is associated with poor outcomes in burn patients

INTRODUCTION

Renal failure is the most common organ failure in severely burned patients. However, defining acute kidney injury and renal failure is very challenging. This study was designed to determine the relationship between a biomarker commonly measured on admission, serum creatinine, and outcomes in burn patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients (≥ 18 years) with a burn ≥ 5% total body surface area (TBSA) and a serum creatinine level measured within the first 72 h after injury. Patients were admitted over an 11-year period and divided into two groups based on creatinine levels measured within the first 72 h after injury. Patients were categorized in the high creatinine group if they had a measured creatinine ≥107 μmol/L (≥1.21 mg/dL); this value was chosen as the threshold for creatinine based on our institution's reference range. Clinical outcomes included morbidities, hospital length of stay, and mortality. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the association between high admission creatinine and each outcome, adjusting for patient and injury characteristics.

RESULTS

We studied 923 patients, mean age 47 ± 18 years and median 13% (IQR 8-24) TBSA burned. There were 718 patients categorized with low admission creatinine and 205 patients with high admission creatinine. After adjustment for patient and injury characteristics, high admission creatinine was associated with a significantly higher rate of sepsis (OR 3.44; 95% CI 2.11-5.59), pneumonia (OR 4.56; 95% CI 1.8-11.53), and mortality (OR 3.59; 95% CI 1.91-6.75).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated creatinine on admission is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. We suggest that admission creatinine can be used as a "red flag" to identify patients at a higher risk for poor outcomes.

Early Acute Kidney Injury Following Major Burns

Acute kidney injury (AKI) early after a major burn has not been widely studied. Our purpose was to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for early AKI and the effect of early AKI on outcome. Retrospective cohort study of adults with burns ≥20% TBSA admitted between November 24, 2015 and July 1, 2019. "Early AKI" occurring within 7 days of injury was identified using urine output and serum creatinine Kidney Disease International Global Outcome criteria. Multivariate regression models were developed for development of early AKI, development of AKI on day 0 or 1 postburn ("very early AKI"), and for in-hospital death. Among 85 patients, 62.4% developed early AKI, of which 26% had stage 3 AKI. Renal replacement therapy was required in 64% of stage 3 patients by day 7. Patients with early AKI were significantly older [50 (40.5-61) vs 37.5 (27.2-46.8) years, P < .001], and a significantly greater proportion was intubated in the first 24 hours postburn (90.6 vs 59.4%, P = .001). Resuscitation with high-dose vitamin C (HDVC) was independently associated with more frequent early AKI. Older age was significantly associated and HDVC was closely associated with increased very early AKI. In-hospital mortality was 37.7% for patients with early AKI. Older age, larger burn size, and development of early stage 3 AKI were independently associated with increased in-hospital death. Early AKI is common and carries a poor prognosis for survival. Resuscitation involving HDVC appears to be related to a higher likelihood of early and possibly very early AKI.

Predictive Biomarkers for Acute Kidney Injury in Burn Patients

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an independent and complicated risk factor in burn patients, which cause high mortality and morbidity rate. Diagnosing the biomarkers and early detection of AKI may be helpful in treatment and control the stability of these patients. In this study, we aim to identify predictive biomarkers in order to prevent AKI incidence and sudden death in burn victims. In this retrospective study, 258 burn patients who were admitted to burn center in Shiraz, Iran were evaluated during January 2016 to February 2018. Demographic characteristics, biochemical biomarkers, length of hospital stay, and mortality information were obtained from patient registries program and evaluated the biomarkers in identifying AKI patients into early and late groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve, area under the curve (AUC), univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to diagnose the performance of biomarkers in order to predict the AKI. Of 258 patients, 40 (15.50%) were detected as AKI, with estimated mortality rate of 76.9%. Among all the variables, total BSA (P = .01), blood urea nitrogen (BUN; P = .001), potassium (P = .02), and mortality (P = .03) were significantly different in AKI developing. Moreover, AUC of serum creatinin, albumin, and BUN as predictive biomarkers were 0.73, 0.44, and 0.707, respectively. Among all variables, BUN marker was independently associated with AKI developing. Following burn shock, AKI is a common complication that causes increasing mortality and morbidity. Early diagnosis and identifying the biomarkers is preventing sudden death in burn patients and develop appropriate treatments in these victims.

After standard dosage of piperacillin plasma concentrations of drug are subtherapeutic in burn patients

Infections are a major problem in patients with burn diseases. Mortality is high despite antibiotic therapy as studies are controversial concerning drug underdosing. The aims of this prospective, observational study were to monitor plasma concentrations of piperacillin during standard piperacillin/tazobactam treatment in 20 burn patients and 16 controls from the intensive care unit (ICU) and to optimize doses by in silico analyses. Piperacillin/tazobactam (4/0.5 g, tid) was administered over 0.5 h. Blood samples were taken at 1, 4, and 7.5 h after the end of the infusion. Free piperacillin plasma concentrations were determined. Pharmacokinetic parameters and in silico analysis results were calculated using the freeware TDMx. The primary target was defined as percentage of the day (fT>1xMIC; fT>4xMIC) when piperacillin concentrations exceeded 1xMIC/4xMIC (minimum inhibitory concentration), considering a MIC breakpoint of 16 mg/L for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In an off-label approach, two burn patients were treated with 8/1 g piperacillin/tazobactam, 3 h qid. fT>1xMIC (55 ± 22% vs. 77 ± 24%) and fT>4xMIC (17 ± 11% vs. 30 ± 11%) were lower in burn than in ICU patients after 4/0.5 g, 0.5 h, tid. In silico analyses indicated that fT>1xMIC (93 ± 12% burn, 97 ± 4% ICU) and fT>4xMIC (62 ± 23% burn, 84 ± 19% ICU) values increase by raising the piperacillin dosage to 8/1 g qid and prolonging the infusion time to 3 h. Off-label treatment results were similar to in silico data for burn patients (84%fT>1xMIC and 47%fT>4xMIC). Standard dosage regimens for piperacillin/tazobactam resulted in subtherapeutic piperacillin concentrations in burn and ICU patients. Dose adjustments via in silico analyses can help to optimize antibiotic therapy and to predict respective concentrations in vivo. Trial registration: NCT03335137, registered 07.11.2017, retrospectively.

Factors associated with acute kidney injury in the Helsinki Burn Centre in 2006-2015

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in severe burns and can lead to significantly poorer outcomes. Although the prognosis has improved in recent decades, the mortality of AKI remains considerable. We investigated the factors that increase the risk of AKI and death after severe burn injury.

METHODS

Intensive care patients with ≥20% burned total body surface area (TBSA%) between January 2006 and December 2015 treated in Helsinki Burn Centre were enrolled retrospectively. Patients who arrived > 36 h after burn injury or died < 48 h from arrival were excluded. A total of 187 patients were included in the final analysis. Serum creatinine ≥120 μmol/l (1.4 mg/dl) was the criterion for AKI.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients (27.3%) developed AKI during hospital stay and 21 (11.2%) required renal replacement therapy (RRT); 37 patients (19.8%) died during hospital stay. Mortality was significantly higher in the AKI group (52.9%) than in the AKI-negative group (7.4%). The Abbreviated Burn Severity Index (ABSI), Baux, and the modified Baux score were nearly equivalent in predicting mortality during ICU stay (AUC: 0.83-0.84). The risk of death and AKI were minimal with Baux scores < 80. LD₅₀ was 112 for Baux score in all patients. In flame burns, the risk of death increased rapidly after Baux score > 80. Multivariate logistic regression model detected age, TBSA%, sepsis, and rhabdomyolysis as independent risk factors for AKI. Age (per 10 yrs. OR 1.99), TBSA% (per 10% OR 1.64), and AKI predicted mortality during hospital stay; AKI had an odds ratio of (OR) of 5.97 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2-16.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Age, TBSA%, and AKI were the strongest independent factors in predicting outcome in severe burns. Even a major burn (> 50% TBSA) has a relatively good prognosis without simultaneous AKI. Prognosis is poorer even in minor burns for patients with AKI.

Acute Kidney Injury: It's not just the 'big' burns

BACKGROUND

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) complicates the management of at least 25% of patients with severe burns and is associated with long term complications. Most research focuses on the patients with more severe burns, and whether the same factors are associated with the development of AKI in patients with burns between 10 and 19% total body surface area (TBSA) is unknown. The aims of this study were to examine the incidence of, and factors associated with, the development of AKI in patients with %TBSA≥10, as well as the relationship with hospital metrics such as length of stay (LOS).

METHODS

Retrospective medical record review of consecutive burns patients admitted to The Alfred Hospital, the major adult burns centre in Victoria, Australia. Demographic and injury details were recorded. Factors associated with AKI were determined using multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and June 2014, 300 patients were admitted with burn injury and data on 267 patients was available for analysis. Median age was 54.5 years with 78% being male. Median %TBSA was 15 (IQR 12, 20). The AKI incidence, as measured by the RIFLE criteria, was 22.5%, including 15% (27/184) in patients with %TBSA 10-19. Factors associated with AKI included increasing age and %TBSA (OR 1.05 p<0.001) as well as increased surgeries (p<0.041) and a cardiac comorbidity (p<0.01). All patients with renal comorbidity developed AKI. In the %TBSA 10-19 cohort, only increasing age (OR 1.05 p<0.001) was associated with AKI. After accounting for confounding factors, the probability of discharge from hospital in Non-AKI group was greater than for the AKI patients at all time points (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to show an association between patients with %TBSA 10-19 and AKI. Given the association between AKI and complications, prospective research is needed to further understand AKI in burns with the aim of risk reduction.