THE RISKS OF FIRST ONSET PRIMARY HYPERTENSION DIAGNOSIS IN THERMAL-INJURED PATIENTS

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Hypertension is a prevalent condition in the United States and leads to an increased risk of developing various comorbidities. However, the impact of new-onset hypertension after severe burns on patient outcomes is not known. We posit that hypertension onset after severe burn is associated with increased risk of developing comorbidities and mortality. Methods: Using the TriNetX database, burned patients diagnosed with essential hypertension after injury were compared with those who did not develop hypertension; neither had prior hypertension. Each cohort was grouped by sex, percent total body surface area (TBSA) burned, and age, then propensity matched for sex, race, ethnicity, and laboratory values. Outcomes assessed were acute kidney injury (AKI), hyperglycemia, heart failure, myocardial infarction (MI), and death. Results: Those diagnosed with hypertension after severe burn were 4.9 times more likely to develop AKI, 3.6 times for hyperglycemia, 5.3 times for heart failure, 4.7 times for acute MI, and 1.5 times for mortality. Sex analysis shows that men were at greater risk for AKI (1.5 times), heart failure (1.1 times), and death (1.4 times). Women were 1.3 times more likely to develop hyperglycemia. Percent TBSA burned grouping showed increased risk for all outcomes with increasing severity. Age grouping indicated an elevated risk of developing AKI, heart failure, acute MI, and death. Conclusion: New-onset hypertension diagnosis in severely burned patients is associated with acute kidney injury, heart failure, acute MI, and death. Overall, males, older patients, and those with a higher % TBSA burned are at a higher risk of developing these comorbidities.

The Utilisation of INR to identify coagulopathy in burn patients

Studies conflict on the significance of burn-induced coagulopathy. We posit that burn-induced coagulopathy is associated with injury severity in burns. Our purpose was to characterize coagulopathy profiles in burns and determine relationships between % total burn surface area (TBSA) burned and coagulopathy using the International Normalized Ratio (INR). Burned patients with INR values were identified in the TriNetX database and analyzed by %TBSA burned. Patients with history of transfusions, chronic hepatic failure, and those on anticoagulant medications were excluded. Interquartile ranges for INR in the burned study population were 1.2 (1.0-1.4). An INR of ≥ 1.5 was used to represent those with burn-induced coagulopathy as it fell outside the 3rd quartile. The population was stratified into subgroups using INR levels <1.5 or ≥1.5 on the day of injury. Data are average ± SD analyzed using chi-square; p < .05 was considered significant. There were 7,364 burned patients identified with INR <1.5, and 635 had INR ≥1.5. Comparing TBSA burned groups, burn-induced coagulopathy significantly increased in those with ≥20% TBSA; p = .048 at 20-29% TBSA, p = .0005 at 30-39% TBSA, and p < .0001 for 40% TBSA and above. Age played a significant factor with average age for those with burn-induced coagulopathy 59 ± 21.5 years and 46 ± 21.8 for those without (p < .0001). After matching for age, TBSA, and demographics, the risk of 28 day-mortality was higher in those with burn-induced coagulopathy compared to those without (risk difference 20.9%, p < .0001) and the odd ratio with 95% CI is 4.45 (3.399-5.825). Investigation of conditions associated with burn-induced coagulopathy showed the effect of heart diseases to be significant; 53% of patients with burn-induced coagulopathy had hypertension (p < .0001). Burn-induced coagulopathy increases with %TBSA burned. The information gained firmly reflects a link between %TBSA and burn-induced coagulopathy, which could be useful in prognosis and treatment decisions.

A retrospective analysis of mortality risk and immunosuppressive therapy for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome using the TriNetX research network

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) exist on a spectrum of autoimmune conditions which cause epidermal detachment and keratinocyte necrosis. Due to the rare incidence of these conditions, a dramatic heterogeneity in treatment algorithms exists. To better appreciate pharmacologic immunosuppressive therapies' impact on survival, the authors queried a multi-institutional data network. Data for this study was extracted from TriNetX Research Network, a platform that contains ICD-9/ICD-10 coding data from a consortium of international healthcare organizations. Seventy-one institutions were queried to identify adult patients diagnosed with SJS, TEN or SJS-TEN Overlap. Cohorts were created based on the therapy received: systemic steroids (SS), diphenhydramine (DH), cyclosporine (CS), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (TNFαi), or a combination of treatments. Cohorts were then propensity matched with patients who received supportive care. Patients who only received one of the above treatments showed no significant reduction in 90-day mortality. Patients who received CS or IVIG as part of their multitherapy showed a significantly increased risk of death when compared to supportive care (CS: RR = 1.583, 95% CI [1.119, 2.240]; IVIG: RR = 2.132, 95% CI [1.485, 3.059]). Despite their frequent utilization, this study's analysis suggests that none of these therapies confer significant 90-day mortality survival over supportive care alone. These results highlight the heterogeneity of therapies and emphasize the need for critical prospective appraisal of their outcomes in SJS and TEN.

Patterns of antibiotic administration in patients with burn injuries: A TriNetX study

BACKGROUND

In the advent of increasing antibiotic resistance, several studies sought to determine antibiotic prescription trends; however, no pattern has been firmly identified particularly for the burned population. We performed a query of burned patients in a large established database to understand differences in antibiotic use related to patient-specific factors.

METHODS

Burned patients with systemic antibiotics given within 7 days of injury were identified on the TriNetX database. The patient population was stratified by age, 1-year time intervals of antibiotic prescription from 2004 to 2019, time of antibiotic prescription in 1-day intervals after injury, and % TBSA burned in 10% intervals ranging from < 10% to > 90%. Data were analyzed using χ2 with p < 0.05 considered significant. Pearson coefficients (r2) values were used to correlate differences in antibiotic prescription between age groups and to changes over time.

RESULTS

Stratification by age revealed higher use of antibiotics in older burned patients compared to younger patients. Surprisingly, 87.6% of burn patients of those who received antibiotic therapy was on the day of injury. Penicillins and beta-lactam antimicrobials were used most often at a frequency of 64%. No statistically significant differences in rates of antibiotic therapy were observed in burned patients when stratified by %TBSA burned.

CONCLUSIONS

The study elucidates current patterns of antibiotic use in burn care in the United States, allowing for improved understanding of both past and present patterns of antibiotic prescription.

Examining the association between military service history and outcomes after burn injury

INTRODUCTION

The association between military service history and long-term outcomes after burn injury is unknown. This study uses data from the Burn Model System National Database to compare outcomes of individuals with and without self-reported military service history.

METHODS

Outcome measures were assessed at 12 months after injury including the Veterans Rand-12 Item Health Survey/Short Form-12, Satisfaction With Life Scale, Patient Reported Outcomes Measure Information System 29, 4-D Itch scale, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Check List - Civilian Version, self-reported Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and employment status. This study included 675 people with burns of whom 108 reported a history of military service.

RESULTS

The military service history group was more likely to be older, and male. Those with military service were most likely to be on Medicare insurance and those without military service history were most likely to be on Private Insurance/HMP/PPO. No significant differences were found between those with and without military service history in the outcome measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research should examine differences in outcomes between civilians and those with military service history, including elements of resilience and post traumatic growth.

Predictors at 6 and 12 Months for Social Participation Outcome at 24 Months in the Adult Burn Injury Population: A Burn Model System National Database Study

OBJECTIVE

To identify clinical factors (physical and psychological symptoms and post-traumatic growth) that predict social participation outcome at 24-month after burn injury.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study based on Burn Model System National Database.

SETTING

Burn Model System centers.

PARTICIPANTS

181 adult participants less than 2 years after burn injury (N=181).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Demographic and injury variables were collected at discharge. Predictor variables were assessed at 6 and 12 months: Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory Short Form (PTGI-SF), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Civilian Version (PCL-C), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29) Depression, Anxiety, Sleep Disturbance, Fatigue, and Pain Interference short forms, and self-reported Heat Intolerance. Social participation was measured at 24 months using the Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE) Social Interactions and Social Activities short forms.

RESULTS

Linear and multivariable regression models were used to examine predictor variables for social participation outcomes, controlling for demographic and injury variables. For LIBRE Social Interactions, significant predictors included the PCL-C total score at 6 months (β=-0.27, P<.001) and 12 months (β=-0.39, P<.001), and PROMIS-29 Pain Interference at 6 months (β=-0.20, P<.01). For LIBRE Social Activities, significant predictors consisted of the PROMIS-29 Depression at 6 months (β=-0.37, P<.001) and 12 months (β=-0.37, P<.001), PROMIS-29 Pain Interference at 6 months (β=-0.40, P<.001) and 12 months (β=-0.37, P<.001), and Heat Intolerance at 12 months (β=-4.55, P<.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-traumatic stress and pain predicted social interactions outcomes, while depression, pain and heat intolerance predicted social activities outcomes in people with burn injury.

Outcomes of Chronically Anticoagulated Patients Undergoing Split-Thickness Skin Grafting for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

OBJECTIVE

Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) is commonly used for wound closure in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). In many cases, patients with diabetes present on long-term anticoagulation therapy. The complications associated with anticoagulants can be discouraging to surgeons considering STSG. The goal of this study was to evaluate STSG outcomes in the setting of chronic anticoagulation across a large, multicenter database.

METHODS

The authors queried the TriNetX Network, which provides access to electronic medical records for more than 75 million patients, to search for patients with a history of DFUs treated with STSG. They divided those found into two groups: long-term anticoagulant use prior to grafting and no long-term anticoagulant use. After matching, the researchers evaluated outcomes following STSG after 1 month and 5 years.

RESULTS

The authors identified 722 patients on chronic anticoagulation with DFUs who were treated with STSG; 446 of these patients were matched to 446 patients with no prior anticoagulation. One month following STSG, the anticoagulated group showed no significant increase in death, graft failure, or regrafting. At 5 years, there was no significant increase in mortality, graft failure, regrafting, or lower extremity amputation rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic anticoagulation therapy does not lead to increased short- or long-term postoperative complications such as graft failure, regrafting, or increased amputation rates following STSG for wound closure. Negative outcomes following STSG for DFUs in chronically anticoagulated individuals are minimal, and grafting should be performed without hesitation.

The impact of COVID-19 on clinical outcomes of burn patients

Background

Multiple studies have shown the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) to be associated with deleterious outcomes in a wide range of patients. The impact of COVID-19 has not been well investigated among burned patients. We suspect that patients will have worsened respiratory and thrombotic complications, ultimately leading to increased mortality. The objective of this study is to determine the impact a concurrent infection of COVID-19 has on clinical outcomes after a burn injury.

Methods

This is a retrospective, propensity matched, cohort study. We examined a de-identified database of electronic medical records of over 75 million patients across 75 health care associations in the United States for patients treated for thermal burns from 1 January 2020, to 31 July 2021, and those who also were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection within one day before or after injury based on International Classification of Disease, tenth revision (ICD-10) codes. Study participants included adults who were treated for a burn injury during the study period.

Results

We included 736 patients with burn injury and concomitant COVID-19 infection matched to 736 patients with burn injury and no concurrent COVID-19 infection (total 1472 patients, mean age 36.3 ± 24.3). We found no significant increase in mortality observed for patients with concurrent COVID-19 (OR 1.203, 95% CI 0.517-2.803; p = 0.6675). We did observe significant increase in infections (OR 3.537, 95% CI 2.798-4.471; p = 0.0001), thrombotic complications (OR 2.342, 95% CI 1.351-4.058; p = 0.0018), as was the incidence of hypertrophic scarring (OR 3.368, 95% CI 2.326-4.877; p = 0.0001).

Conclusions

We observed that concurrent COVID-19 infection was associated with an increase in infections, thrombosis and hypertrophic scarring but no increase in mortality in our cohort of burn patients.

Early wound excision within three days decreases risks of wound infection and death in burned patients

INTRODUCTION

In lieu of limited studies on the timing of burn wound eschar excision for burns, a more comprehensive analysis is indicated to determine the effects of early wound excision following burns. This study aims to address the outcomes of early wound excision in burn patients.

METHODS

Data collection were from TriNetX research database. Three groups of burn patients were stratified by the number of days in which they received burn wound excision within 14 days of injury. Five outcomes were observed: death, wound infection, sepsis, myocardial contractile dysfunction, and blood transfusion. Risk and incidence of various health outcomes were compared between the groups after propensity-matching age, sex, ethnicity, race and burn size using a z-test with p < 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

We identified 6158 burn patients with wound excision within 14 days of injury, the majority of whom (60.1%) received burn wound excision between 0 and 3 days after burn. 72.5% of patients had burns covering less than 20% of total body surface area. After propensity matching, we found a significantly lower risk of mortality in those who received burn wound excision within the first three days (3.84%) as compared to 8-14 days after burn (6.09%) (p < 0.05). Moreover, we found a decreased risk of wound infection in patients with burn wound excision within 0-3 days (37.84%) compared to those 4-7 days (42.48%) (p < 0.05). No statistical difference was detected in propensity-matched groups for myocardial contractile dysfunction, blood transfusion, or sepsis. In addition, the risk of hypertrophic scaring significantly decreased when wound excision was performed within 0-3 days (22% within 0-3 days, 28% within 4-7 days, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Burn wound excision within 3 days of injury is beneficial when comparing to later treatment between 4 and 14 days, which results in a significantly lowered risk of mortality and infection in burn patient.

Opioid prescription and opioid disorders in burns: A large database analysis from 1990 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Opioids remain crucial in the management of burn pain. A comprehensive analysis of opioid use in burns and their complications has not been investigated.

METHODS

Data were collected from TriNetX, a large multicenter database with de-identified patient information. The population included patients prescribed opioids on or following burn injury from January 1st, 1990, to December 31st, 2019. Opioid prescription use was analyzed after cohort stratification by decades: 1990-1999, 2000-2009, and 2010-2019. Outcomes for opioid-related disorders, opioid dependence, opioid abuse, intentional self-harm, and mental and behavioral disorders from psychoactive substance use were investigated.

RESULTS

Hydrocodone was the most frequently prescribed opioid in 1990-1999 and 2000-2009, with oxycodone taking the lead in 2010-2019 (p < 0.0001). During 1990-1999, patients had a decreased risk of recorded opioid-related disorders (RR=0.52), opioid dependence (RR=0.46), opioid abuse (RR=0.55), mental and behavioral disorders (RR=0.88), and intentional self-harm (RR=0.37) when compared to 2000-2009. A comparison of the 2000-2009-2010-2019 cohorts showed an increased risk of recorded opioid-related disorders (RR= 1.91), opioid dependence (RR=1.56), opioid abuse (RR=1.67), mental and behavioral disorders (RR =1.73), and intentional self-harm (RR=2.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of opioid-related disorders has nearly doubled since the year 2000 warranting precautions when prescribing pain medications to burn patients.

Preliminary Exploration of Long-Term Patient Outcomes After Tracheostomy in Burns: A Burn Model System Study

INTRODUCTION

Upper airway management is crucial to burn care. Endotracheal intubation is often performed in the setting of inhalation injury, burns of the face and neck, or large burns requiring significant resuscitation. Tracheostomy may be necessary in patients requiring prolonged ventilatory support. This study compares long-term, patient-reported outcomes in burn patients with and without tracheostomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the Burn Model System Database, collected from 2013 to 2020, were analyzed. Demographic and clinical data were compared between those with and without tracheostomy. The following patient-reported outcomes, collected at 6-, 12-, and 24-mo follow-up, were analyzed: Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), Satisfaction with Life, Community Integration Questionnaire, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29-Item Profile Measure, employment status, and days to return to work. Regression models and propensity-matched analyses were used to assess the associations between tracheostomy and each outcome.

RESULTS

Of 714 patients included in this study, 5.5% received a tracheostomy. Mixed model regression analyses demonstrated that only VR-12 Physical Component Summary scores at 24-mo follow-up were significantly worse among those requiring tracheostomy. Tracheostomy was not associated with VR-12 Mental Component Summary, Satisfaction with Life, Community Integration Questionnaire, or Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29-Item Profile Measure scores. Likewise, tracheostomy was not found to be independently associated with employment status or days to return to work.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary exploration suggests that physical and psychosocial recovery, as well as the ability to regain employment, are no worse in burn patients requiring tracheostomy. Future investigations of larger scale are still needed to assess center- and provider-level influences, as well as the influences of various hallmarks of injury severity. Nonetheless, this work should better inform goals of care discussions with patients and families regarding the use of tracheostomy in burn injury.

Implications of COVID-19 Infection on Arteriovenous Fistula Thrombosis

Objective: This study aims to identify and analyze implications of COVID-19 positivity on AVF occlusion, subsequent treatment patterns, and ESRD patient outcomes. Our aim is to provide a quantitative context for vascular access surgeons in order to optimize surgical decision making and minimize patient morbidity. Methods: The de-identified national TriNetX database was queried to extracted all adult patients who had a known AVF between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. From this cohort individuals who also were diagnosed with COVID-19 prior to creation of their AVF were identified. Cohorts were propensity score matched according to age at AVF surgery, gender, ethnicity, diabetes mellitus, nicotine dependence, tobacco use, use of anticoagulant medications, and use of platelet aggregation inhibitors, hypertensive diseases, hyperlipidemia, and prothrombotic states. Results: After propensity score matching there were 5170 patients; 2585 patients in each group. The total patient population had 3023 (58.5%) males and 2147 (41.5%) females. The overall rate of thrombosis of AV fistulas was 300 (11.6%) in the cohort with COVID-19 and 256 (9.9%) in the control group (OR 1.199, CI 1.005-1.43, P =.0453). Open revisions of AVF with thrombectomy were significantly higher in the COVID-19 cohort compared to the non-COVID-19 group (1.5% vs .5% P = .0002, OR 3.199, CI 1.668-6.136). Regarding the time from AVF creation to intervention, the median days for open thrombectomy in COVID-19 patients was 72 vs 105 days in controls. For endovascular thrombectomy, the median was 175 vs 168 days for the COVID-19 and control cohorts respectively. Conclusion: As for this study, there were significant differences in rates of thrombosis and open revisions of recent created AVF, however endovascular interventions remained remarkably low. As noted in this study, the persistent prothrombotic state of patients with a history of COVID-19 may persist beyond the acute infectious period of the disease.

Impact of pre-burn statin use on metabolic and cardiovascular disorders

INTRODUCTION

Statins are among the most widely prescribed medications with proven effectiveness in patients with hyperlipidemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. We investigated the relationship between statin use, metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes after burn.

METHODS

We utilized data from the TriNetX electronic health database. Burn patients with prior statin use were compared to patients without prior use and analyzed the occurrence of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.

RESULTS

Prior statin use burn patients were 1.33 times as likely to develop hyperglycemia, 1.20 times for cardiac arrhythmia, 1.70 times for coronary artery disease (CAD), 1.10 times for sepsis, and 0.80 times for death. High percent TBSA burn, male sex, and lipophilic statin use were associated with higher odds of outcome development.

CONCLUSION

Prior statin use in severely burned patients is associated with an increased risk of developing hyperglycemia, arrhythmias, and CAD, with higher odds in males, higher TBSA burn, and lipophilic statin users.

Acute muscle mass loss was alleviated with HMGB1 neutralizing antibody treatment in severe burned rats

Burn injury is associated with muscle wasting, though the involved signaling mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we aimed to examine the role of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in signaling hyper-inflammation and consequent skeletal muscle impairment after burn. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) sham burn, (2) burn, (3) burn/treatment. Animals in group 2 and group 3 received scald burn on 30% of total body surface area (TBSA) and immediately treated with chicken IgY and anti-HMGB1 antibody, respectively. Muscle tissues and other samples were collected at 3-days after burn. Body mass and wet/dry weights of the hind limb muscles (total and individually) were substantially decreased in burn rats. Acute burn provoked the mitochondrial stress and cell death and enhanced the protein ubiquitination and LC3A/B levels that are involved in protein degradation in muscle tissues. Further, an increase in muscle inflammatory infiltrate associated with increased differentiation, maturation and proinflammatory activation of bone marrow myeloid cells and αβ CD4+ T and γδ T lymphocytes was noted in in circulation and spleen of burn rats. Treatment with one dose of HMGB1 neutralizing antibody reduced the burn wound size and preserved the wet/dry weights of the hind limb muscles associated with a control in the markers of cell death and autophagy pathways in burn rats. Further, anti-HMGB1 antibody inhibited the myeloid and T cells inflammatory activation and subsequent dysregulated inflammatory infiltrate in the muscle tissues of burn rats. We conclude that neutralization of HMGB1-dependent proteolytic and inflammatory responses has potential beneficial effects in preventing the muscle loss after severe burn injury.

C-reactive protein elevation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in elderly burned patients

BACKGROUND

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein produced in response to inflammation after traumatic injury. We posit that C-reactive protein (CRP) is reliable in predicting morbidity and mortality following severe burn. In this study, we explored the relationship between serum CRP values and clinical outcomes in the severely burned.

METHODS

Using the Research Network within the TriNetX database, we queried de-identified burn patient data across the United States and enrolled 36,556 burn patients with reported CRP values from 2006 to 2020.

RESULTS

Circulating CRP levels were elevated significantly in patients ≥60 years as well as in males and African Americans (p < 0.05). CRP levels reached the zenith on the first day after burn, and were highest when burn size reached 60% total body surface area (TBSA). After bisecting the data at 10 mg/L of CRP, we compared clinical findings between patient groups (n = 16,284/18,647 in high/low CRP levels). The risk of patient death doubled in the high CRP group from 4.687% to 9.313%, with higher incidences of sepsis, skin infection, and myocardial infarction (p < 0.05). Moreover, mortality increased from 0.9% to 1.926% in those younger than 20 years when comparing the low and high CRP groups, whereas mortality significantly increased from 8.84% to 15.818% in those ≥60 years old (p < 0.05). Both elderly and paediatric groups had significant increases in the diagnosis of sepsis-associated with increased CRP expression. However, incidences of skin infection, pneumonia, and acute kidney injury increased significantly only in the elderly group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Elevated CRP expression is common in burn patients. The factor of age influenced the association of CRP expression to clinical outcomes.

The Burn Wound

Skin serves as a protective barrier against infection, prevents excessive fluid and electrolyte losses, performs crucial thermoregulation, and provides tactile feedback of surroundings. The skin also plays an essential role in human perception of body image, personal appearance, and self-confidence. With these many diverse functions, understanding normal anatomic composition of skin is pivotal to evaluating the extent of its disruption from burn injury. This article discusses the pathophysiology, initial evaluation, subsequent progression, and healing of burn wounds. By delineating the various microcellular and macrocellular alterations of burn injury, this review also augments providers' capacity to deliver patient-centered, evidence-based burn care.

The Effect of Distance to Treatment Center on Long-Term Outcomes of Burn Patients

Geospatial proximity to American Burn Association (ABA)-verified burn centers or self-designated burn care facilities varies across the country. This study evaluates the effect of distance to treatment center on long-term, patient-reported outcomes. Data from the Burn Model System (BMS) National Longitudinal Database were analyzed. Demographic and clinical data were compared between three cohorts stratified by distance to BMS center (<20, 20-49.9, ≥50 miles). Distance to BMS center was calculated as driving distance between discharge and BMS center ZIP code centroids. The following patient-reported outcomes, collected at 12-months follow-up, were examined: Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), Satisfaction with Life (SWL) scale, employment status, and days to return to work. Mixed model regression analyses were used to examine the associations between distance to BMS center and each outcome, controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Of 726 patients included in this study, 26.3% and 28.1% were <20 and between 20 and 49.9 miles to a BMS center, respectively; 46.6% were ≥50 miles to a BMS center. Greater distance was associated with white/non-Hispanic race/ethnicity, preinjury employment, flame injury, and larger burn size (P < .001). Regression analyses did not identify significant associations between distance to BMS center and any patient-reported outcomes. This study suggests that patients treated at BMS centers have similar long-term, patient-reported outcomes of physical and psychosocial function, as well as employment, despite centralization of burn care and rehabilitation services. Given a steady decline in the incidence of burn injury, continued concentration of key resources is logical and safe.

Impacts of Financial Assistance on Quality of Life Among People Living With Burn Injury: Matched Cohort Analysis of the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research Burn Model System Database

Disparities in socioeconomic status and minority status affect the risk of burn injury and the severity of that injury, thus affecting the subsequent cost of care. We aimed to characterize the demographic details surrounding receipt of financial assistance due to burn injury and its relationship with health-related quality of life scores. Participants ≥18 from Burn Model System National Longitudinal Database (BMS) with complete demographic data were included (n = 4330). Nonresponders to financial assistance questions were analyzed separately. The remaining sample (n = 1255) was divided into participants who received financial assistance because of burn injury, those who received no financial assistance, and those who received financial assistance before injury and as a result of injury. A demographic and injury-characteristic comparison was conducted. Health-related quality of life metrics (Satisfaction with Life, Short Form-12/Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey, Community Integration Questionnaire Social Component, and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory) were analyzed preinjury, then 6-months, 1-year, and 2-years postinjury. A matched cohort analysis compared these scores. When compared to their no financial assistance counterparts, participants receiving financial assistance due to burns were more likely to be minorities (19% vs 14%), have more severe injuries (%TBSA burn 21% vs 10%), and receive workers' compensation (24% vs 9%). They also had lower health-related quality of life scores on all metrics except the post-traumatic growth inventory. Financial assistance may aid in combating disparities in posttraumatic growth scores for participants at the greatest risk of financial toxicity but does not improve other health-related quality of life metrics.

Survival after multiple episodes of cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is widely used in response to cardiac arrest. However, little is known regarding outcomes for those who undergo multiple episodes of cardiac arrest while in the hospital.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of multiple cardiac events with in-hospital mortality for patients admitted to our tertiary care hospital who underwent multiple code events.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study on all patients who underwent cardiac arrest from 2012 to 2016. Primary outcome was survival to discharge. Secondary outcomes included post-cardiac-arrest neurologic events (PCANE), non-home discharge, and one-year mortality.

RESULTS

There were 622 patients with an overall mortality rate of 78.0%. Patients undergoing CPR for cardiac arrest once during their admission had lower in-hospital mortality rates compared to those that had multiple (68.9% versus 91.3%, p<.01). Subset analysis of those who had multiple episodes of CPR revealed that more than one event within a 24-hour period led to significantly higher in-hospital mortality rates (94.7% versus 74.4%, p<.01). Other variables associated with in-hospital mortality included body mass index, female sex, malignancy, and increased down time per code. Patients that had a non-home discharge were more likely to have sustained a PCANE than those that were discharged home (31.4% versus 3.9%, p<.01). A non-home discharge was associated with higher one-year mortality rates compared to a home discharge (78.4% versus 54.3%, p=.01).

CONCLUSION

Multiple codes within a 24-hour period and the average time per code were associated with in-hospital mortality in cardiac arrest patients.

Retrospective outcomes analysis of tracheostomy in a paediatric burn population

INTRODUCTION

Previous analyses of tracheostomy in paediatric burns was hindered by a lack of multi-institution or nationwide analysis. This study aims to explore the effects of tracheostomy in paediatric burn patients in such an analysis. De-identified data was obtained from the TriNetX Research Network database.

METHODS

Two cohorts were identified using ICD and CPT codes: paediatric burn patients with tracheostomy (cohort 1) and paediatric burn patients without tracheostomy (cohort 2). Cohorts were matched according to age at diagnosis and pulmonary condition, specifically influenza and pneumonia, respiratory failure, acute upper respiratory infection, and pulmonary collapse. Cohorts were also matched for age at burn diagnosis and surface area burned. Several parameters including infection following a procedure, sepsis, volume depletion, respiratory disorders, laryngeal disorders, pneumonia, and other metrics were also compared.

RESULTS

A total of 152 patients were matched according to age and pulmonary condition. Cohort 1 and cohort 2 had a mean age of 4.45 ± 4.06 and 4.39 ± 3.99 years, respectively. Matched patients with tracheostomy had a higher risk for pneumonia, respiratory failure, other respiratory disorders, diseases of the vocal cord and larynx, sepsis, volume depletion, pulmonary edema, and respiratory arrest. The risk ratios for these outcomes were 2.96, 3.5, 3.13, 3.9, 2.5, 2.5, 3.3, and not applicable. Analysis of longitudinal outcomes of paediatric burn patients with tracheostomy vs. those without demonstrated the tracheostomy cohort suffered much worse morbidity and experienced higher health burden across several metrics.

CONCLUSION

The potential benefits of tracheostomy in paediatric burn patients should be weighed against these outcomes.

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.

Risk factors for opioid use disorder after severe burns in adults

INTRODUCTION

Risk factors for opioid dependence amongst burn patients have not been well-explored compared to other surgical fields.

METHODS

The TrinetX database was queried for patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD) after thermal or chemical burn. Propensity score matching was performed. Opioid and non-opioid analgesia use, ICU care, surgery, and comparative risks among common opiates were examined using descriptive and univariate regression models, including odds ratios. Subgroup analysis evaluated the impact of multimodal analgesia.

RESULTS

Odds of receiving IV opioids for acute analgesia (p = <0.0001, OR = 1.80, CI = 1.45-2.25), undergoing surgery (p = <0.0001, OR = 1.58, CI = 1.26-1.98), and ICU care (p = <0.0001, OR = 3.60, CI = 2.00-3.83) after burn injury were higher in patients who developed OUD. Patients receiving multimodal therapy within 24 hours of admission had lower odds of developing OUD (OR = 0.74, CI = 2.76-4.68, p = 0.0001) and chronic pain (OR = 0.89, CI = 0.78-1.00, p = 0.05) regardless of TBSA.

CONCLUSION

Patients who developed opioid use disorder following burn injury had higher odds of receiving opioid exclusive pain management, more frequent surgery, ICU care.

Skeletal muscle transcriptome is affected by age in severely burned mice

Severe burn results in muscle wasting affecting quality of life in both children and adults. Biologic metabolic profiles are noticeably distinctive in childhood. We posit that muscle gene expression profiles are differentially regulated in response to severe burns in young animals. Twelve C57BL6 male mice, including young (5 weeks-old) and adults (11 weeks-old), received either scald burn, or sham procedure. Mouse muscle tissue was harvested 24 h later for Next Generation Sequence analysis. Our results showed 662 downregulated and 450 upregulated genes in gastrocnemius of young mice compared to adults without injury. After injury, we found 74/75 downregulated genes and 107/128 upregulated genes in both burned groups compared to respective uninjured age groups. VEGFA-VEGFR2, focal adhesion, and nuclear receptor meta-pathways were the top 3 gene pathways undergoing a differential change in response to age. Of note, the proteasome degradation pathway showed the most similar changes in both adult and young burned animals. This study demonstrates the characteristic profile of gene expression in skeletal muscle in young and adult burned mice. Prominent age effects were revealed in transcriptional levels with increased alterations of genes, miRNAs, pathways, and interactions.

Proceedings of the 2021 American Burn Association State and Future of Burn Science Meeting

Periodically, the American Burn Association (ABA) has convened a State of the Science meeting on various topics representing multiple disciplines within burn care and research. In 2021 at the request of the ABA President, meeting development was guided by the ABA's Burn Science Advisory Panel (BSAP) and a subgroup of meeting chairs. The goal of the meeting was to produce both an evaluation of the current literature and ongoing studies, and to produce a research agenda and/or define subject matter-relevant next steps to advance the field(s). Members of the BSAP defined the topics to be addressed and subsequently solicited for nominations of expert speakers and topic leaders from the ABA's Research Committee. Current background literature for each topic was compiled by the meeting chairs and the library then enhanced by the invited topic and breakout discussion leaders. The meeting was held in New Orleans, LA on November 2nd and 3rd and was formatted to allow for 12 different topics, each with two subtopics, to be addressed. Topic leaders provided a brief overview of each topic to approximately 100 attendees, followed by expert-lead breakout sessions for each topic that allowed for focused discussion among subject matter experts and interested participants. The breakout and topic group leaders worked with the participants to determine research needs and associated next steps including white papers, reviews and in some cases collaborative grant proposals. Here, summaries from each topic area will be presented to highlight the main foci of discussion and associated conclusions.

Therapeutic Strategies to Reduce Burn Wound Conversion

Burn wound conversion refers to the phenomenon whereby superficial burns that appear to retain the ability to spontaneously heal, convert later into deeper wounds in need of excision. While no current treatment can definitively stop burn wound conversion, attempts to slow tissue damage remain unsatisfactory, justifying the need for new therapeutic interventions. To attenuate burn wound conversion, various studies have targeted at least one of the molecular mechanisms underlying burn wound conversion, including ischemia, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, generation of reactive oxygen species, hypothermia, and wound rehydration. However, therapeutic strategies that can target various mechanisms involved in burn wound conversion are still lacking. This review highlights the pathophysiology of burn wound conversion and focuses on recent studies that have turned to the novel use of biologics such as mesenchymal stem cells, biomaterials, and immune regulators to mitigate wound conversion. Future research should investigate mechanistic pathways, side effects, safety, and efficacy of these different treatments before translation into clinical studies.

Strength of association between body mass index and physical function scores in paediatric burn patients: A National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Burn Model System study

OBJECTIVE

Increased body weight has been associated with reduced muscle wasting in the early catabolic phase after a severe burn. Yet, overweight and obese non-burn children often exhibit impaired musculoskeletal function, which may lead to poor physical function (PF). We aimed to determine the association between body mass index (BMI) at discharge and self-reported PF and caregiver proxy-reported PF during recovery of burned children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective multisite longitudinal study in paediatric burn patients ((8-17 y old at time of burn). PF outcome measures were self-reported mobility, proxy-reported mobility, and upper extremity PF evaluated using PROMIS measures at 6-, 12-, and 24-months after injury. Primary exposure variable was BMI-for-age at discharge.

RESULTS

A total of 118 paediatric patients, aged 11.7 ± 3.3 y, with burns covering 37.6 ± 18.8% of their total body surface area (TBSA) and BMI-for-age of 23.1 ± 5.4 kg/m² at discharge were analyzed. BMI at discharge was not significantly associated with self-reported mobility scores 6 months after burn (beta coefficient =-0.23, p = 0.31), had a positive effect on mobility at 12 months (beta = 0.46, p = 0.05), and no effect at 24 months after injury (beta=-0.10, p = 0.60), when adjusted for burn size. BMI did not have a significant effect on proxy-reported mobility or upper extremity PF.

CONCLUSION

A greater BMI at discharge was associated with improved self-reported PF at 12 months after burn but not at 6 months or 24 months, which suggests a faster recovery of PF in paediatric patients of larger body weight. Our data suggests that a larger body weight does not compromise the recovery of PF after burn.

Higher risk of acute kidney injury and death with rhabdomyolysis in severely burned patients

BACKGROUND

Rhabdomyolysis is a severe condition responsible for up to 10% of acute kidney injury (AKI) cases. Severely burned patients are susceptible to developing both rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury, but whether burned patients with rhabdomyolysis are at greater risk of acute kidney injury compared to non-burned patients with rhabdomyolysis is unclear.

METHODS

TriNetX, a clinical research platform, was used to obtain electronic medical record information in 3 patient cohorts over the recent 20-year period. Cohort 1 included burn patients who developed rhabdomyolysis, cohort 2 were those who developed rhabdomyolysis due to non-burn causes, and cohort 3 included burn patients who did not develop rhabdomyolysis. Matching was performed to balance demographics and comorbidities for each cohort. Cohorts were then compared for the development of acute kidney injury and death.

RESULTS

We found 84 of 111 patients in cohort 1 (75.676%), 56 of 111 patients in cohort 2 (50.45%), and 18 of 111 patients in cohort 3 (16.216%) developed acute kidney injury within 5 days. The odds ratio for developing acute kidney injury for burned patients compared to non-burned patients with rhabdomyolysis was 3.056 with a 95% confidence interval of 1.726 to 5.41 (P < .05), and between burned patients with and without rhabdomyolysis was 16.074 with a 95% confidence interval of 8.263 to 31.268 (P < .05). The incidence of death within 1 year was also significantly higher in cohort 1 (48%) than the other cohorts (9% and 14%, respectively) (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The risk of acute kidney injury and mortality in severely burned patients with rhabdomyolysis is significantly increased compared to matched non-burn patients with rhabdomyolysis or burned patients without rhabdomyolysis.

The effects of short bouts of ergometric exercise for severely burned children in intensive care: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of short bouts of ergometric exercises on the number of days in the burn intensive care unit (ICU), body mass, and functional ambulation.

DESIGN

Multi-center, randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Burn intensive care unit.

PARTICIPANTS

Children ages 7-17 with severe burns covering over 30% total body surface area (TBSA).

INTERVENTION

All patients received standard of care (Control) with the experimental group receiving additional exercise with a cycle ergometer (Exercise).

MAIN MEASURES

The number of days in the ICU, total weight, lean body mass (LBM), and functional ambulation were taken shortly after randomization and again within one week of the scheduled hospital discharge. Results of outcomes are expressed as median ± interquartile range (IQR), unless otherwise noted (e.g. demographics).

RESULTS

Fifty-four severely burned children (n = 18 Control, n = 36 Exercise) were included. The average ± standard deviation for age was 12 ± 3 years and TBSA was 48 ± 16%. The median ± IQR ICU days for Control was 46 ± 51 days vs 31 ± 29 days for Exercise. The median total weight loss for Control was 2.2 ± 1.2 kg vs 1.8 ± 1.4 kg in Exercise. Control lost 0.75 ± 0.8 kg of LBM vs 0.46 ± 0.43 kg in Exercise. Both groups showed significant improvement in functional ambulation (p < 0.01). However, exercise did not add additional benefits.

CONCLUSION

Short bouts of ergometric exercises are feasible for severely burned patients while receiving care in the ICU but did not add additional benefits.

The Role of Skin Substitutes in Acute Burn and Reconstructive Burn Surgery: An Updated Comprehensive Review

Burns disrupt the protective skin barrier with consequent loss of cutaneous temperature regulation, infection prevention, evaporative losses, and other vital functions. Chronically, burns lead to scarring, contractures, pain, and impaired psychosocial well-being. Several skin substitutes are available and replace the skin and partially restore functional outcomes and improve cosmesis. We performed a literature review to update readers on biologic and synthetic skin substitutes to date applied in acute and reconstructive burn surgery. Improvement has been rapid in the development of skin substitutes in the last decade; however, no available skin substitute fulfills criteria as a perfect replacement for damaged skin.

101 Adrenergic Receptor Expression Is Increased in Carotid Smooth Muscle from Severely Burned Rats

Introduction

Severe burn disrupts cardiovascular function which can lead to critical shock. To counteract cardiovascular collapse, there is a systemic increase of catecholamines released in response to severe burn. Previous studies showed that β1- adrenergic receptor (AR)_ protein expression was significantly increased in the cardiac right ventricles (RV) following burn injury, which is correlated with compromised cardiac dysfunction. Vascular smooth muscle contraction served to modulate blood pressure and improve circulatory perfusion. We hypothesize that ARs expression in major arteries are modified to initiate vascular functional changes following severe burn. In the current study, we report temporal ARs expression in murine carotid artery smooth muscle following severe burn.

Methods

Thirty-four adult Sprague-Dawley male rats received a 40% total body surface area (TBSA) scald burn followed by fluid resuscitation using the Parkland formula. Control animals received a sham burn procedure. Animals were serially euthanized between 6 hours and 14 days after burn and endothelium-intact common carotid arteries were harvested for histological analysis.

Results

Immunohistochemical staining data demonstrated expression of adrenergic receptors (AR) (α1, α2, β1, and β2) were differentially changed in response to injury over time. α1a-AR expression significantly increased within the carotid artery tunica media 7-days after burn (p< 0.05). As a negative feedback of inhibitory of norepinephrine signaling, AR-α2a expression did not significantly change. AR-β1 expression also had no change over time after burn. Interestingly, functioning to relax vascular smooth muscle, a significant elevation of β2-AR expression within the carotid artery tunica media was observed only at 1-day after burn (p< 0.05).

Conclusions

In summary, immunohistochemistry showed that carotid arterial adrenergic receptor expressions of α1a-AR and β2-AR are significantly altered in response to severe burn, which may contribute to vascular contractility in burn rats.

82 Early Skin Excision Decreased the Risk of Skin Infection, Sepsis and Mortality Among Burn Patients

Introduction

In lieu of outdated and limited patient studies on excision for severe burns, a more comprehensive analysis is indicated to determine the effects of early skin excision following burn. This study aims to address the outcomes of early excision.

Methods

Data collection and analysis was performed using TriNetX, a national research database. The study population included patients ranging from 0 to 90 years old who underwent excision for burns. Groups were stratified by the number of days after injury in which they received a skin excision treatment. Five outcomes were analyzed: death, cardiac stress, wound infection, blood transfusion, and sepsis. Risk and incidence of various health outcomes were compared between groups after matching for age, gender and race, using a z-test with p< 0.05 considered significant.

Results

We identified 2,522 patients who underwent excision between 0-3 days, 825 between 4-7 days, and 419 between 8-14 days following burn. We found a significant decrease in risk of skin infection and sepsis for skin excision 0-3 days after burn compared to 4-7 days (p< 0.05). Additionally, the frequency of blood transfusion significantly increased for those with excision 0-3 days after burn when compared to 4-7 days (p< 0.05). There was a significant increase in the risk of mortality for patients who received skin excision 8-14 days after injury as compared to both 0-3 days (p< 0.05) and 4-7 days (p< 0.05). However, we found no statistical difference in cardiac stress, skin infection, blood transfusion or sepsis between 0-3 and 8-14 days nor 4-7 and 8-14 days.

Conclusions

Skin excision 0-3 days after burn injury results in a significantly lowered risk of skin infection and sepsis as compared to skin excision 4-7 days and 8-14 days after burn. Skin excision within the first 7 days after burn decreased the risk of mortality as compared to excision 8-14 days after burn. The risk of blood transfusion increased with early excision, which may be explained by the severity of the injury.

27 Pain Medication Use at Follow up Is Associated with Long-term Outcomes

Introduction

Use of prescription pain medication after burn injury is commonly required. However, little is known about long-term pain medication use and its association with outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess patterns of prescription pain medication use after discharge and the association between these medications and quality of life outcomes.

Methods

Data from the Burn Model System National Longitudinal Database (2015-2021) were analyzed. Pain medication use was assessed at pre-injury (recall at discharge), discharge (medical record) and follow-up (self-report at 6, 12, and 24 months after injury). Outcome measures included: VR-12 Physical and Mental Component Summary scores (PCS and MCS), Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and NeuroQOL Stigma. The population was divided into two groups, those taking and not taking prescription pain medications at one year. Regression analyses examined associations between prescription pain medication use and outcomes at 12 months, controlling for age, gender, race, ethnicity and burn size.

Results

Of the 645 participants, 15% reported prescription pain medication use prior to their burn. At discharge, 81% reported use of an opioid and 46% reported use of a neuropathic pain medication. At 12 months, 32% of individuals indicated prescription pain medication use. The pain medication group exhibited larger burn size (24.0% vs 15.2%) and longer hospital stays (40.4 vs 25.0 days) than the non-pain medication group (p< 0.0001 for all). Additionally, 25% of individuals who reported pre-injury pain medication use also reported use at 12 months. Regression analyses demonstrated that pain medication use was associated with worse physical health (PCS: coefficient 8.69, p< 0.0001) mental health (MCS: 6.31, p< 0.0001), stigma (NeuroQOL Stigma: 3.91, p< 0.0001), and satisfaction with life (SWLS: -3.66, p< 0.0001) at one year. Additionally, pain medication use was associated with 45% decreased odds of being employed (coefficient 0.55, p=0.029) and approximately 3 times greater odds of having post-traumatic stress disorder at 12 months (coefficient 3.25, p< 0.0001).

Conclusions

There are significant associations between prescription pain medication use and worse physical, mental and employment outcomes at twelve months. This information may be used to trigger screening and manage long-term recovery outcomes.

12 The Influence of Female Sex Hormones on Outcomes After Burn Injury

Introduction

The pathophysiological response to major trauma has gender dimorphism in outcomes associated with sex hormones levels. However, little is known of the effects of female hormones on outcomes in burn patients. Previous studies demonstrated exogenous estrogen alleviates hyper-inflammation after burn. We thus posit that female patients have fewer comorbidities depending on female hormone levels. We had two objectives: to investigate the role of female hormones on outcomes after burn and to investigate potential protective properties of exogenous hormone treatment on burned post-menopausal women.

Methods

This study obtained data from the TriNetX research network with electronic medical records of de-identified patients. Both male and female patients who suffered burns were included from 2002-2020. The population was stratified to only include women over 45 on estrogen or progestin hormones taken within 6 months prior to injury and 1 month after injury to assure a menopausal state which occurs at age 45-55. Outcomes for mortality, sepsis, acute myocardial infarction, and acute kidney injury were measured within one day of injury to one month following injury. Odds ratios, risk difference, and risk ratios were calculated for outcome analysis after propensity-matched for race and ethnicity. A z-test for risk difference was performed. Statistical significance was defined at p &lt; 0.05.

Results

Compared to males, females grossly had a 28% risk reduction of 30-day mortality and a relative risk reduction for sepsis (26%), acute kidney failure (30), and myocardial infarction (29%) (p&lt; .05). Additionally, female burns younger than the age 45 had risk reductions for mortality 5.4-fold within 3 months, 2.9-fold lower for sepsis, 17.5-fold lower for myocardial infarction, and 7.7-fold lower for acute kidney injury (p&lt; .001). TriNetX identified 169,566 female burn patients, of which 2,683 were on estrogen and progestin and above 45 years old. Women over 45 on exogenous hormones had a 37% significant risk reduction in acute kidney failure when compared to the women over 45 not prescribed estrogen or progestin (p&lt; .05).

Conclusions

Female burn patients had better outcomes, while women over 45 had worse outcomes indicating the role of female sex hormone correlated to burn patient progress. The administration of estrogen and progestins for females above age 45 resulted in reduced risks for acute kidney failure after burn injury.

4 Risk Association Between Race and Complications Following Burn

Introduction

Racial minorities have been recognized to experience worse health outcomes for many medical conditions. However, it is not clear if these outcomes are associated with pre-existing conditions or the quality of care those patients receive. In burns, little information on the relationship between race and burn comorbidities is available. This study examines the risk association between race and burn complications, such as pneumonia, sepsis, and ARDS while controlling for common comorbidities that affect burn recovery such as diabetes and hypertension.

Methods

Burn patient cohorts were identified by ICD10 codes for burn injury using TriNetX, a federated network of real-world data. The cohorts were stratified by race and balanced in terms of age at index, gender, BMI, and pre-existing comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. The following post burn outcomes were selected for analysis: renal failure, cardiovascular disease, sepsis, ARDS, graft complication, pneumonia, ICU admit, respiratory failure, hypertrophic scarring (HTS), hyperglycemia, and mortality. A measure of association analysis was performed to compare risk outcomes in black vs. white burn patients. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. The same cohorts were analyzed for treatment pathways to compare critical care billing CPT codes for the amount of time seen by a physician: Critical Care and Evaluation, first 30-74 minutes, and Critical Care and Evaluation, each additional 30 minutes.

Results

The balanced patient cohorts comprised 78,974 patients per cohort. Black patients experience a positive relative risk ratio (RR) to renal failure (p < 0.0001, RR = 1.372, 95% CI: 1.314-1.435), cardiovascular disease (p < 0.0001, RR = 1.115, CI: 1.08-1.15), sepsis (p < 0.0071 RR = 1.081, CI: 1.021-1.144), and ARDS (p < 0.0010, RR = 1.287 CI: 1.107-1.496) following burn injury. However, black patients experience a negative risk ratio to mortality (p < 0.0006, RR = 0.935, CI: 0.89-0.982) and pneumonia (p < 0.0014, RR = 0.937, CI: 0.901-0.975). The risk ratio was not significant for outcomes between black and white burn patients for respiratory failure, HTS, hyperglycemia, and ICU admit. Analysis of treatment pathways did not show significant differences in Critical Care and Evaluation billing between the two races.

Conclusions

Black burn patients are more likely to experience renal failure, cardiovascular disease, sepsis, and ARDS compared to white burn patients despite controlling for common comorbidities. They are less likely to experience pneumonia and mortality.

6 Risk Factors and Comorbidities Associated with Post-burn Hypertension

Introduction

Hypertension (HTN) is a prevalent condition in the United States and leads to an increased risk of developing other comorbidities. However, the impact of hypertension following severe burns on patient outcomes is not known. We hypothesize that post-burn hypertension is associated with an increased risk of other comorbidities and mortality.

Methods

This study used data from TriNetX, a global federated health research network. Burned patients who were diagnosed with essential hypertension at least 1 day after injury were identified in the TriNetX database using specific ICD codes and were compared to those who did not develop essential hypertension; neither cohort was diagnosed with hypertension prior to injury. Each cohort was balanced for age, gender, race, and ethnicity. Occurrence of the following within 3 days of burn was compared between the two cohorts: acute kidney injury (AKI), hyperglycemia, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and death. These patient cohorts were then stratified by gender, percent total body surface area (TBSA) burned, and age. Statistical analysis for the measures of association used an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a risk ratio with a z-test. Significance for the z-test was set at a p-value of < 0.05.

Results

The search identified 460,977 burn patients of whom 87,808 were diagnosed with hypertension at least 1 day after burn injury. Those diagnosed with hypertension were 7.25 times as likely to develop AKI, 5.45 times as likely to develop hyperglycemia, 7 times as likely to develop heart failure, 7.17 times as likely to develop coronary artery disease, and 1.78 times as likely to die. Men were at greater risk of experiencing AKI, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and death, however, women were 1.51 times as likely to develop hyperglycemia. Stratification based on % TBSA burned indicated an increased risk for all outcomes for patients with a high percentage of total body surface area burned (60% to > 90% TBSA burned was higher than < 10% to 50-59% groups). Subgroup analysis based on age indicated elevated risk of developing AKI, heart failure, coronary artery disease, or death with age. However, we found a spike in risk for all outcomes in the 0-9 age group. All data was significant at p < .0001.

Conclusions

A new hypertension diagnosis in severely burned patients is highly associated with other comorbidities including acute kidney injury, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and death. Overall, males, older patients, and those with a higher percent TBSA burned are at a higher risk of developing these comorbidities.

741 Burn Injury Elevates the Risk of Sepsis in Pregnant Women

Introduction

Pregnancy naturally strains a woman’s body, and is exacerbated by additional stressors, such as severe burn. This study seeks to establish a national incidence rate of burns during pregnancy, as well as categorize the patients epidemiologically and by percent total body surface area (%TBSA) burned. We posit that pregnancies complicated by burn injuries have worse outcomes in mortality and comorbidities in comparison to pregnancies not complicated by burns.

Methods

Using an electronic medical record database, TriNetX, a retrospective cohort study was performed to identify burned pregnant patients within the last 20 years. The burn cohort included all pregnant women aged 12-55 who experienced a burn injury on the same day as pregnancy or anytime within nine months after the first record of pregnancy. The non-burned cohort included women who did not experience a burn within nine months of the recorded pregnancy. Outcomes compared were sepsis, pregnancy with abortive outcome, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, complications of labor and delivery, preterm labor, postpartum hemorrhage, maternal mortality, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). After matching for age at pregnancy, each outcome was compared at one, three, and five years after pregnancy. Risk ratios (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to compare cohorts, and a p-value &lt; 0.05 was deemed significant.

Results

The TriNetX database contained 21,438,975 females between the ages of 12-55. Among these, pregnant women with burn injuries were found to have an incidence of 4.32% in the United States in the last 20 years (pregnant females with burn n = 4,721; females with burn n = 109,294). Of burns categorized by %TBSA burned, 84% were between 1-10%. Within one year of pregnancy, burned patients have a three-fold increase in risk of development of sepsis compared to non-burned women (RR = 3, 95% CI = 1.518, 5.929), but are less likely to experience pregnancy with abortive outcome (RR = 0.612, 95% CI = 0.509, 0.735), complications during labor and delivery (RR = 0.863, 95% CI = 0.803, 0.928) or spontaneous abortion (RR = 0.707, 95% CI = 0.556, 0.899).

Conclusions

Pregnancy complicated by burn injury has a lower national incidence rate than the generally accepted 7% of reproductively aged females. Burned patients were more likely to experience sepsis than their non-burned counterparts one year after pregnancy, however, risk of maternal mortality was the same between the burned and non-burned patients within one year after pregnancy with a curious decrease in miscarriage and labor and delivery complications.

10 The Impact of Insurance Disparities on Long-term Burn Outcomes: A Burn Model System Investigation

Introduction

Access to healthcare and insurance coverage are associated with quality of life, morbidity, and mortality outcomes. However, most studies have only focused on same-admission and short-term outcomes due to the lack of national longitudinal data and there is limited data on this topic in the burn literature. Our aim was to determine the effect of insurance status on long-term outcomes in a national sample of burn patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective study using the longitudinal Burn Model System National Database from January 2015 to April 2021. The inclusion criteria were all adult patients admitted for burn injury from participating sites. Main outcomes were the physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health component summary scores of the Veterans RAND 12 (VR-12) score at 6, 12, and 24 months after injury. Multivariable regression was used to examine the association between insurance status and the outcomes, adjusting for demographics (i.e., age, gender, race/ethnicity) and burn injury severity.

Results

A total of 3,698 burn patients were included. Mean age was 43.39 (SD 15.84) years, 72% were male and 76% were white. Most patients had private/commercial insurance (56.37%), followed by Medicare (14.42%) and Medicaid (13.18%). The remaining 16% were uninsured patients (self-pay or philanthropy). Mean PCS scores were 43.64 (SD 10.87), 45.31 (SD 11.04) and 46.45 (SD 10.65) and Mean MCS scores were 47.80 (SD 12.35), 48.18 (SD 12.30) and 48.44 (SD 12.18) at 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively. In adjusted analyses, Medicaid insurance was associated with worse MCS at 6 months (Coefficient -3.90, p=0.001), and worse PCS at 12 and 24 months (Coefficient -3.09, p=0.004 and Coefficient -4.18, p< 0.001, respectively), compared to uninsured status. Medicare insurance was associated with worse PCS scores at 24 months (Coefficient -3.07, p=0.013).

Conclusions

Having Medicaid and Medicare insurance was significantly associated with a lower health-related quality of life at long-term follow up, even after adjusting for demographics and burn injury severity. Further studies need to focus on analyzing the reasons for these disparities and developing strategies to improve the quality of life of this subpopulation.

109 The Impact of Distance to Treatment Center on Long-term Outcomes of Burn Patients

Introduction

Geospatial access to American Burn Association (ABA)-verified burn centers or self-designated burn care facilities varies across the country. It is often necessary to transport patients hundreds of miles to provide definitive burn care and rehabilitation services. This study evaluates the impact of distance to treatment center on long-term outcomes of burn patients.

Methods

Data from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Burn Model System (BMS) National Database, collected from 2015 to 2019, were analyzed to investigate the impact of distance to BMS center on long-term, patient-reported outcomes. Distance was calculated as driving distance between home zip code centroid and BMS center. Demographic and clinical data were compared between groups by distance from BMS center (< 20, 20-49.9, >50 miles). The following patient-reported outcome measures, collected 12 months after injury, were examined: Veterans Rand 12 Physical Component Summary Score (VR-12 PCS), Veterans Rand 12 Mental Component Summary Score (VR-12 MCS), Satisfaction with Life (SWL), employment status, and days to return to work. Mixed regression model analyses were used to examine the associations between distance to BMS center and each outcome measure, controlling for demographic and clinical variables.

Results

Of the 726 participants included in this study, 191 (26.3%) and 204 (28.1%) were < 20 and between 20-49.9 miles from a BMS center, respectively; 331 (46.6%) were >50 miles from a BMS center. Greater distance to BMS center was associated with white race/ethnicity (p< 0.001) and employment at time of injury (p=0.001). Greater distance to BMS center was also associated with flame injury (p< 0.001) and larger burn size (p< 0.001). There were no significant differences in length of stay or number of operations between groups. Regression analyses did not identify significant associations between distance to BMS center and VR-12 PCS, VR-12 MCS, SWL, employment at 12 months, or days to return to work.

Conclusions

After burn injury, patient-reported outcome measures of physical and psychosocial function, as well as employment, do not differ based on distance to BMS center.

523 Reduced Incidence of Fractures After Treatment with Oxandrolone in Burn Patients

Introduction

Bone density loss is a significant and well documented complication after major burns. Oxandrolone and bisphosphonates have both been used successfully to mitigate this outcome. Studies show these agents reduce both short-term and long-term bone loss, but no studies have examined the long-term clinical outcomes of these agents. This study investigates long-term outcomes of treatment with oxandrolone and bisphosphonates in burn patients.

Methods

We examined a deidentified database of electronic medical records across 55 healthcare organizations including over 75 million patients. ICD 10 codes were used to identify patients with thermal or chemical burns from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2020. We included patients who received their first dose of oxandrolone or bisphosphonate within one month of injury. Propensity score matching was used to balance patient cohorts. ICD 10 and CPT codes were used to evaluate outcomes.

Results

We identified 280,367 patients with burn injuries during the study time period. Of these, 903 (0.32%) received at least one dose of oxandrolone and 307 (0.11%) received at least one dose of a bisphosphonate medication within 1 month of injury. Mortality was higher among matched patients receiving oxandrolone (OR: 3.146, CI: 2.224, 4.449) or a bisphosphonate (OR 3.027, CI: 1.8, 5.092). Fracture at any site and fracture of long bones were significantly lower among matched patients who received oxandrolone (OR: 0.704 CI: 0.542, 0.914, OR: 0.689, CI: 0.51, 0.931; respectively) compared to those who did not. No reduction of fractures was seen among patients who received bisphosphonates (p >0.05). Among patients receiving oxandrolone acute kidney failure was increased (OR: 1.941, CI: 1.454, 2.592) compared to those not receiving the medication but chronic kidney failure was reduced (OR: 0.513, CI: 0.351, 0.749). There was no increase in acute or chronic kidney failure among patients receiving a bisphosphonate (p >0.05). Liver injury was not increased among patients receiving either medication (p >0.05).

Conclusions

Oxandrolone and bisphosphonate medications have been well studied and shown to decrease bone density loss after burn injury. Fractures of all bones and specifically long bones were reduced in patients receiving oxandrolone, suggesting that decreased bone catabolism during the acute recovery period may provide long-term injury protection. While we do see an increase in mortality with both of these medications, there is no we do not see any increase in liver failure or chronic kidney failure suggesting that factors unrelated to the administration of these medications are driving the increased mortality and may be related to selection bias. This is the first study to show that oxandrolone decreases the incidence of fractures after burn injury.

68 The Association Between Body Mass Index and Physical Function in Adult Burn Survivors

Introduction

An area of rehabilitation research in burns is the impact of co-morbidities. Obesity is one of these, is an increasing public health concern, and its role remains controversial regarding burn injury and physical recovery. Our aim was to evaluate associations between body mass index (BMI) as a measure of obesity, at discharge and self-reported physical function (PF) during recovery of adult burn survivors.

Methods

This study included data that was collected by four American Burn Association-verified burn centers, which contribute to the Burn Model System National Database project. The data included BMI obtained at hospital discharge and self-reported Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-29 PF-mobility and upper extremity scores assessed at 6-, 12-, and 24-months after burn. Mixed linear models for repeated measures and regression models were used to assess associations between BMI and PROMIS-29 PF scores over time. Values are expressed as means ± SD. Significance was set at p&lt; 0.05.

Results

A total of 502 adult patients aged 47 ± 16 years were included, with mean total body surface area burned (TBSA) of 17 ± 18 % (range; 1.0-88%) and mean BMI of 23.1 ± 5.4 kg*m-2 (range; 14.0-64.7 kg*m-2). We found no significant effect at 6 months (beta=-0.045, p= 0.54) nor at 12 months after injury (beta=-0.063, p= 0.44) when adjusted for age, burn size, and sex, however, BMI at discharge had a significant negative effect on self-reported mobility scores 24 months after injury (beta=0.218, p=&lt; 0.05).

Conclusions

Increased weight (i.e. BMI) at discharge was negatively associated with PF during recovery. Benefiting from a large sample size, our analysis suggests that long term recovery and restoration of PF in adult burn survivors is compromized by excess body weight.

547 Clinical Outcomes for Burned Patients with Covid-19

Introduction

The COVID-19 epidemic has affected all aspects of medical care including a reduction in elective procedures, however, the incidence of burns and treatment for this condition has continued undaunted. Some of these patients were also diagnosed with COVID-19 infection, but it is unclear what effect, if any the SARS-CoV 2 virus has on patients recovering from a burn injury. In this study we examined the outcomes of burned patients with a concomitant diagnosis of SARS-CoV 2 virus.

Methods

We examined a de-identified database of patient electronic medical records across 55 health care associations containing over 75 million patients. ICD 10 codes were used to identify those with thermal or chemical burns from January 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021 and those also diagnosed with Sars-CoV 2 virus infection within 1 month of injury. We found 49,501 patients suffered burns during the study time period; of these 474 patients (0.96%) also experienced a concomitant COVID-19 infection. We compared outcomes based on ICD 10 and CPT codes.

Results

We found no significant increase in mortality between groups during the study period. However, we did find a significant increase in infections, pneumonia, respiratory failure and sepsis in those with Sars-CoV infection (p< 0.05). However, there was no significant increase in ventilator management days (p >0.05) In terms of wound healing, patients with COVID-19 also experienced significantly more excision and grafting procedures and had a higher incidence of hypertrophic scarring (p< 0.05).

Conclusions

COVID-19 infection is well known to worsen respiratory outcomes, but in burned patients was also associated with an increase in other infections and poorer wound outcomes. These outcomes may emanate from a change in inflammatory status for patients with the SAR-CoV 2 virus infection. This is the first broad-based study to examine outcomes of burn victims with concomitant SARS-CoV 2 infection. Further investigation is indicated as more long-term data becomes available.

115 Analyzing Temporal Trends and Outcomes Associated with High Prevalence Bacterial Infections in Burn Patients

Introduction

Bacterial infections are a leading cause of complications in burn patients. However, ambiguity remains around the most common infectious etiologies and their resulting complications. Our study identifies which bacterial infections will lead to specific complications and tracks infection rates of these bacteria over time.

Methods

Burn patients diagnosed with a bacterial infection within 6 months of burn were identified in the TriNetX database using ICD-10 codes; those with bacterial infections prior to injury were excluded. Occurrence of the following outcomes within 12 months of injury were compared for those with bacterial infections and those without, including acute kidney injury (AKI), congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertrophic scarring, sepsis, and death. The top 4 bacterial infections, by incidence, were then identified and analyzed for the outcomes. Lastly, infection rates were stratified by year from 2010-2020. Data was analyzed using chi-square with p < .05 considered significant, and regressions.

Results

We identified 457,383 burn patients, of whom 4,688 (1.0%) were diagnosed with a bacterial infection within 6 months of injury. The bacteria that constituted the highest proportion of infected patients were Staph aureus (51.1%), E. Coli (20.2%), Pseudomonas (17.6%), and Enterococcus (9.6%). When outcomes were stratified by bacteria, Enterococcus infection was associated with the highest incidence of AKI (23.1%), sepsis (25.2%), and mortality (16.03%). E. Coli was associated with the highest incidence of CHF (17.7%) and Pseudomonas was associated with the highest incidence of hypertrophic scarring (13.3%). All data was found to be statistically significant (p< .05). Time trend data from 2010 to 2020 stratified by bacterial infection is displayed in Figure 1. Of note, Pseudomonas infection rates increased by 90% (r² = 0.6717) while E. Coli infection rates increased by 33%. (r² = 0.7223). In contrast, Staph Aureus infection rates have decreased since 2013. Lastly, Enterococcus infection rates displayed a fluctuating pattern with an increasing trend since 2017.

Conclusions

Species identification of a post-burn bacterial infection is an important step in outcome management. Despite its low incidence, Enterococcus infection was associated with the highest incidence of AKI, sepsis, and mortality, and has displayed recent increases in infection rates. Pseudomonas has shown a similar increasing trend and is notable for hypertrophic scar formation.

118 Burn Injury Vandalizes Cancer Survival with Increased Risk of Complications

Introduction

Burn injuries place patients in a compromised state, especially those with pre-existing comorbidities. The presence of cancer complicates care and worsens outcomes for patients suffering from illnesses unrelated to burns, such as sepsis. Therefore, we posit the incidence of burn injury on patients with preexisting cancer diagnoses results in an increased risk of complications.

Methods

Burned patients were identified using the TriNetX database, a global federated health research network. Fifty-one thousand patients with a diagnosis of cancer prior to experiencing a burn injury were identified. Control groups included 1) patients who had a previous cancer diagnosis and no incidence of burn, and 2) patients who experienced a burn with no history of cancer. Outcomes analyzed included sepsis, nutritional deficiency, eating disorder, immunodeficiency, and depression within 5 years. Cancer diagnoses were categorized into 5 of the 13 most common cancer reported in the US. Data was analyzed using a chi-square analysis with p&lt; 0.05 considered significant, and presented odds ratio are with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The majority of cancer survivors with burns were White (70%) and female (62%). Compared to cancer patients without burn injury, patients experiencing a burn after a diagnosis of cancer were more likely to develop sepsis (1.718, 1.612-1.83), nutritional deficiency (1.963, 1.593-2.418), immunodeficiency (1.265, 1.098-1.459), eating disorders (2.569, 2.077-3.177), and depression (1.538,1.468-1.611). When compared to burn patients with no history of cancer, burned patients with cancer diagnosis had increased odds of developing sepsis (3.806, 3.502-4.137), nutritional deficiency (3.529, 2.725-4.571), immunodeficiency (6.657, 5.126,8.645), eating disorder (2.184, 1.787-2.67), and depression (2.147, 2.041-2.259). Further, burned patients with a history of lung cancer experienced a uniquely high risk of sepsis. Additionally, burn patients with histories of either lung or breast cancers were also at increased risk ratios of experiencing depression (p&lt; 0.05).

Conclusions

Burned patients with a history of a cancer demonstrated considerable increases in complications when compared to those with only a burn injury. Categorization of the broad “neoplasm” label uncovers patterns or trends for specific cancer types to inform the current healthcare system more accurately.

28 Risk Factors and Outcomes of Opioid Dependence After Burn Injury: A Single Center Study

Introduction

Patients with severe burns often have a prolonged recovery course and frequently opioid pain medications. Several studies showed patients who receive frequent and high doses of opioid medications are at elevated risk of developing opioid dependence. Risk factors for opioid dependence have been established in several fields, including in trauma patients, however opioid dependence within the burn population has not been well studied. In this study we identify risk factors and outcomes for burned patients with opioid dependence.

Methods

We performed a review of a deidentified database that covers our institution comprising over 1.9 million patients. ICD-10 codes were used to identify those with burns. We identified 9150 patients who received treatment for a burn injury between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2020. From this cohort 130 patients (1.4%) developed documented opioid dependence. Patients from each cohort were balanced by propensity score matching. The database was then examined to determine treatment type and concomitant diagnoses.

Results

Prior to matching we found a significant increase in mortality, chronic pain, non-opioid substance abuse, depression, and use of opioid and non-opioid medication (p&lt; 0.05) for those with opioid dependence. After propensity score matching, we found no significant increase in mortality or depression (p &gt;0.05). Chronic pain and non-opioid substance abuse remained elevated (OR 2.7, CI 1.6, 4.4; OR 2.4, CI 1.3, 4.5, p&lt; 0.05, respectively). Those who developed opioid dependence were more likely to receive opioid and non-opioid pain medication (p&lt; 0.05), but these were not more likely to receive IV opioid pain medication (p &gt;0.05). However, they were more likely to receive IV opioid pain medication more frequently (p&lt; 0.05). Interestingly, patients who developed opioid dependence were more likely to follow up post-operatively and to receive anti-depressant and anti-epileptic (gabapentin and pregabalin) medications (p&lt; 0.05).

Conclusions

Here we presented data on patients who developed opioid dependence following burn injury. These patients appear to receive more pain medication and receive it more frequently. We did not find a correlation of opioid dependence to depression or patient compliance. Characterizing the patient who develops opioid dependence will better help clinicians to identify patients at risk and direct their care accordingly. Further investigation is indicated to determine the impact these factors have and how these might be mitigated.

123 Sleep Disorder Is Associated with Neuropsychological Disturbances in Burn Survivals

Introduction

Prior studies explored neuropsychological disorders in the context of burn severity; however, the relationship between occurrence after burn and sleep has not been investigated. This study aims to determine if patients that developed a first-time sleep disorder after burn injury are more likely to develop a psychological or nervous system disorder within 10 years after injury.

Methods

We identified burn patients on the TriNetX database, a federated research network of de-identified patient data. We formed two groups, those with first time sleep disorder diagnosis on or after the incidence of burn injury and those with no first-time sleep disorder diagnosis on or after burn. Groups were propensity matched to evaluate incidence of nervous system and mental disorders and characteristics, defined as bipolar disorder, epilepsy, neuropathy disorders, and 52 other neuropsychological disorders. Diagnoses of nervous system disorder and mental disorder were limited to after the burn injury and within the 10-year time frame. We analyzed data using a z-test with a p &lt; 0.05 considered significant.

Results

We found 7.83% of patients developed a first-time sleep disorder after burn injury. The population was older (43.9 ± 20.8 vs. 31.7 ± 22.4 yrs), female (51.13% vs. 46.10%), and White (70.02% vs 60.24%) when compared to those without sleep disorders (p&lt; 0.05). Those who experienced a first-time sleep disorder after burn presented a greater risk of developing the mental, central nervous system, and peripheral nervous system disorders when compared to those who did not. Eating disorders, persistent mood disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders were 4.54, 95% CI [3.65, 5.65]; 3.84, 95% CI [3.49, 4.22], and 3.94, 95% CI [3.13, 4.97] times higher, respectively, in patients who developed a first-time sleep disorder (p&lt; 0.05). Anxiety-related disorders were also more than 3 times more likely in those who developed a sleep disorder after burn (p&lt; 0.05).Central nervous system disorders were related to sleep disorder post burn. Extrapyramidal and movement disorders were more than 3 times more likely to occur in sleep disorder patients (Extrapyramidal and movement disorder, unspecified 95% CI [2.48, 4.63] and Other extrapyramidal and movement disorders 95% CI [3.17, 3.78]. In regard to peripheral nervous system disturbances, restless leg syndrome was more than 4 times more likely to occur in patients that developed a first time sleep disorder after burn injury 95% CI [3.70, 4.65]. Polyneuropathy was also 2.28 more times likely to occur 95% CI [2.12, 2.47].

Conclusions

Mental disorders and various central nervous system and peripheral nervous system disturbances are highly associated with identification of sleep disorders after burn. This finding suggests close monitoring for sleep in those who were burned to optimize outcomes.

95 Incidence of Hypertrophic Scar Diagnosis in Burn Patients Prescribed Glucocorticoids

Introduction

Despite advancements in burn care, the optimal treatment to prevent or treat hypertrophic scars is still elusive. Therefore, the objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of five glucocorticoid medications commonly used in the treatment of hypertrophic scarring in burned patients using a large patient database.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with hypertrophic scarring, hypertrophic disorders of the skin, or scar conditions and fibrosis of skin at least one day after burn injury were identified in the TriNetX database. Hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, triamcinolone, and prednisone were the glucocorticoids investigated. Those who received a glucocorticoid on the same day or any time after the incidence of burn injury were compared to those who did not take glucocorticoids in the previous five years. Patients were stratified into four groups based on percent total body surface area (TBSA) burned: 0-9%, 10-19%, 20-39%, and 40-100%. A total of 165,041 burned patients were found who did not receive glucocorticoids, and 66,652 burn patients who received glucocorticoids after injury. Statistical analysis for comparison included a risk ratio with a significance defined as a p-value < 0.05.

Results

In all burn patients identified, the risk of hypertrophic scarring diagnosis was reduced with methylprednisolone (RR=0.60, p< 0.001) and prednisone (RR=0.37, p< 0.001), while it was increased with dexamethasone (RR=2.48, p< 0.001). Stratification based on %TBSA burned showed that diagnosis of hypertrophic scarring was reduced in the < 10% TBSA group with methylprednisolone (RR=0.49, p< 0.001) and prednisone (RR=0.33, p< 0.001), while it was increased with dexamethasone (RR=3.6, p< 0.001). Similarly, in the 10-19% TBSA group, the risk was reduced with prednisone (RR=0.57, p=0.024) while increased with dexamethasone (RR=2.2, p< 0.001). No significant effect was observed with hydrocortisone or triamcinolone with any of the %TBSA groups examined. Patients treated with dexamethasone continued to show increased risk for hypertrophic scar diagnosis with 20-39% TBSA (RR=1.69, p< 0.001) and 40-100% TBSA (RR=1.87, p< 0.001).

Conclusions

While methylprednisolone and prednisone decreased the risk of hypertrophic scarring diagnosis among all burn patients identified, dexamethasone showed an increased risk of hypertrophic scarring diagnosis in all burn patients and in each %TBSA stratified group.

562 Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Emergency Room Visits for Burn Injury

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic was a devastating occurrence that left millions in critical condition in emergency rooms (ER) across the country. While hospitalizations due to COVID-19 increased exponentially in the last year, several reports have indicated declines in ER use due to common non-COVID related problems. There is currently a dearth of literature examining the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency room use for acute burn injuries. Thus, we performed a retrospective database analysis using the TriNetX database to quantify the effects of COVID-19 on United States ER visits for acute burn injuries. We hypothesize that ER visits due to burn injury decreased, especially in patients with severe burn injuries- defined as burned total burn surface area (TBSA) >20%.

Methods

Patients who visited the ER from 2010-2020 due to burn injury were identified using ICD-10 codes. We then stratified these patients by age (< 18 and ≥18), severe ( >20% TBSA) vs. non-severe (< 20% TBSA) burn injury, and by change over time in 1-year intervals from 2010 to 2020. Extracted data was analyzed using chi-square with p< .05 considered significant.

Results

We identified a total of 24,620,393 ER visits from 2010-2020. Of these, 142,007 (0.58%) were due to burn injury. A large majority of burn-related ER visits were for non-severe burns (n=134,120, 94.4%). ER visits for acute burn injury decreased by 21.6% during 2020 when compared to years prior. Stratification by age group revealed that pediatric patients (< 18) had more significant decreases in ER Visits than adult patients (≥18). Pediatric patients visited the ER 71.6% less than adults during 2020. When stratified by burn severity, patients with severe burns ( >20% TBSA) and patients with non-severe burns (< 20% TBSA) had similar decreases in ER usage during 2020 when compared to years prior (21.7% and 24.6%, respectively). Further age analysis revealed that both pediatric patients with severe burns and pediatric patients with non-severe burns visited the ER less than their adult counterparts (71.4% and 60.9%, respectively). All of the above differences were statistically significant (p< .05).

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there was a sharp decrease in ER usage by patients with severe and non-severe burn injuries. This decrease was particularly salient in pediatric populations across all TBSA data points measured.

83 The Impact of Tracheostomy on Long-term Patient Outcomes: A Burn Model System National Database Study

Introduction

Management of the upper airway is crucial to burn care, especially in the setting of inhalation injury or burns to the face or neck. Endotracheal intubation is often performed to secure the airway; however, tracheostomy may be necessary in patients requiring prolonged ventilatory support. This study compares long-term outcomes of burn patients with and without tracheostomy.

Methods

Data from the Burn Model System National Database, collected from 2013 to 2020, were analyzed. Demographic and clinical data were compared between those with and without tracheostomy. The following patient-reported outcome measures, collected at 6-, 12-, and 24-months, were analyzed: Veterans Rand 12 Physical Component Summary Score (VR-12 PCS), Veterans Rand 12 Mental Component Summary Score (VR-12 MCS), Satisfaction with Life (SWL), Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29), employment status, and number of days to return to work. Regression models were used to assess the impact of tracheostomy status on long-term outcome measures, controlling for demographic and clinical variables.

Results

Of the 714 patients included in this study, 39 (5.46%) received a tracheostomy and 675 (94.54%) did not. The two groups were similar across all demographic data collected. Tracheostomy patients were more likely to have flame injury, inhalation injury, larger burn size, more trips to the operating room, longer hospital stay, and greater number of days on a ventilator (p< 0.001). Regression model analyses demonstrated that tracheostomy was associated with worse VR-12 PCS scores at 6-, 12-, and 24-months (6.6 [95% CI 1.5, 11.8], p=0.012; 11.5 [6.2, 16.8], p< 0.001; 10.8 [4.2, 17.5], p=0.001). Tracheostomy was also associated with worse scores in two PROMIS-29 domains, physical function and pain interference. For physical function, the association was seen at 6-, 12-, and 24-months (7.4 [3.0, 11.8], p=0.001; 9.6 [5.2, 14.0], p< 0.001; 11.3 [5.8, 16.9], p< 0.001). For pain interference, the association was only seen at 12-months (-5.3 [-10.0, -0.55], p=0.029).

Conclusions

After burn injury, patient-reported outcome measures of physical function and pain interference were significantly worse with tracheostomy.