Celeste C. Finnerty

Treatment of Infection in Burn Patients

Abstract Burn wounds are conduits for infections. From the inciting thermal trauma to finalization of therapy, burn patients are exposed to multiple drug-resistant organisms. This chapter presents the definitions and types of infections afflicting burn patients, from cellulitis and wound infections to pneumonias and bloodstream infections. Topical and systemic antimicrobials are covered, as well as specific etiologic bacteria, fungi, and viruses. A care algorithm is elaborated, centered on source control with early surgical excision and skin grafting augmented by culture-directed antimicrobial therapy. Regardless of the etiologic organism, the best intervention for both prophylaxis and treatment of infections in the burn patient is the prompt closure of burn wounds with skin.

Biomarkers in Burn Patient Care

Abstract Biological markers, or biomarkers, are characteristics that can be used to monitor various aspects of disease progression and patient health. Within the burn community, a plethora of potential biomarkers exist for identifying infections and sepsis; predicting survival of the injury; or monitoring injury severity, organ function, or wound healing. Frequently these assessments are made within the first several days following burn injury and again at regular intervals. Here we review biomarkers in the form of single molecules, protein panels, injury characteristics, or clinical parameters that may affect clinical outcomes in the severely burned.