Rebecca Coffey

Early glycemic control in critically ill patients with burn injury.

Glucose management in patients with burn injury is often difficult because of their hypermetabolic state with associated hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance. Recent studies suggest that time to glycemic control is associated with improved outcomes. The authors sought to determine the influence of early glycemic control on the outcomes of critically ill patients with burn injury. A retrospective analysis was performed at the Ohio State University Medical Center. Patients hospitalized with burn injury were enrolled if they were admitted to the intensive care unit between March 1, 2006, and February 28, 2009. Early glycemic control was defined as the achievement of a mean daily blood glucose of ≤150 mg/dl for at least two consecutive days by postburn day 3. Forty-six patients made up the study cohort with 26 achieving early glycemic control and 20 who did not. The two groups were similar at baseline with regard to age, pre-existing diabetes, APACHE II score and burn size and depth. There were no differences in number of surgical interventions, infectious complications, or length of stay between patients who achieved or failed early glycemic control. Failure of early glycemic control was, however, associated with significantly higher mortality both by univariate (35.0 vs 7.7%, P = .03) and multivariate analyses (hazard ratio 6.754 [1.16–39.24], P = .03) adjusting for age, TBSA, and inhalation injury. Failure to achieve early glycemic control in patients with burn injury is associated with an increased risk of mortality. However, further prospective controlled trials are needed to establish causality of this association.

A web-based educational module increases burn prevention knowledge over time

Unfortunately, burn prevention knowledge is low among nurses. Establishing efficient ways in which to increase burn prevention knowledge in nurses is warranted. The current multi-center study evaluated whether a web-based educational module was successful at increasing burn prevention immediately and whether the knowledge was retained over time. A valid, reliable burn prevention knowledge exam was administered to nurse at three time points (prior to receiving the educational module, immediately following receiving the educational module, and at least a minimum of two weeks after receiving the educational module). Generalized linear mixed effects modeling methods were used to evaluate whether scores on the burn prevention knowledge exam increased over time, while adjusting for traditional covariates (e.g., specialty area, years as a nurse, and years in current work area). Mean scores on the burn prevention knowledge exam increased over time (p=0.003); establishing that the educational module significantly improves scores over time. Mean score prior to receiving the educational module was 82.3%; the mean score was 83.8% immediately following receiving the educational module, and 86.1% two weeks after receiving the educational module. The educational module developed by the authors (www.burnpreventionstudy.org) is an efficient way in which to increase burn prevention knowledge and is available at their convenience. This education module could be used as a training module with nurses involved in burn prevention outreach, and with nurse practitioners, physicians, and emergency responders involved in primary care across the life span.

Impact of Early Methadone Initiation in Critically Injured Burn Patients: A Pilot Study

Numerous studies have identified strategies to reduce mechanical ventilation duration by targeting appropriate sedation levels. However, applicability of these strategies to critically injured patients with burn injury has not been established. At our medical center, methadone is commonly used early in the care of burn patients to treat background pain and limit the development of opioid tolerance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of early methadone initiation in critically injured burn patients requiring mechanical ventilation. This retrospective study compared patients who received early methadone with patients who did not while mechanically ventilated with the primary outcome of ventilator-free days in a 28-day period. Those who received methadone within 4 days of intubation and remained ventilated for 2 days after the first dose were included in the methadone group. Propensity scores were used to match up to three control patients to each methadone patient. Seventy patients (18 methadone and 52 matched control patients) were included in the final evaluation. Patients in the methadone group averaged 16.5 ventilator-free days compared with 11.5 in the control group (P = .03). There was no statistical difference in the duration of intensive care unit or hospital length of stay between groups. Our results suggest that early methadone initiation may have a significant effect on ventilator outcomes in critically injured patients with burn injury. However, further research is warranted.

Comorbidity-polypharmacy score predicts in-hospital complications and the need for discharge to extended care facility in older burn patients.

Advancing age is associated with increased mortality despite smaller burn size. Chronic conditions are common in the elderly with resulting polypharmacy. The Comorbidity-Polypharmacy Score (CPS) facilitates quantitative assessment of the severity of comorbid conditions, or physiologic age. Burn injury in older patients is associated with increasing morbidity and mortality and the CPS may be predictive of outcomes such as mortality, ICU and hospital LOS, complications, and final hospital disposition. Our goal was to evaluate the predictive value of CPS for outcomes in the elderly burn population. A retrospective study was undertaken of 920 burn patients with age ≥45 admitted with acute burn injuries (January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2012). CPS was calculated by adding preinjury comorbidities and medications. Subjects were stratified into three groups according to CPS severity. Data collected included demographics, total body surface area burned (TBSA), presence of inhalation injury, ICU/hospital length of stay, complications, discharge disposition, and mortality. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The mean age was 55.7; 72.9% were males; the mean initial TBSA was 6.93%; and mean CPS was 8.01. The risk of in-hospital complications is independently associated with CPS (OR 1.35). CPS (OR 1.81) was an independent predictor of discharge to a facility CPS but not of mortality. While increasing CPS was associated with lower TBSA, mortality remained unchanged. CPS is an independent predictor of in-hospital complications and need for transfer to extended care facilities in older burn patients, which can be determined at the stage of admission to help direct patient management.

The relationship between acute and chronic hyperglycemia and outcomes in burn injury.

A significant proportion of patients with burn injury have diabetes. Although hyperglycemia during critical illness has been associated with poor outcomes, patients with chronic hyperglycemia based on elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurements at admission have been shown to tolerate higher glucose levels during hospitalization. This relationship has not been evaluated in the burn population. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of chronic glucose control on outcomes in the acute period after burn. This is a retrospective analysis comparing outcomes in patients with chronic hyperglycemia (HbA1c ≥6.5%) and euglycemia (HbA1c <6.5%). Patients aged 18 to 89 years, admitted for initial burn care between January 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010, with an HbA1c measurement at admission were included. The primary endpoint was unplanned readmissions, with secondary endpoints of length of stay and mortality. We included 258 patients (32 with chronic hyperglycemia and 226 with euglycemia). Burn severity was similar between the groups. Patients with chronic hyperglycemia were significantly older and were more likely to have diabetes, respiratory disease, and hypertension. Chronic hyperglycemia was associated with significantly higher time-weighted glucose and glucose variability. Survival rates were similar, but the chronic hyperglycemia group had a significantly longer length of stay (13 vs 9 days; P = .038) and a higher rate of unplanned readmission (18.8 vs 3.6%; P = .001). Chronic hyperglycemia before burn injury is associated with altered glycemic response after burn injury and worse outcomes. Further research is needed to identify whether chronic hyperglycemia necessitates a modified approach to burn care or glycemic management.

The impact of prediabetes on glycemic control and clinical outcomes postburn injury.

Poor glucose control and clinical outcomes have been observed in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients postburn injury. Prediabetes is a precursor to diabetes. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of prediabetes on postinjury glucose control and clinical outcomes. A retrospective review was conducted comparing prediabetics and euglycemic controls. Patients who were admitted for burn care were 18 to 89 years of age and had a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) obtained on admission. Prediabetics were defined by an HbA1c of 5.7 to 6.4% and controls by HbA1c < 5.7%. Inpatient glucose levels were recorded, in addition to clinical outcomes. Two hundred eight patients were included: 54 prediabetics and 154 controls. The prediabetic population was older (50.7 vs 39 years; P < .001) with more hypertensives (44.4 vs 16.9%; P < .001), consisted of more African-Americans (20.4 vs 12%; P = .04), and had larger areas of full-thickness burns (4.5 vs 1.75%; P = .02). Median admission HbA1c was 5.9 (5.7–6.0)% among prediabetics and 5.3 (5–5.45)% among controls (P < .001). Prediabetics had significantly higher time-weighted glucose levels (127.7 [105.5–147.6] vs 108.0 [97.1–122.2] mg/dl; P < .001) and more had an average inpatient glucose >150 mg/dl (20.4 vs 9.1%; P = .028). There was no difference in rates of hypoglycemia (glucose <70 mg/dl) or glycemic variability. Prediabetics had lower survival rates (92.6 vs 98.7%; P = .041), but similar rates of unplanned readmission (1.9 vs 3.9%; P = .68), intensive care unit admission (29.6 vs 23.4%; P = .36), mechanical ventilation (24.1 vs 16.2%; P = .20), length of hospital stay (4 [2–8] vs 3 [2–11]; P = .71), and infection (11.1 vs 11.7%; P = .99). Prediabetic status has a significant impact on glucose control and mortality after burn injury.

Low Vitamin D Level on Admission for Burn Injury Is Associated With Increased Length of Stay.

Currently, there have been few studies that have evaluated the incidence of vitamin D deficiency in adult burn patients or correlated vitamin D levels with burn-related outcomes. The primary objective of the study was to identify the incidence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in an adult burn population. The secondary objective was to determine the impact of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency on clinical outcomes in burn care. A single-center, retrospective, and observational cohort analysis of adult patients admitted for initial management of burn injury, who had a 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D) level measured on admission, was performed. Patients were categorized as vitamin D deficient (25D <10 ng/ml), insufficient (10–29 ng/ml), or sufficient (30–100 ng/ml) based on admission measurements. Clinical outcomes including complications, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS), and survival were compared between patients with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and patients with vitamin D sufficiency. Three-hundred and eighteen patients were eligible for evaluation. Admission 25D level correlated with deficiency in 46 patients (14.5%), insufficiency in 207 (65.1%), and normal in 65 (20.4%). Patients with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency experienced higher rates of complications and longer ICU and hospital LOS compared with those with normal vitamin D levels. A large proportion of patients with burn injury presented with vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency which was associated with poor outcomes, including prolonged ICU and hospital LOS. Additional studies are needed to further describe the relationship between vitamin D status and clinical outcomes.

End of life in the Burn/Trauma unit: A nursing perspective.

The issues related to end of life decisions and mortality in the intensive care unit are common occurrences for the nursing staff. For the Critical Care/Burn nurse, issues such as who should be resuscitated, what are the end points of treatment, and what will be the quality of life for the patient if he/she survives are major factors in end of life decisions. Furthermore, the close relationships that can develop between the nurse and the patient and/or the patients family make end of life decisions emotionally difficult. Unlike the other members of the multidisciplinary team, the nurses spend more time with the dying patient and his/her family, answering questions, explaining the care and course of the illness, and assisting the patient and family in understanding what the doctors have said. Repeated explanations are needed because the family and patient are under tremendous stress. Nurses experience emotional distress and need to develop resilience to continue to care for and work with patients approaching the end stages of life. The purpose of this paper is to briefly review the literature and use a case scenario to illustrate the challenges the Critical Care/Burn nurse faces when caring for the dying patient.

The Diversity of Wound Presentation Associated With Freon Contact Frostbite Injury

The authors report two cases of patients presenting with chemical frostbite-like injuries to the hands and wrists after contact exposure to Freon liquid. Although the history and initial physical presentations were quite similar, the severity of these injuries varied widely from superficial bullae to deep tissue injuries, requiring skin grafting and amputation of several digits. Freon is a widely used coolant in refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, and water coolers, with a boiling point of -41°C. Although several cases of Freon-induced inhalational injury have been reported, few case reports of Freon-associated contact skin injury exist in the literature. The authors detail the broad diversity of injuries resulting from Freon contact as well as the first report of severe Freon injury necessitating skin grafting and amputation of multiple digits.

Assessing the safety and compatibility of silver based wound dressings in a magnetic resonance environment

INTRODUCTION Silver dressings are an integral part of the management of burn patients. Package inserts assert a lack of compatibility and safety with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and recommend removal prior to any MRI procedure, although there is no clear evidence to support this recommendation. Dressing removal is associated with increased pain, anxiety, stress, and analgesia use. This study was to determine whether these products produce MRI image distortion or if the agitation of the silver particles generates enough heat which might produce further skin damage. METHODS Hind limbs from euthanized pigs were used in a 7T MRI scanner with three standard silver wound dressings. Images were obtained with both dry and wet dressings. Temperature was assessed before and during MRI by probes inserted between the dressing and skin. Images were independently reviewed by a radiologist and MR physicist for distortion. RESULTS None of the dressings exhibited significant temperature increases nor produced significant distortion that influenced imaging quality. CONCLUSION Our data suggests silver containing wound dressings do not cause a significant increase in dressing temperature or image distortion and thus their removal is not warranted for clinical MRI examinations.