Cytomegalovirus Colitis in a Burn Patient.

The prevalence of cytomegalovirus in the burn population is high. However, its role in the clinical management of burn patients is still being defined. This report documents a 41-year-old man who developed cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis after being admitted with a 72% burn. Before the administration of ganciclovir, the authors had difficulty controlling his quantitative wound cultures with serial debridements, topical agents, and systemic antibiotics for known pathogens, which led to graft loss. After the ganciclovir was given, his quantitative wound cultures improved without changing the authors' topical agents or systemic antibiotics and had improved graft take. Whether CMV infection alone contributed to an increased morbidity in this patient or the combination of bacteria/fungal infection with CMV led to a synergistic effect is still not clearly understood. CMV may have contributed to a dysfunction in his cell mediated immunity, which, in turn, lowered the bacterial and fungal load necessary to cause graft loss. Patients who continue to do poorly despite adequate treatment for known pathogens may need to be screened for CMV and treated.

A comparative study of spray keratinocytes and autologous meshed split-thickness skin graft in the treatment of acute burn injuries.

BACKGROUND: ReCell (Avita Medical, Northridge, CA) is an autologous cell harvesting (ACH) device that enables a thin split-thickness skin biopsy to be processed to produce a cell population that includes a mixed population of keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, and papillary dermal fibroblasts for immediate delivery via a spray applicator onto a prepared skin surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this Institutional Review Board-approved US Food and Drug Administration phase 2 study, the authors prospectively evaluated the treatment of partial-thickness burns in patients with two 320 cm2 areas, 1 area treated with the ACH device and the other with a meshed split-thickness skin graft (MSTSG) as a control. The authors compared the treatment areas for graft take, pigmentation, and color match to surrounding healthy tissue, scarring, and pain. RESULTS: In this preliminary study, 10 patients were treated with this protocol. Eight patients had 100% take to both treatment areas and 2 patients had significant non-take and graft loss attributable to underexcised wound beds and difficulty with the spray applicator. Pigmentation and color match ratings were identical at week 52 and the Modified Vancouver Scar Scale scores were comparable. One subject rated the autologous cell harvesting site as having a better appearance, while the remaining subjects rated their ACH and MSTSG sites' appearances as being comparable. In early follow-up visits, pain ratings were slightly elevated in the ACH group due to graft healing; however, in visits following week 2, pain ratings at the ACH and MSTSG sites were rated similarly by all patients. CONCLUSION: This preliminary report describes an early experience with the ACH device and the treatment of partial-thickness burn injuries. In this 10-patient series, patients benefitted from having a decreased donor site size and comparable outcomes with MSTSG treatment. While this preliminary underpowered study has provided positive results, there is a learning curve with choosing the proper wound for treatment with the ACH device, as well as with using the device.

The effectiveness of a computerized IV infusion protocol to treat hyperglycemia in burn patients.

Tight glucose control (TGC) in critical care settings is becoming increasingly the standard of care. However, TGC comes with the risk of hypoglycemia, as highlighted by some recent studies. Our aim was to establish TGC in burn patients without increasing rates of hypoglycemia. The authors used a computer-driven glucose control program (CGS) to achieve this goal. The computer program calculates insulin drip rates by using a multiplier that changes according to blood glucose (BG) values as well as trends and keeps a record of BG data and insulin infusion rates for future quality control analysis. CGS is also a useful adjunct in transitioning patients from an IV insulin drip to subcutaneous insulin. A retrospective review of the glucose control program database was performed to obtain information on length of time to goal glucose levels (set at 100-150 mg/dl), glucose level trends, and incidence of hypoglycemia when using the computer program. Over 18 months, we used CGS on 94 critical and noncritical burn patients. Mean time to target BG was 5.1 hours. Glucose levels of 100 to 150 mg/dl were maintained 63.3% of the time, and values within the wider range of 70 to 150 mg/dl were maintained 80.8% of the time. The incidence of hypoglycemia, defined as BG level below 70 mg/dl, was only 1.66% and was treated without any adverse sequelae. Hyperglycemic episodes were directly correlated with surgical interventions during which time the CGS was not utilized in the operating room. CGS offers a safe and effective means of rapidly achieving and maintaining glucose targets in burn patients. Further analysis of the data needs to be conducted to determine whether the BG targets used in our study offer a morbidity benefit to burn patients.

High-frequency oscillatory ventilators in burn patients: experience of Riley Hospital for Children.

The objective of the study is to review a single institution's experience with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) and compare patient characteristics, outcomes, and complications with other reported studies of HFOV use in burn patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and respiratory failure. This study is a retrospective chart review of the burn patients treated with HFOV in Pediatric Burn Unit at Riley Hospital for Children from October 1996 to April 2007. Patient data were collected, including demographics, percentage of TBSA burn, percentage of full-thickness burn, mechanisms of burn, settings on conventional mechanical ventilation and HFOV, and blood gas data before initiation of HFOV and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 72 (3 days), 120 (5 days), 168 (7 days), 240 (10 days), and 336 hours (14 days). Length of stay, mortality, and complications were also included. HFOV was used 24 times in 21 patients between October 1996 and April 2007 with a mean age of 10 ± 11 years. At initiation of HFOV, the PaO2/FiO2 and oxygenation index values were 109 ± 26 and 36 ± 12, respectively. At stop, the PaO2/FiO2 improved to 166 ± 24 with an average increase from before HFOV of 57 ± 39 (P < .002). At 5 days of HFOV, oxygenation index improved to 14.1 ± 1.7 (P < .02) but did not significantly improve at discontinuation of HFOV at 28.8 ± 6.2 (P = .11). The mortality rate during admission to the burn unit was 29%. Barotrauma occurred in 38% of patients during HFOV. Severe hypercapnea was present briefly in 49% of patients, and this was refractory to standard treatment in 19%. In our experience, HFOV in severe burn patients has significant, early, and sustained improvement in oxygenation. Earlier institution of HFOV seems to significantly lower rates of barotraumas.

Cultured epithelial autografts for coverage of large burn wounds in eighty-eight patients: the Indiana University experience.

Since 1990, the authors have used a new technique for coverage of large burns, which begins with early tangential excision and coverage with cadaver allograft (A), followed by placement of cultured epithelial autograft (CEA) onto an allodermis base (CEA/A). They present their 18-year experience (1990-present) using CEA in 88 patients (20 children and 68 adults) with age range of 6 months to 73 years. A review of prospectively collected data was conducted on adult and pediatric patients grafted with CEA at the Indiana University Medical Center for definitive wound coverage (TBSA 28-98%). These patients were followed up for 3 to 90 months. Complications, take rates, and outpatient follow-ups were noted. The mean final take rate of CEA/A was 72.7%, and the overall patient survival rate was 91% (80 of 88 patients). Complications were classified as early and late, they included: (early) blistering and shearing (31%), pruritus and itching (4.7%), (late) CEA loss (2 patients, 2.3%), and wound contractures (66%). Contracture releases were performed on 32 patients (36%); of which, 18 were children (56%). Cultured keratinocytes provide an excellent alternative or adjunct to conventional split-thickness skin grafting in treating large burn wounds. A dedicated team of physicians, nurses, and therapists well rehearsed in CEA care are vital for success in keratinocyte grafting. The final graft take of 72.7% with a 91% overall survival rate gives much optimism for continuing to use CEA in critically burned patients.

Coverage of large pediatric wounds with cultured epithelial autografts in congenital nevi and burns: results and technique.

The use of cultured epithelial autografts (CEA) for the treatment of large burn wounds has gained popularity in recent years. This technique may circumvent the restrictions of limited donor site availability and hasten permanent wound coverage for large TBSA burns. The availability of a large amount of skin from a small donor site with the promise of permanent wound coverage suggests its use in other conditions such as giant congenital nevi (GCN) as well. The risk of malignant transformation of GCN to melanoma although somewhat controversial is significant enough to warrant early excision in childhood. Cultured keratinocytes may provide one-stage coverage of these large wounds, lessening the number of surgeries and the inherent staging problems of tissue expansion or autografting. A retrospective single institution review of was done for 29 children (20 burns and 9 patients with GCN) who underwent coverage of their large surface area wounds with CEA over an 18-year period. Excellent take rates were noted; 76.4% for burn patients and 66% for patients with GCN. Several strategies in preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative care have been standardized and have helped improve outcome. The keys to success with the CEA technique have been aggressive control of wound sepsis, surgical technique, specific use of topical antimicrobials, dressings, and the standardization of nursing and physiotherapy care. Although the cost of CEA is high, the benefits to patient care make this technique an appealing choice for large wound coverage in the pediatric population.

Pneumatosis intestinalis in a burn patient: case report and literature review.

Pneumatosis Intestinalis (PI) is a rare condition characterized by gas in the intestinal wall. PI is not a disease in itself but a sign of an underlying problem. It is associated with a wide variety of underlying disorders, ranging from benign to life-threatening. When found, it should prompt a search for the underlying cause. Diagnostic efforts should be aimed at ruling out catastrophic problems such as intestinal ischemia and necrosis. The presence of peritonitis, rectal bleeding, portomesenteric venous gas, and lactic acidosis are important factors to determine the best course of action. Burn patients have multiple risk factors for developing this condition. Despite this, PI is not well-described in the burn literature. We present here a case report, a brief review of the literature, and clinical considerations.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome associated with metoclopramide in a burn patient.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is an uncommon, potentially fatal syndrome that occurs with the use of neuroleptic medications. In view of the rarity of this syndrome and the overlap with the pathophysiologic manifestations of a burn, the burn surgeon may not readily recognize NMS on presentation. We describe the case of a 27-year-old man with 15% TBSA burns who developed NMS as a result of metoclopramide use. Recognition and treatment resulted in a prompt resolution of symptoms. Initial treatment should include immediate withdrawal of all neuroleptic agents, measures aimed at decreasing body temperature, supportive care, and restoration of dopamine balance. Various authors have advocated treatment with various medications, including benzodiazepines, dantrolene, and dopaminergic agents. It is important for burn unit personnel to be aware of this syndrome because the early institution of therapy can be life saving.

Direct costs of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in the burn unit of a public teaching hospital.

We conducted a case-control study to determine the attributable direct costs of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) in the burn unit of a public teaching hospital. The mean total hospital cost of patients who acquired MDRAB was 98,575 dollars higher than that of control patients who had identical burn severity of illness indices ( P <.01). These data should help infection control practitioners and others determine the cost-effectiveness of specific interventions designed to control this emerging nosocomial pathogen.