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Neuropathy after burn injury
K Kowalske1, R Holavanahalli, P Helm
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 75390-9055, USA.
The Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation
|September 26, 2001
Summary
Neuropathy is a common complication in severe burn patients, affecting 11%. Risk factors include electrical injury, alcohol abuse, intensive care duration, and older age.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Neurology
- Burn Injury Management
Background:
- Peripheral neuropathy and mononeuropathy are potential complications following major burn injuries.
- Understanding the incidence and risk factors for these neuropathies is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of neuropathy in patients with major burn injuries.
- To identify clinical correlates and risk factors associated with mononeuropathy and peripheral polyneuropathy.
Main Methods:
- A consecutive cohort of 572 burn patients was evaluated.
- Logistic regression analyses were used to identify associations between neuropathy and potential risk factors.
Main Results:
- 11% (64 out of 572) of patients exhibited signs of mononeuropathy or peripheral neuropathy.
- Significant risk factors for mononeuropathy included electrical cause (OR=4.10), alcohol abuse (OR=2.29), and ICU days (OR=1.05).
- Significant risk factors for peripheral neuropathy included ICU days (OR=1.07) and patient age (OR=1.05).
Conclusions:
- Neuropathy is a frequent complication in severe burn patients.
- Older age, critical illness (longer ICU stay), electrical burn etiology, and a history of alcohol abuse are associated with increased neuropathy risk.