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Causative factors affecting peripheral neuropathy in burn patients.
Michael Y Lee1, Gloria Liu, Vicki Kowlowitz
1Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Burns : Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
|October 28, 2008
Summary
Peripheral neuropathy in burn patients is often overlooked. Severe burns, particularly third-degree flame injuries, are linked to axonotmesis and polyneuropathy, requiring longer hospital stays.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Burn Medicine
- Rehabilitation
Background:
- Peripheral neuropathy is a potential complication in burn patients, but causative factors remain unclear.
- Clinical recognition of burn-related neuropathy is often delayed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of peripheral neuropathy in burn patients.
- To identify factors influencing the type and severity of burn-related neuropathy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of burn patients at a university hospital burn center.
- Analysis of demographic data, burn characteristics (site, area, degree, type), and electrodiagnostic findings.
- Exploration of correlations between burn severity and neuropathy type (axonotmesis vs. demyelination, polyneuropathy vs. mononeuropathy).
Main Results:
- Flame injuries and third-degree burns were most common in patients with neuropathy.
- Axonotmesis was more prevalent than demyelinating injury; polyneuropathy was more common than mononeuropathy.
- Higher degree and larger burn surface areas correlated with axonotmesis and polyneuropathy, and longer hospital stays.
Conclusions:
- Burn severity, including degree and surface area, significantly influences the type and extent of peripheral neuropathy.
- Axonotmesis and polyneuropathy are common in severe burn injuries.
- Peripheral neuropathy in burn patients requires further clinical attention due to its association with severe burns and prolonged recovery.
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