Burning HOT: revisiting guidelines associated with home oxygen therapy

Area of Science:

• Medical Safety
• Burn Injury Prevention
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Home oxygen therapy (HOT) is increasingly used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Burn injuries associated with HOT are a growing concern.
• Existing HOT guidelines often lack emphasis on open flame risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the incidence and characteristics of burn injuries resulting from HOT.
• To review current literature and national guidelines regarding HOT safety.
• To advocate for improved HOT guidelines to mitigate burn risks.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of burn injury admissions secondary to HOT.
• Data collected from 2007 to 2012.
• Analysis of patient demographics, injury causes, burn severity, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• Six patients admitted with HOT-related burns (median age 72).
• Four injuries linked to smoking, two to candles; mean total body surface area (TBSA) 17%.
• High rates of facial burns (5/6), inhalation injury (2/6), and surgery (5/6); one fatality.

Conclusions:

• Smoking and open flames are significant risks during HOT.
• Current national guidelines inadequately address these hazards.
• Revised guidelines are crucial to emphasize smoking cessation and risk-benefit assessment for HOT prescription to prevent burns.