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Infection in Burns
William Norbury1, David N Herndon1,2, Jessica Tanksley1,2
11 Shriners Hospitals for Children , Galveston, Texas.
Background:
Developments in critical care and surgical approaches to treating burn wounds, together with newer antimicrobial treatments, have significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality rates associated with this injury.
Methods:
Review of the pertinent English-language literature.
Results:
Several resistant organisms have emerged as the maleficent cause of invasive infection in burn patients, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, non-albicans Candida spp., and Aspergillus. Advances in antimicrobial therapies and the release of new classes of antibiotics have certainly added to the armamentarium of therapeutic resources for the clinician.
Conclusion:
Strict infection control measures, constant wound surveillance with regular sampling of tissues for quantitative culture, and early excision and wound closure remain the principal adjuncts to control of invasive infections in burn patients.
Insights
Advances in burn care reduce mortality, but resistant organisms like MRSA pose infection risks. Strict infection control, wound surveillance, and early surgical closure are key to managing invasive infections in burn patients.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Surgery
Background:
- Significant advancements in critical care, surgical techniques, and antimicrobial treatments have decreased burn-related morbidity and mortality.
- Burn wound management has evolved, improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on managing invasive infections in burn patients.
- To highlight challenges posed by emerging resistant organisms and available therapeutic options.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of English-language literature.
- Analysis of studies focusing on burn wound infections and treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Invasive infections in burn patients are frequently caused by resistant organisms, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Candida spp., and Aspergillus.
- Newer antimicrobial therapies and antibiotic classes offer expanded treatment options for clinicians.
Conclusions:
- Effective control of invasive infections in burn patients relies on stringent infection control protocols.
- Continuous wound surveillance with regular tissue sampling for quantitative cultures is crucial.
- Early surgical excision and prompt wound closure are essential adjuncts in managing burn wound infections.
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