Long-Term Outcome After Renal Replacement Therapy in Severe Burns

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Burn Surgery
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication following major burn injuries.
• While most patients recover renal function, long-term outcomes after AKI requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) are not well-documented.
• Existing literature suggests a potential increased risk of chronic kidney disease post-burn.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term renal outcomes of severely burned patients who required RRT during acute treatment.
• To determine the incidence of persistent or late-onset RRT dependency after severe burns.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 68 severely burned patients who received RRT at Helsinki Burn Centre (1988-2015).
• Follow-up data collected until December 31, 2016, for surviving patients.
• Assessment of RRT cessation and long-term renal function.

Main Results:

• 32 patients survived for long-term follow-up (56.3% survival rate).
• RRT needs subsided before discharge in 81.3% of survivors.
• Only one patient experienced late-onset dialysis years after initial recovery.

Conclusions:

• Long-term reliance on RRT is uncommon following severe burn injury.
• The majority of patients experience resolution of AKI requiring RRT before discharge.
• AKI post-burn represents a minor risk factor for long-term kidney function decline in vulnerable individuals.