Burn management during the COVID-19 pandemic: recommendations and considerations

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents unique challenges for healthcare, particularly in specialized units like burn centers.
• Burn patients face heightened risks of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and severe outcomes due to compromised skin barriers and immune status.
• Co-management of burn injuries and COVID-19 involves complex issues, including pain management and coagulopathy, demanding adapted clinical practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the specific challenges faced by burn units during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To explore the intersection of burn care and SARS-CoV-2 infection, including pain and coagulopathy.
• To synthesize existing guidelines for managing burn patients amidst the global health crisis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and its impact on burn care.
• Analysis of cross-clinical aspects, including pain management and coagulopathy in burn patients with COVID-19.
• Synthesis of recommendations and guidelines from public health entities and medical societies.

Main Results:

• Burn units require stringent infection control measures due to high contamination risks for patients and staff.
• Concurrent burn injuries and COVID-19 can exacerbate complications such as coagulopathy and complicate pain management.
• Adapting clinical practices and adhering to synthesized guidelines is crucial for providing optimal care.

Conclusions:

• Managing burn patients during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates a multifaceted approach, integrating infection control with specialized burn care.
• Addressing the unique challenges of pain management and coagulopathy in co-infected patients is critical.
• The review provides a framework for healthcare providers to navigate the complexities of burn care during a pandemic, emphasizing the need for updated protocols and guideline adherence.