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Temperature Sensitivity After Burn Injury: A Burn Model System National Database Hot Topic
Jamie Oh1, Christopher Madison, Grace Flott
1Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Summary
Temperature sensitivity is common after burn injury, affecting two-thirds of patients. This sensitivity significantly impacts life satisfaction and mental health in the first year post-injury but generally improves over time.
Area of Science:
- Burn injury research
- Clinical epidemiology
- Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) studies
Background:
- Temperature sensitivity is a frequently reported but poorly understood issue among burn survivors.
- The impact of temperature sensitivity on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the epidemiology of temperature sensitivity following burn injury.
- To determine the association between temperature sensitivity and HRQOL outcomes, including life satisfaction and mental health.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Burn Model System National Database, a multicenter, longitudinal study.
- Assessed temperature sensitivity at 6, 12, and 24 months post-burn.
- Employed multivariable regression models to analyze associations with Satisfaction with Life (SWL) and Veterans RAND 12 (VR-12) mental component summary (MCS) scores.
Main Results:
- Two-thirds (66%) of the 637 participants reported temperature sensitivity, often associated with larger burn size and increased grafting requirements.
- Temperature sensitivity was strongly linked to lower SWL and MCS scores at 6 months post-injury.
- The prevalence of temperature sensitivity decreased significantly over time, with only 4% reporting it at 24 months.
Conclusions:
- Temperature sensitivity is a prevalent issue post-burn injury, significantly affecting HRQOL during the initial year.
- While temperature sensitivity diminishes over time, its early impact on life satisfaction and mental health warrants attention for patient education and support.
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