Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Burn Patients: Protocol for a Systematic Review
Gustav Borghegn Blak Christensen1, Hanna Kjems Jørgensen1, Emma Atsuko Tsuchiya1
1Department of Anaesthesiology, Surgery and Trauma Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
|June 9, 2026
Summary
This systematic review will analyze antibiotic prophylaxis in burn surgery to clarify its benefits and risks. It aims to reduce infections and improve patient outcomes, informing clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Critical Care
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Burn injuries cause significant global morbidity and mortality, with infections being a primary complication.
- The role of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in managing burn patients remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze randomized clinical trials on systemic antibiotic prophylaxis in burn surgery.
- To evaluate the desirable and undesirable effects of antibiotic prophylaxis compared to placebo or standard care.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.
- Inclusion of randomized clinical trials assessing antibiotic prophylaxis in burn patients undergoing surgery.
- Primary outcome: bloodstream infections; Secondary outcomes: mortality, other infections, adverse events, and resource utilization.
Main Results:
- This section will present findings from the meta-analysis, detailing the impact of antibiotic prophylaxis on primary and secondary outcomes.
- Trial sequential analysis will be used to assess the reliability of the findings.
Conclusions:
- The systematic review will provide a comprehensive evaluation of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in burn patients.
- Findings may guide clinical practice and identify areas for future research regarding infection prevention and treatment in burn care.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:22Burn Injuries
Burn injuries occur when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged due to exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, or friction. They can vary in severity, from minor superficial burns to severe deep burns that can be life-threatening.
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...