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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
09:16
A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
A burning issue: Methamphetamine intoxication is associated with graft loss.
Parisa Oviedo1, Marjan Moghaddam2, John R Austin1
1UC San Diego, Division of Acute Care Surgery, 200 West Arbor Drive, #8896, San Diego, CA 92103, USA.
Summary
Methamphetamine-positive burn patients face higher graft loss rates, increasing the need for re-grafting. Early identification through toxicology screening is crucial for intensive burn management and improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Burn surgery
- Trauma surgery
- Toxicology
Background:
- Methamphetamine intoxication is linked to severe medical complications in burn patients, including extended intensive care unit (ICU) stays and increased sepsis rates.
- The impact of methamphetamine use on the durability and success of skin grafts in burn patients remains largely unknown.
- This study investigates the association between methamphetamine use and graft loss in adult burn patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if methamphetamine-positive burn patients experience higher rates of autograft loss compared to methamphetamine-negative patients.
- To identify potential risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with methamphetamine use in burn care.
- To inform clinical practice regarding the management of burn patients with a history of methamphetamine use.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a verified burn center, including adult patients admitted between 2021 and 2024.
- Patients aged 18 years and older with toxicology screening for methamphetamine were included; those without screening were excluded.
- The primary outcome was graft loss requiring re-operation, with data on demographics, burn etiology, graft type, ICU days, and length of stay collected.
Main Results:
- Out of 746 patients, 112 were methamphetamine-positive. Methamphetamine users showed significantly higher rates of autograft loss (p < 0.001).
- Methamphetamine-positive patients had larger total burn surface areas (TBSA) (p = 0.01), longer hospital stays (p = 0.03), and increased likelihood of intubation (p = 0.01).
- Flame burns were the primary etiology in methamphetamine users (p < 0.001), contrasting with scald burns in non-users (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Methamphetamine use is a significant risk factor for graft loss in burn patients, necessitating specialized management.
- Patients testing positive for methamphetamine were more prone to flame burns and autograft failure.
- Routine toxicology screening can aid in early identification, allowing for proactive and intensive burn management strategies.
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