Burns Flashcards
Incidence
Results in 10-20 thousand deaths annually
Survival best at ages 15-45
Children, elderly, and diabetics
Survival best burns cover less than 20% of TBA
Incidence
Results in 10-20 thousand deaths annually
Survival best at ages 15-45
Children, elderly, and diabetics
Survival best burns cover less than 20% of TBA
Types
Results in 10-20 thousand deaths annually
Survival best at ages 15-45
Children, elderly, and diabetics
Survival best burns cover less than 20% of TBA
Burn wound assessment
Burn wounds differentiated depending on the level of dermis and subcutaneous tissue involved
1. superficial (first-degree)
2. deep (second-degree)
3. full thickness (third and fourth degree)
Superficial burns
Epidermal tissue only affected
Erythema, blanching on pressure, mild swelling
no vesicles or blister initially
Not serious unless large areas involved
i.e. sunburn
Partial thickness burns
Involves the epidermis and deep layer of the dermis
Fluid-filled vesicles –red, shiny, wet, severe pain
Hospitalization required if over 15% of body surface involved in adults and 10% in children
i.e. tar burn, flame
Pathophysiology
Jacksons theory of thermal wounds
Systematic effects
Loss of local skin barrier function- fluid loss, fluid shifts
Release of vasoactive mediators- vasodialatation. Increased permeability, edema
Bacterial translocation
Decreased immune function
Presentation
ATLS principles
A-airway
B- breathing
C- circulation, monitor response
D- neurological exam
E- other injuries, wound dressings
In wards
Give fluids, analgesia, manage temperatures
Theatre
Multi-disciplinary team : dieticians, OT,physiotherapy
Criteria to refer to a burn center
Partial or full thickness burns of >10%
Burns involving the face , hands, perineum, Major burns
Electrical/chemical burns
Inhalation injuries
Patients with significant comorbid conditions
Complications of burns
Early: fluid loss, hypothermia, infections
Late complications: scars
