Prevention and Management of Wound Infections in Burn Patients

Abstract

The leading cause of morbidity in burn patients is infection with pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis, and wound infection being the most common cause. High mortality is due to the immunocompromised status of patients and abundance of multidrug-resistant organisms in burn units. Despite the criteria set forth by American Association of Burn, the diagnosis and treatment of burn infections are not always straightforward. Topical antimicrobials, isolation, hygiene, and personal protective equipment are common preventive measures. Additionally medical and nutritional optimization of the patients is crucial to reverse the immunocompromised status triggered by burn injury.

Keywords: Burns; Infections; Management; Prevention; Treatment; Wound infections.