Complications of Burn

Complications of Burn Injury

a. Infection

          ·          It may be seen on the wound site, urinary tract, septicemia

          ·          Respiratory tract infection is common

          ·          Topical antibiotics may be used.

b. Pulmonary complications

It includes:

          ·          Restrictive lung disease

          ·          Pneumonia

          ·          ARDS

          ·          Hypoxia

          ·          Pulmonary edema

          ·          CO poisoning:       It can be relaxed by O2 therapy, analgesics, humidification, ETI, tracheostomy, nebulizers, suctioning, chest physiotherapy.

c. Metabolic complications

          ·          Increased in body temperature

          ·          Increased metabolic and catabolic activities

          ·          Negative N2 balance

          ·          Muscle atrophy

          ·          Electrolyte imbalances. It can be improved by nutritional supplementation

d. CVS complication

          ·          Congestive cardiac failure

          ·          Cardiac arrhythmias

          ·          Left ventricular failure

e. Heterotrophic ossification

          ·          The most common areas are elbows, hips shoulder

          ·          It is usually seen in full thickness burns.

          ·          There is severe pain with decreased ROM

f. CNS complications

          ·          Peripheral polyneuropathy

          ·          Spinal cord injury

          ·          Loss of consciousness

          ·          Anxiety

          ·          Encephalopathy

          ·          Nerve compression due to bulky dressing and splints

g. Musculoskeletal system

          ·          Pathological scars

          ·          Contractures

          ·          Joint deformity

          ·          Muscle and tissue tightness

          ·          Decreased ROM

          ·          Muscle wasting and decreased in muscle strength

          ·          Decreased functional capacity

          ·          Calcification of periarticular tissues

          ·          Joint effusion and swelling

h. Others

          ·          Renal failure

          ·          Liver failure

          ·          Burn induced amputation

          ·          Septic shock

          ·          Psychological disturbances