Defining the criteria for intubation of the patient with thermal burns

Inhalational injuries occur in approximately one-third of major burn injuries and cause significant morbidity and mortality [1,2]. Thermal burns can lead to inhalational injuries that cause respiratory failure and necessitate intubation by two mechanisms: upper or lower airway injury [3]. Upper airway injuries result from direct thermal exposure to the mucosa leading to swelling and upper airway obstruction [4]. These burns can result in early airway loss, and need for intubation, within the first 12h after injury [5].

Source: Burns : Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries - March 13, 2018 Category: Cosmetic Surgery Authors: Jenelle H. Badulak, Michael Schurr, Angela Sauaia, Anna Ivashchenko, Erik Peltz Source Type: research