BackgroundSepsis, trauma, and burn injury acutely depress systolic and diastolic cardiac function; data on long-term cardiac sequelae of pediatric critical illness are sparse. This study evaluated long-term systolic and diastolic function, myocardial fibrosis, and exercise tolerance in survivors of severe pediatric burn injury.MethodsSubjects at least 5 years after severe burn (post-burn:PB) and age-matched healthy controls (HC) underwent echocardiography to quantify systolic function (ejection fraction[EF%]), diastolic function (E/e′), and myocardial fibrosis (calibrated integrated backscatter) of the left ventricle. Exercise tolerance was quantified by oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate at rest and peak exercise. Demographic information, clinical data, and biomarker expression were used to predict long-term cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis.FindingsSixty-five subjects (PB:40;HC:25) were evaluated. At study date, PB subjects were 19±5 years, were at 12±4 years postburn, and had burns over 59±19% of total body surface area, sustained at 8±5 years of age. The PB group had lower EF% (PB:52±9%;HC:61±6%; p=0.004), E/e′ (PB:9.8±2.9;HC: 5.4±0.9;p<0.0001), VO2peak (PB:37.9±12;HC: 46±8.32 ml/min/kg; p=0.029), and peak heart rate (PB:161±26;HC:182±13bpm;p=0.007). The PB group had moderate (28%) or severe (15%) systolic dysfunction, moderate (50%) or severe diastolic dysfunction (21%), and myocardial fibrosis (18%). Biomarkers and clinical parameters predicted myocardial fibrosis, systolic dysfunction, and diastolic dysfunction.InterpretationSevere pediatric burn injury may have lasting impact on cardiac function into young adulthood and is associated with myocardial fibrosis and reduced exercise tolerance. Given the strong predictive value of systolic and diastolic dysfunction, these patients might be at increased risk for early heart failure, associated morbidity, and mortality.FundingConflicts of Interest and Sources of Funding: The authors do not have any conflicts of interest to declare. This work was supported by NIH (P50 GM060338, R01 GM056687, R01 HD049471, R01 GM112936, R01-GM56687 and T32 GM008256), NIDILRR (H133A120091, 90DP00430100), Shriners Hospitals for Children (84080, 79141, 79135, 71009, 80100, 71008, 87300 and 71000), FAER (MRTG CON14876), and the Department of Defense (W81XWH-14-2-0162 and W81XWH1420162). It was also made possible with the support of UTMB’s Institute for Translational Sciences, supported in part by a Clinical and Translational Science Award (UL1TR000071) from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NIH).

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiac function and clinical outcomes in perioperative pediatric burn patients. Methods Transesophageal echocardiography data was collected on 40 patients from 2004-2007. Of the 40 patients who received exams, a complete set of cardiac parameters and outcome variables was obtained in 26 patients. The mean age of the patients was 9.7 ± 0.9 years old, and the mean total body surface area burn size was 64% ± 3%. Patients were divided into two groups based on systolic function. One group represented patients with ejection fractions of >50% and the other group ejection fractions of ≤50%. Clinical variables were then compared among the groups. Results In our cohort, systolic dysfunction was observed in 62% of patients (EF ≤50%). Systolic dysfunction was associated with a statistically significant increase in number of surgeries, ventilator days and length of stay in the intensive care unit. The length of stay in patients with preserved systolic function and those with systolic dysfunction was 34.3 ±3.3 days and 67.2 ± 4.0 days respectfully. Diastolic function measurements were obtained in 65% and 88% had evidence of diastolic dysfunction. Diastolic dysfunction was not associated with any statistically significant correlations. Conclusions This study lends evidence to the well-supported basic science models showing cardiac dysfunction following burns. Additionally, it shows that cardiac dysfunction can have clinical consequences. To our knowledge this is the first study that shows the clinical sequelae of systolic dysfunction in the perioperative pediatric burn population.

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Introduction Burn reconstruction with CO2 laser is now very popular. Providing adequate analgesia is imperative for large total body surface area (TBSA) resurfacing. CO2 lasers’ cause significant pain during the procedure and pain similar to that of a severe sunburn post-operatively. Thus, adequate analgesia that provides peri-operative and post discharge management without delaying discharge is beneficial. At our institution, we use a multimodal analgesic preoperative and intra-operative approach to deal with this issue. The preoperative intervention utilizes a novel approach of oral methadone for older children and avoids the use of intra-operative morphine as a preemptive measure for pain management. The purpose of this outcomes review was to determine if our peri-operative analgesic practices were effective in controlling peri-operative pain. Methods After corporate IRB review, this project was undertaken as a quality improvement initiative and was not formally supervised by an institutional review board. A chart review of all patients who received CO2 laser treatment (CLT) was conducted. Using a Donabedian model for outcomes measure, postoperative and pre-discharge observational pain scores (scale 1–10), peri-operative analgesics, demographics, percent burn treated, incidents of rescue medication before discharge home, time to discharge and adverse reactions were collected. Results 74 patients were reviewed (47 male, 27 female), ages 4 to 30, average age 17. Average percent body surface area treated was 17.5%. Out of 74 cases, 18 received intra-operative morphine and 56 received oral methadone pre-operatively. All patients received routine intra-operative ketorolac and lidocaine/prilocaine cream, based on weight. In the PACU there were 2 recorded rescue doses of morphine in the morphine group and 0 in the methadone group. There was one post- operative recorded observational pain score of 5 in the methadone group and one each of 3 and 8 in the morphine group, both of which received rescue morphine. There were no differences in mean times to discharge between groups. Observational pain scores were 0 for both groups at discharge. Chi square analysis showed no statistical difference between groups. No adverse outcomes (respiratory arrest or readmission for pain) were recorded in either group. Conclusions Both pre-operative oral methadone and intra-operative morphine are effective in controlling peri-operative pain in our children undergoing laser surgery. Categorical age differences and low group sizes may have contributed to outcomes and should be considered in the next review.

Introduction It is known that systolic dysfunction (dilated cardiomyopathy) may occur in a high percentage of patients with large TBSA burns. The reversible myocardial depression may be due to many factors: thermal injury, sepsis, severe malnutrition. Malnutrition and delayed wound healing may occur with a combination of primary and secondary protein-energy undernutrition. Methods Serial transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic parameters were measured during perioperative care (ejection fraction, fractional shortening, pericardial fluid) in 8 patients with evidence of malnutrition (low BMI, low albumin and prealbumin, muscle wasting) and a delayed presentation to the hospital. Initial echocardiography was performed post-injury day 30 -142; follow-up exams were performed in some patients at 2 years post-injury. Acutely-injured patients or those with sepsis were excluded. Results From 2015–2017, echocardiographic measurements were obtained in 8 patients, ages 7–21. The presenting TBSA ranged from 30–82% and included flame injury, electrical burns, and 1 case of pemphigus vulgaris. The initial ejection fraction ranged from 12–45% in patients with a BMI range of 10–25. The mean initial albumin was 2g/dL; the mean prealbumin was 9.5mg/dL. Two patients had mild to moderate pericardial effusions, which resolved after 1 month of proper nutrition. Selenium deficiency was noted in 1 patient. Four patients required perioperative short-term dobutamine. Conclusions Patients presenting with malnutrition and impaired wound healing all had evidence of cardiomyopathy; however, the degrees of systolic dysfunction varied significantly. BMI, albumin, and prealbumin all had a strong correlation with the degree of myocardial depression. Despite the lower ejection fractions, many patients maintained an adequate cardiac index and did not require inotropic medications. With time and adequate nutrition, cardiac function improved, although many remained with mild dysfunction in the first year. Applicability of Research to Practice This case series demonstrates the continued need for early recognition of malnutrition and cardiomyopathy in this patient population and the need for early intervention. Echocardiographic diagnosis may improve acute perioperative care. In addition, future studies are needed to determine the chronic cardiac effects of reversible dilated cardiomyopathy. Nutrition, refeeding, and perioperative management require a multidisciplinary team.