Provision of probiotics has been limited postburn by questionable potential for bacterial translocation and risk of infection in an immune-compromised population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of probiotic administration in acutely burned, pediatric patients. Subjects were randomized to receive probiotic (n = 10) vs placebo (n = 10) twice daily. The investigational product was initiated within 10 days of burn, and daily supplementation continued until wound closure. Nursing staff was provided education regarding optimal procedures to minimize potential for study product cross contamination. Clinical outcomes (infection, antibiotic, antifungal, and operative days, tolerance, and mortality) were recorded. Length of stay was modified for burn size. Student's t-test, χ test, and nonparametric Wilcoxon's rank-sum test were used for comparative analysis. No differences were noted (probiotic; placebo) for age (7.1 ± 2.2; 6.9 ± 1.7), burn size (38.0 ± 5.9; 45.5 ± 4.45), full thickness (24.6 ± 5.6; 32.1 ± 5.4), postburn day admit (0.8 ± 0.4; 1.1 ± 0.4), or inhalation injury (10%; 20%). Infection days, antibiotic use, constipation, and emesis were similar between groups. Trends toward increased antifungal and laxative use as well as diarrhea incidence were evident in the controls (P < .30). Flatulence was statistically higher with probiotics. The control group trended toward higher requirement for excision/graft procedure. Medical length of stay was not significantly different between groups; however, time required to complete wound healing was shortened with probiotics. This study documents safety and provides preliminary efficacy data relative to probiotic supplementation postburn.

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Pediatric burn patients are predisposed to excessive weight gain in the reconstructive period, but the cause is unclear. An overweight (OW) or obese (OB) condition is associated with numerous health risks, decreased physical function, and increased morbidity. The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency of OW status in reconstructive, pediatric burn patients with the prevalence in the US population. The authors reviewed the records of 1533 pediatric patients, >1 year from acute burn, admitted for an elective reconstructive procedure. Body mass index between 85th and 95th percentile, according to the National Center for Health Statistics for 2000 growth charts, was classified as OW, and body mass index >95th percentile was classified as OB. Frequency of OW and OB and racial disparity was calculated as a percentage of total patients and compared with pediatric data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 1999 to 2006, a nationally representative sample. The rate of OW and OB was 16.3 and 24.1%, respectively, in the authors' pediatric burn population. White patients had OW and OB rates of 15.9 and 23.6%, respectively, compared with 18.2 and 30.2%, respectively, in black patients. All OW and OB rates were outside the 95% confidence interval of the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey population. The rates of OW and OB in pediatric reconstructive burn patients exceed the US population standard across age and race stratifications. The prevention and treatment of excessive weight gain should be a component of rehabilitation in pediatric burns.

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Background Multiple surgical procedures required by patients with extensive thermal injuries impedes delivery of adequate nutrition support, leading to caloric deficits, weight loss, delayed wound healing, and increased length of stay. The standard practice at our institution for >20 years has been to continuously infuse postpyloric enteral nutrition (EN) during surgery. The purpose of this review was to examine the safety and efficacy of intraoperative EN support. Methods A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with burn injuries >30% total body surface area provided a 20‐year (1995–2014) safety assessment associated with intraoperative feeding along with an evaluation of gastrointestinal tolerance and efficacy. Continuous variables were summarized by mean and SD, whereas categorical variables were summarized by counts and percentages. Results The 20‐year review confirmed the safety of intraoperative feeding, as the assessment of 434 patients revealed no incidence of aspiration. Patients were successfully fed during an average of 8.4 ± 6.5 surgical procedures and received EN support for a mean of 49.9 ± 31.7 days. Uninterrupted nutrition delivery was well tolerated with minimal gastrointestinal intolerance. Patients achieved an average nitrogen balance of 3.1 ± 2.8 and 70% maintained ±10% of their body weight at time of discharge. Conclusion EN has been safely provided with marginal intolerance during surgical procedures over the past 20 years. Continuous nutrition support with negligible interruption is integral to meet nutrient needs for wound healing, preservation of weight and nutrition parameters, and optimize length of stay in pediatric patients with extensive thermal injuries.