This document provides information on burns and sudden death. It begins by defining burns and classifying them based on depth and extent. It then discusses the pathophysiology of burns, including edema, cardiac, renal and immunologic effects. Burn management in the hospital is outlined, including fluid resuscitation, airway management, infection control, pain relief and nutrition. Complications of burns like shock, infections and scarring are also summarized. The document concludes by defining sudden death and noting it is important in forensic analysis of unexpected deaths within 24 hours of burn onset.
Definition
Burns area result of the effects of thermal
injury on the skin and other tissues
Human skin can tolerate temperatures up to
42-440
C (107-1110
F) but above these, the
higher the temperature the more severe the
tissue destruction
Below 450
C (1130
F), resulting changes are
reversible but >450
C, protein damage
exceeds the capacity of the cell to repair
3.
Classification According toDepth
First-degree Burns (mild): epidermis
Pain, erythema & slight swelling, no blisters
Tissue damage usually minimal, no scarring
Pain resolves in 48-72 hours
Superficial Second-degree Burns: entire epidermis &
variable dermis
Vesicles and blisters characteristic
Extremely painful due to exposed nerve endings
Heal in 7-14 days if without infection
Midlevel to Deep Second-degree Burns:
Few dermal appendages left
There are some fluid & metabolic effects
Full-thickness or Third-Degree: entire epidermis and
dermis, no residual epidermis
Painless, extensive fluid & metabolic deficits
Heal only by wound contraction, if small, or if big,
by skin grafting or coverage by a skin flap
Classification According toExtent
Mild: 10%
Moderate:
10-30%
Severe: > 30%
• Hospitalization
for > 10% of
body surface area
Anatomic
structure
Surface
area
Head 18%
Anterior Torso 18%
Posterior Torso 18%
Each Leg 14%
Each Arm 9%
Perineum 1%
Infant Rule of Nines
(for quick assessment of
total body surface area
affected by burns)
7.
Kinds of Burns
Scald Burn: most frequent in home injuries; hot
water, liquids and foods are most common causes;
above 65o
C, cell death
Flame Burn: due to gasoline, kerosene, liquified
petroleum gas (LPG) or burning houses
Chemical Burn: common in industries and
laboratories but may also occur at home; acid is
more common than alkali
Electrical Burn: worse than the other types; with
entrance and exit wounds; may stop the heart and
depress the respiratory center; may cause
thrombosis and cataracts
Radiation Burn: from X-ray, radioactive radiation
and nuclear bomb explosions
Burn Photos
Electrical Burns
EntranceWounds
Electrical Burns
Exit Wounds
Entrance wound of electrical
burns from an overheated tool
Severe swelling
peaks 24-72 hrs after
Electrical burns mummified
1st
2 fingers later removed
11.
Pathologic Features
Zoneof coagulation (necrosis): Superficial area of
coagulation necrosis and cell death on exposure to
temperatures >450
(primary injury)
Zone of stasis (vascular thrombosis): Local capillary
circulation is sluggish, depending on the adequacy of the
resuscitation, can either remain viable or proceed to cell
death (secondary injury)
Zone of hyperemia (increased capillary permeability)
16.
Burn Pathophysiology: Edema
Injured tissue Increased permeability of entire
vascular tree loss of water, electrolytes and
proteins from the vascular compartment severe
hemoconcentration
Protein leakage resultant hypoproteinemia,
increased osmotic pressure in the interstitial space
Decreased cell membrane potential cause inward
shift of Na+
and H2O cellular swelling
In the injured skin, effect maximal 30 min after the
burn but capillary integrity not restored until 8-12
hours after, usually resolved by 3-5 days
In non-injured tissues, only mild and transient
leaks even for burns >40% BSA
17.
Burn Pathophysiology: Cardiac
Cardiac output decreases due to:
1) Decreased preload induced by fluid shifts
2) Increased systemic vascular resistance caused
by both hypovolemia and systemic
catecholamine release
3) A myocardial depressant factor has been
described that impairs cardiac function
Cardiac output normal within 12-18 hours, with
successful resuscitation
After 24 hours, it may increase up to 2 ½
times the normal and remain elevated until
several months after the burn is closed
18.
Burn Pathophysiology: Renal
Renal blood flow and GFR decrease soon after
due to hypovolemia, decreased cardiac output,
and elevated systemic vascular oliguria and
antidiuresis develops during 1st
12-24 hours
Followed by a usually modest diuresis as the
capillary leaks seal, plasma volume normalizes,
and cardiac output increases after successful
resuscitation and coinciding with onset of the
postburn hypermetabolic state, and
hyperdynamic circulation
19.
Burn Pathophysiology: Immunologic
Mechanical barrier to infection is impaired because
of skin destruction
Immunoglobulin levels decreased as part of general
leak and leukocyte chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and
cytotoxic activity impaired
The reticuloendothelial system's depressed bacterial
clearance is due to decreases in opsonic function
These changes, together with a non-perfused,
bacterially-colonized eschar overlying a wound full
of proteinaceous fluid, put the patient in a
significant risk for infection
20.
First Aid Measuresin Burns
1. Extinguish flames by rolling in the ground, cover
child with blanket, coat or carpet
2. After determining airway is patent, remove
smoldering clothes and constricting accessories
during edema phase in the 1st
24-72 hours after
3. Brush off remaining chemical if powdered or solid
then wash or irrigate abundantly with water
4. Cover burn wounds with clean, dry sheet and
apply cold (not iced) wet compresses to small
injuries; significant burns (>15-20% BSA)
decreases body temperature which
contraindicates use of cold compress dressings
5. If burn caused by hot tar, mineral oil to remove it
21.
Outpatient Management
For1st
and 2nd
degree burns less than 10% BSA
Blisters should be left intact and dressed with silver
sulfadiazine cream
Dressings should be changed daily washing with lukewarm
water to remove any cream left
22.
Recommendations for Hospitalization
1.Total burns >10% BSA or >2% full
thickness, halved for <2 or >40 yr
2. Hands, face, feet or genitalia involved
3. Evidence or suspicion of inhalation injury
4. Associated injuries present
5. Suspicion that burn inflicted
6. Burn is infected
7. Burn circumferential
8. History of prior medical illness
9. Patient is comatose
10. Patient or family unable to cope with
situation
23.
Hospital Management
1. Generalassessment and
cardiopulmonary stabilization
2. Resuscitation
3. Establishment of IV lines and blood
studies
4. Wound care and infection control
5. Pain relief and psychological support
6. Nutritional support
7. Physical Therapy/Occupational
Therapy
24.
Airway compromise?
Respiratory distress?
Circulatorycompromise?
Intubation, 100% O2
IV access, fluids
Multiple trauma?
Yes No
Evaluate & treat
injuries Burns >15% or
complicated burns?
Yes
No
Burn care, tetanus prophylaxis,
analgesia
IV access;
fluid replacement
Circumferential full
thickness burns?
Escharotomy
Yes
YesNo
No
25.
Initial Procedures
Fluidinfusion must be started immediately
NGT insertion to prevent gastric dilatation,
vomiting and aspiration
Urinary catheter to measure urine output
Weight important and has to be taken daily
Local treatment delayed till respiratory
distress and shock controlled
Hematocrit and bacterial cultures necessary
26.
Fluid Resuscitation
Formost, Parkland formula a suitable starting
guide (4 ml Ringer’s Lactate/kg body weight/%
BSA burned), ½ to be given over 1st
8 hr from
time of onset while remaining over the next 16 hr
During 2nd
24 hr, ½ of 1st
day fluid requirement to
be infused as D5LR
Oral supplementation may start 48 hr after as
homogenized milk or soy-based products given
by bolus or constant infusion via NGT
Albumin 5% may be used to maintain serum
albumin levels at 2 g/dl
Packed RBC recommended if hematocrit falls
below 24% (Hgb <8 g/dl)
Sodium supplementation may be needed if burns
greater than 20% BSA
27.
Inhalation Injury
Threesyndromes:
1. Early CO poisoning, airway obstruction &
pulmonary edema major concerns
2. ARDS usually at 24-48 hrs or much later
3. Pneumonia and pulmonary emboli as late
complications (days to weeks)
Assessment:
1. Observation (swelling or carbonaceous material
in nasal passages
2. Laboratory determination of
carboxyhemoglobin and ABGs
Treatment:
1. Maintain patent airway by early ET intubation,
adequate ventilation and oxygenation
2. Aggressive pulmonary toilet and chest
physiotherapy
28.
Infection Control
Tetanusprophylaxis: 250-500 IU TIG or 3000
units equine ATS ANST IM; Toxoid also
Antibiotic of choice is one that will include
Pseudomonas in its spectrum; most frequent
pathogens in burns are Staphylococcus aureus,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the Klebsiella-
Enterobacter species
Topical therapy:
0.5% Silver nitrate dressing
Mafenide acetate or Sulfacetamide acetate
cream
Silver sulfadiazine cream
Povidone-iodine ointment
Gentamicin cream or ointment
29.
Pain Relief andAdjustment
Important to provide adequate
analgesia, anxiolytics and
psychological support to:
a) Reduce early metabolic stress
b) Decrease potential for posttraumatic stress
syndrome
c) Allow future stabilization and rehabilitation
Family support patient through
grieving process and help accept
long-term changes in appearance
30.
Nutritional Support
ShrinersBurn Institute at Galveston,
Texas Guidelines for Caloric Intake
Infants
1000 kcal/m2
BSA burned +
2100 kcal/m2
total BSA
2-15 years
1300 kcal/m2
BSA burned +
1800 kcal/m2
total BSA
Adolescents
1500 kcal/m2
BSA burned +
1500 kcal/m2
total BSA
31.
Complications of Burns
Burn Shock
Pulmonary complications due to
inhalation injury
Acute Renal Failure
Infections and Sepsis
Curling’s ulcer in large burns over
30% usually after 9th
day
Extensive and disabling scarring
Psychological trauma
Cancer called Marjolin’s ulcer, may
take 21 years to develop
32.
Sudden death
Definition:
Unexpectedly death within 24 hrs from onset of symptoms
with or without known preexisting conditions.
In forensic view most of cases occur within minutes or even
seconds from onset of symptoms .
There are no obvious criminal or accidental causes, and
becomes of some concern to the forensic pathologist
simply because of the difficulty or even impossibility to
furnish a certifiable cause of death.
The numerous causes of sudden natural death may
conveniently be classified according to the different
anatomical systems of the body.
33.
Causes of suddendeath
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Gastrointestinal System
Gynecological conditions
Central Nervous System
Other
34.
Heart
•The heart ofan adult Indian
–Male 275-300 g
–Female 225-250g
•Thickness
–Atrial wall 1-2 mm
–Right ventricle 3-5 mm
–Left ventricle 10-15 mm
•Layers of the heart
–Outer epicardium
–Middle myocardium
–Inner endocardium
•Heart enclosed by visceral and parietal pericardium
35.
Heart
The LeftCoronary Artery: originating from the left
aortic sinus, after a short course, bifurcates into:
–Left anterior descending which runs in the
anterior inter-ventricular groove, provides blood
to anterior left ventricle, the adjacent anterior
right ventricle and anterior two thirds of the inter-
ventricular septum
–Left circumflex branch, which runs in left atrio-
ventricular groove, supplies the lateral wall of the
left ventricle
36.
Heart
The RightCoronary Artery runs in the right atrio-
ventricular groove. It usually nourishes the
remainder of the right ventricle and the postero-
septal region of the left ventricle, including the
posterior third of the inter-ventricular septum.
37.
The localization of
atheromaor thrombus
Left anterior descending (left anterior inter-
venrticular) (45-64%)
•Right main coronary (45-46%)
•Left circumflex coronary (3-10%)
•Left main coronary (0-10%)
38.
Heart causes ofsudden
death
Ischemic heart disease :the most common cause.
Coronory atherosclerosis .
HTN
Aortic valve disease.
Cardiomyopathies.
Death in old ages.
39.
Bridging
Frequent causeof sudden death
Presence of coronary blood vessels deep in
myocardium (normally : epicardium).
Myocardial contraction compromises the
coronary blood flow .
40.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
PulmonaryEmbolism
massive haemorrhage in the air passages
Pneumothorax
asthma
Chest infections :H.influanza: fulminating epiglottis
in pediatric ,
Diptheria: laryngeal obstruction.
41.
GIT causes
Bleeding:
esophageal verices
PUD
CA in stomach or esopheus.
Mesenteric infraction .
Strangulated hernia.
Fulminating peritonitis.
42.
GUT
Mostly relatedto pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy .
Induced abortions: hemorrhage, air embolus,
tract perforation.
43.
Epilepsy
Epileptic sufferers maydie during a prolonged
single seizure or more usually during a series of
repeated seizures termed status epilepticus
Death is due to asphyxia if the epileptic ceases to
breathe or aspirates regurgitated vomit, or has an
airway obstructed by the tongue.
Editor's Notes
#6 The extent of burns is expressed as percentage of the total surface area.
#9 Scalds are the leading cause of burn injuries during the first 3 years of life.