Incidence of Infections in Transfused Burn Patients: A 5-Year Single-Institution Experience

Abstract

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Transfusion has been associated with infections in many disease states. Patients with severe burn injuries have major transfusion requirements. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidence of infections in burn patients who underwent transfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study. We reviewed the medical records of 179 male and female patients, over 18 years of age, who required blood transfusions as a result of burn injuries. Demographic and relevant clinical data were collected from medical records. RESULTS: Of 179 burn patients, 112 were male patients (62.57%). The mean age was 46.08 ± 5.05 years (range, 18-72 years), and the median age was 54 years. Patients between the ages of 48 and 57 years represented 25.14% of the sample. Almost half of the patients required transfusion (49.72%), and packed red blood cells was the most used blood product (30.72%). Overall, 52 transfused patients (29.04%) had major infectious complications, defined as invasive burn wound infection or pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of infections in hospitalized burn patients who underwent transfusions at our center between 2015 and 2019 was low. Blood transfusion remains a highly effective and potentially lifesaving treatment for many patients. KEY WORDS: Fresh frozen plasma, Packed red blood cells, Thermal injuries, Transfusion of blood products