Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections in Burn Patients

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are one of the most important complications of severe burn patients. They increase their morbidity and mortality, length of stay, antimicrobial consumption, and hospital costs. Reported rates of IACS vary widely across countries and care settings.

The purpose of this publication is to provide the necessary and up-to-date material on the infection control measures that should be implemented in the care of burn patients, since it is not easy to have information on this subject.

In this review, we analysed studies of different populations, adults and children, with different types of burns and different places of care. The current recommendations of the International Society of Burn Injuries (ISBI) were used as reference material, and publications and experiences of local and international working groups on the subject were added. Five types of IACS control and prevention measures are described: General measures, Environmental hygiene measures, Prevention of infection of burn injuries, Antibiotic prophylaxis and prevention measures for pneumonia, infections associated with vascular and bladder catheters in burn patients.

Conclusion: It is essential to implement a proactive and multidisciplinary approach to infection control in the care of these patients, generating recommendations adapted to the reality of each health center, aimed at reducing cross-transmission of microorganisms, using typical and systemic antimicrobials appropriately, reducing multiresistance, reducing HAIs and their mortality.