The Influence of Infections with Multidrug-resistant Organisms on the Outcome of Burn Injuries

Abstract

Introduction: The prognosis after severe burn injuries has improved significantly in recent decades due to advances in burn care. Today, infections are the most common cause of death, provided the initial 72 hours post burns are survived. Infections with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are growing concern, as they limit treatment options and prolong the course of disease. While several studies have investigated risk factors, prevention, treatment, and management of MDRO infections, to our knowledge, their impact on burn outcomes has not been directly compared to susceptible organisms (non-multidrug resistant organisms, NRO) and fungi (FU). Patients and Methods: The retrospective data analysis evaluates data of patients aged 18 years or older with extensive burn injuries (> 10 %TBSA, affecting deep partial thickness or deeper), treated at the Burn Centre of the Division for Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, between 2012 and June 2023. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 30.0 (IBM Inc., Armonk, NY) for Mac OS Sonoma. Results: From 131 patients included, in 12% (n=16) MDRO were detected. Neither the presence of NRO or FU in wound swabs or in blood cultures, nor the presence of MDRO had a significant impact on mortality. Patients with NRO or FU in tracheal secrete showed significantly increased mortality rates. Furthermore, only patient age and burn extent had a significant influence on mortality. Discussion: The widespread assumption that MDRO negatively affect outcomes after burn injuries is refuted by these findings. However, the significance of NRO infections was highlighted, underscoring the importance of infection prevention and management.

Datum der Bewilligung	2026
Originalsprache	Englisch
Gradverleihende Hochschule	Medizinische Universität Graz
Betreuer/-in	Christian Smolle (Betreuer*in)