Journal Article > ReviewFull Text
BMC Infect Dis. 2025 February 7; Volume 25 (Issue 1); 187.; DOI:10.1186/s12879-025-10569-3
Wild A, Shortall C, Dewachi O, Naim C, Green A, et al.
BMC Infect Dis. 2025 February 7; Volume 25 (Issue 1); 187.; DOI:10.1186/s12879-025-10569-3
BACKGROUND
While the relationship between conflict-associated injuries and antimicrobial resistance is increasingly being elucidated, data concerning civilian casualties is sparse. This systematic review assesses literature focused on Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) Priority Pathogens causing infections in civilian wounds and burns in conflict-affected countries within the World Health Organisation's Eastern Mediterranean Region Office (EMRO)
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Five databases and grey literature were searched, identifying studies published from January 2010 to June 2024. Search terms included "wounds", "burns," "antimicrobial resistance", and the twelve countries of interest. Included studies reported resistance of GLASS pathogens. Two reviewers used Covidence to assess papers for inclusion. Data were extracted into a spreadsheet for analysis. Where quantitative data were available, medians, interquartile ranges and percentages were calculated by pathogen and country.
RESULTS
621 records were identified; 19 studies met inclusion criteria. Nine of the papers were from Iraq, three from Libya, three from Lebanon, one each from Yemen and Gaza; two reported on conflict affected refugees in Jordan. A total of 1,942 distinct microbiological isolates were reported, representing all four critical and high priority GLASS pathogen categories. Among the isolates, Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent (36.3%). Median resistances identified: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n = 680): 55.6% (IQR:49.65-90.3%); carbapenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 372): 22.14% (7.43-52.22%); carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 366): 60.3% (32.1-85%); carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 75): 12.65% (9.73-34.25%); ceftriaxone resistant Escherichia coli (n = 63): 76% (69-84.65%); ceftriaxone resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 40): 81.45% (76.73-86.18%). Only three studies had a low risk of bias.
DISCUSSION
Findings imply high rates of GLASS priority pathogens among wounded civilians in conflict-affected EMRO countries. However, evidence was heterogeneous, low quality and sparse in certain countries, highlighting the necessity of effective surveillance including standardised data collection. Improving primary data will facilitate the production of large, high-quality studies throughout the EMRO, including under-represented countries.
Conclusion: Laboratory diagnostic capacity building and improved surveillance in conflict-affected settings in the Eastern Mediterranean Region are required to assess the burden of GLASS priority pathogens in vulnerable non-combatant populations.
Journal Article > ResearchSubscription Only
Burns. 2023 March 1; Volume 49 (Issue 7); 1756-1764.; DOI:10.1016/j.burns.2023.03.016
Martin T, Nanjebe D, Atwine D
Burns. 2023 March 1; Volume 49 (Issue 7); 1756-1764.; DOI:10.1016/j.burns.2023.03.016
BACKGROUND
Burn injuries are a major cause of morbidity and mortality within Low- and Middle-income countries (LMICs). Most of these burn injuries occur at home with children most at risk. The majority of burn related deaths and disability in LMICs have been described as preventable. Burns prevention requires adequate knowledge of the epidemiological characteristics and associated risk factors. The aim of this study was to assess the proportion of households with burn victims, the associated risk factors and knowledge of prevention strategies of burn injuries in Kakoba division, Mbarara city.
METHODS
We did a population based cross sectional survey of households in Kakoba division. This is the most populous division in Mbarara city. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a pretested structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed to establish prevalence and knowledge of preventive strategies for household burns. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to establish the factors influencing burn injuries at household level.
RESULTS
Of the households in Kakoba Division, 41.2% had individuals who had previously sustained burn injuries within the household. Children were the most affected population with scald burns the most common type. The highest risk of burn injuries was associated with overcrowding in the households. Electricity as a light source was found to be protective. Candles and Kerosene lamps were the commonest alternative light sources. Majority 98% of the individuals in the households knew at least one burns prevention strategy with 93% practicing at least one.
CONCLUSION
Burns within the household are still high despite knowledge of risk factors with children being the most affected. Overcrowding still plays a significant role in household burn injuries. We therefore recommend closer supervision of children within the households. Cooking areas need to be properly designated and secured to limit access. Safer alternative light sources need to be explored such as solar lamps. Political leaders need to be involved in setting up and monitoring community-based fire safety practices to ensure compliance.
Burn injuries are a major cause of morbidity and mortality within Low- and Middle-income countries (LMICs). Most of these burn injuries occur at home with children most at risk. The majority of burn related deaths and disability in LMICs have been described as preventable. Burns prevention requires adequate knowledge of the epidemiological characteristics and associated risk factors. The aim of this study was to assess the proportion of households with burn victims, the associated risk factors and knowledge of prevention strategies of burn injuries in Kakoba division, Mbarara city.
METHODS
We did a population based cross sectional survey of households in Kakoba division. This is the most populous division in Mbarara city. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a pretested structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed to establish prevalence and knowledge of preventive strategies for household burns. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to establish the factors influencing burn injuries at household level.
RESULTS
Of the households in Kakoba Division, 41.2% had individuals who had previously sustained burn injuries within the household. Children were the most affected population with scald burns the most common type. The highest risk of burn injuries was associated with overcrowding in the households. Electricity as a light source was found to be protective. Candles and Kerosene lamps were the commonest alternative light sources. Majority 98% of the individuals in the households knew at least one burns prevention strategy with 93% practicing at least one.
CONCLUSION
Burns within the household are still high despite knowledge of risk factors with children being the most affected. Overcrowding still plays a significant role in household burn injuries. We therefore recommend closer supervision of children within the households. Cooking areas need to be properly designated and secured to limit access. Safer alternative light sources need to be explored such as solar lamps. Political leaders need to be involved in setting up and monitoring community-based fire safety practices to ensure compliance.
Journal Article > CommentaryFull Text
Surgery. 2015 July 1; Volume 158 (Issue 1); 33-36.; DOI:10.1016/j.surg.2015.04.006
Elder G, Murphy RA, Herard P, Dilworth K, Olson D, et al.
Surgery. 2015 July 1; Volume 158 (Issue 1); 33-36.; DOI:10.1016/j.surg.2015.04.006
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
PLOS One. 2014 August 11; Volume 9 (Issue 8); DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0101017
Ronat JB, Kakol J, Khoury M, Yun O, Brown V, et al.
PLOS One. 2014 August 11; Volume 9 (Issue 8); DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0101017
In low- and middle-income countries, bloodstream infections are an important cause of mortality in patients with burns. Increasingly implicated in burn-associated infections are highly drug-resistant pathogens with limited treatment options. We describe the epidemiology of bloodstream infections in patients with burns in a humanitarian surgery project in Iraq.
Journal Article > ResearchAbstract Only
World J Surg. 2016 February 25; Volume 40 (Issue 7); 1550-1557.; DOI:10.1007/s00268-016-3458-5
Murphy RA, Nisenbaum L, Labar AS, Sheridan RL, Ronat JB, et al.
World J Surg. 2016 February 25; Volume 40 (Issue 7); 1550-1557.; DOI:10.1007/s00268-016-3458-5
BACKGROUND
Compared to high-income settings, survival in burn units in low-income settings is lower with invasive infections one leading cause of death. Médecins Sans Frontières is involved in the treatment of large burns in adults and children in Haiti.
METHODS
In 2014, we performed a review of 228 patients admitted consecutively with burn injury during a 6-month period to determine patient outcomes and infectious complications. Microbiology was available through a linkage with a Haitian organization. Regression analysis was performed to determine covariates associated with bloodstream infection and mortality.
RESULTS
102 (45 %) patients were male, the median age was 8 years (IQR, 2-28), and the majority of patients (60 %) were admitted to the unit within 6 h of injury. There were 20 patients (9 %) with culture-proven bacteremia. Among organisms in blood, common isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (42 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23 %), and Acinetobacter baumannii (15 %). Among patients with burns involving <40 % total body area, 4 (2 %) of 192 died and 20 (65 %) of 31 with ≥40 % body surface area involvement died. Factors associated with mortality included involvement of ≥40 % of body surface, depth, and flame as the mechanism. Multidrug-resistant infections were common; 18 % of S. aureus isolates were methicillin resistant, and 83 % of P. aeruginosa isolates were imipenem resistant.
CONCLUSIONS
A low mortality rate was observed in a humanitarian burn surgery project in patients with burns involving <40 % of total body surface. Invasive infection was common and alarming rates of antibiotic resistance were observed, including infections not treatable with antibiotics available locally.
Compared to high-income settings, survival in burn units in low-income settings is lower with invasive infections one leading cause of death. Médecins Sans Frontières is involved in the treatment of large burns in adults and children in Haiti.
METHODS
In 2014, we performed a review of 228 patients admitted consecutively with burn injury during a 6-month period to determine patient outcomes and infectious complications. Microbiology was available through a linkage with a Haitian organization. Regression analysis was performed to determine covariates associated with bloodstream infection and mortality.
RESULTS
102 (45 %) patients were male, the median age was 8 years (IQR, 2-28), and the majority of patients (60 %) were admitted to the unit within 6 h of injury. There were 20 patients (9 %) with culture-proven bacteremia. Among organisms in blood, common isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (42 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23 %), and Acinetobacter baumannii (15 %). Among patients with burns involving <40 % total body area, 4 (2 %) of 192 died and 20 (65 %) of 31 with ≥40 % body surface area involvement died. Factors associated with mortality included involvement of ≥40 % of body surface, depth, and flame as the mechanism. Multidrug-resistant infections were common; 18 % of S. aureus isolates were methicillin resistant, and 83 % of P. aeruginosa isolates were imipenem resistant.
CONCLUSIONS
A low mortality rate was observed in a humanitarian burn surgery project in patients with burns involving <40 % of total body surface. Invasive infection was common and alarming rates of antibiotic resistance were observed, including infections not treatable with antibiotics available locally.
Journal Article > ResearchAbstract
J Trauma. 2011 September 1; Volume 71 (Issue 3); DOI:10.1097/TA.0b013e3181febc8f
van Kooij E, Schrever I, Kizito W, Hennaux M, Mugenya G, et al.
J Trauma. 2011 September 1; Volume 71 (Issue 3); DOI:10.1097/TA.0b013e3181febc8f
BACKGROUND
On January 31, 2009, a fuel tanker exploded in rural Kenya, killing and injuring hundreds of people. This article describes the care of >80 burn victims at a rural hospital in Kenya, Nakuru Provincial General Hospital, and provides lessons for care of a large number of burned patients in a resource-limited setting.
METHODS
Data were obtained from retrospective review from hospital registers and patient files.
RESULTS
Treatment was provided for 89 victims. Eighty-six (97%) were men; median age was 25 years (interquartile range [IQR], 19-32). Half of the patients (45) died, the majority (31, 69%) within the first week. The median total body surface area burned for those who died was 80% (IQR, 60-90%) compared with 28% (IQR, 15-43%) for those who survived (p < 0.001). Twenty patients were transfused a total of 73 units of blood including one patient who received 9 units. Eighty surgical interventions were performed on 31 patients and included 39 split-thickness skin grafts, 21 debridements, 7 escharotomies, 6 dressing changes, 4 contracture releases, and 3 finger amputations. Of the 44 survivors, 39 (89%) were discharged within 4 months of the event.
CONCLUSIONS
Mortality after mass burn disasters is high in Africa. In areas where referral to tertiary centers is not possible, district hospitals should have mass disaster plans that involve collaboration with other organizations to augment medical and psychologic services. Even for patients who do not survive, compassionate care with analgesics can be given.
On January 31, 2009, a fuel tanker exploded in rural Kenya, killing and injuring hundreds of people. This article describes the care of >80 burn victims at a rural hospital in Kenya, Nakuru Provincial General Hospital, and provides lessons for care of a large number of burned patients in a resource-limited setting.
METHODS
Data were obtained from retrospective review from hospital registers and patient files.
RESULTS
Treatment was provided for 89 victims. Eighty-six (97%) were men; median age was 25 years (interquartile range [IQR], 19-32). Half of the patients (45) died, the majority (31, 69%) within the first week. The median total body surface area burned for those who died was 80% (IQR, 60-90%) compared with 28% (IQR, 15-43%) for those who survived (p < 0.001). Twenty patients were transfused a total of 73 units of blood including one patient who received 9 units. Eighty surgical interventions were performed on 31 patients and included 39 split-thickness skin grafts, 21 debridements, 7 escharotomies, 6 dressing changes, 4 contracture releases, and 3 finger amputations. Of the 44 survivors, 39 (89%) were discharged within 4 months of the event.
CONCLUSIONS
Mortality after mass burn disasters is high in Africa. In areas where referral to tertiary centers is not possible, district hospitals should have mass disaster plans that involve collaboration with other organizations to augment medical and psychologic services. Even for patients who do not survive, compassionate care with analgesics can be given.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
J Burn Care Res. 2016 November 1; Volume 37 (Issue 6); e519–e524.; DOI:10.1097/BCR.0000000000000305
Stewart BT, Trelles M, Dominguez LB, Wong EG, Fiozounam HT, et al.
J Burn Care Res. 2016 November 1; Volume 37 (Issue 6); e519–e524.; DOI:10.1097/BCR.0000000000000305
OBJECTIVE
Humanitarian organisations care for burns during crisis and while supporting healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to define the epidemiology of burn-related procedures to aid humanitarian response. In addition, operational data collected from humanitarian organisations are useful for describing surgical need otherwise unmet by national health systems.
METHOD
Procedures performed in operating theatres run by MSF Operations Centre Brussels (MSF-OCB) from July 2008 through June 2014 were reviewed. Surgical specialist missions were excluded. Burn procedures were quantified, related to demographics and reason for humanitarian response and described.
RESULTS
A total of 96,239 operations were performed at 27 MSF-OCB projects in 15 countries between 2008 – 2014. Of the 33,947 general surgical operations, 4,280 (11%) were for burns. This proportion steadily increased from 3% in 2008 to 24% in 2014. People receiving surgical care from conflict relief missions had nearly twice the odds of having a burn operation compared to people requiring surgery in communities affected by natural disaster (aOR 1.94, 95%CI 1.46 – 2.58). Nearly 70% of burn procedures were planned serial visits to the theatre. A diverse skill-set was required.
CONCLUSION
Unmet humanitarian assistance needs increased US$ 400 million dollars in 2013 in the face of an increasing number of individuals affected by crisis and a growing surgical burden. Given the high volume of burn procedures performed at MSF-OCB projects and the resource intensive nature of burn management, requisite planning and reliable funding are necessary to ensure quality for burn care in humanitarian settings.
Humanitarian organisations care for burns during crisis and while supporting healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to define the epidemiology of burn-related procedures to aid humanitarian response. In addition, operational data collected from humanitarian organisations are useful for describing surgical need otherwise unmet by national health systems.
METHOD
Procedures performed in operating theatres run by MSF Operations Centre Brussels (MSF-OCB) from July 2008 through June 2014 were reviewed. Surgical specialist missions were excluded. Burn procedures were quantified, related to demographics and reason for humanitarian response and described.
RESULTS
A total of 96,239 operations were performed at 27 MSF-OCB projects in 15 countries between 2008 – 2014. Of the 33,947 general surgical operations, 4,280 (11%) were for burns. This proportion steadily increased from 3% in 2008 to 24% in 2014. People receiving surgical care from conflict relief missions had nearly twice the odds of having a burn operation compared to people requiring surgery in communities affected by natural disaster (aOR 1.94, 95%CI 1.46 – 2.58). Nearly 70% of burn procedures were planned serial visits to the theatre. A diverse skill-set was required.
CONCLUSION
Unmet humanitarian assistance needs increased US$ 400 million dollars in 2013 in the face of an increasing number of individuals affected by crisis and a growing surgical burden. Given the high volume of burn procedures performed at MSF-OCB projects and the resource intensive nature of burn management, requisite planning and reliable funding are necessary to ensure quality for burn care in humanitarian settings.
Journal Article > ReviewAbstract Only
Burns. 2004 May 1; Volume 30 (Issue 3); 207-215.; DOI:10.1016/j.burns.2003.10.018
Laloë V
Burns. 2004 May 1; Volume 30 (Issue 3); 207-215.; DOI:10.1016/j.burns.2003.10.018
This paper reviews the literature on deliberate self-burning (DSB) and compares patterns in various countries. Fifty-five studies of deliberate self-harm or suicide by fire published in the last 20 years were reviewed. They reported on 3351 cases of DSB, including 2296 deaths. India had the highest absolute number of cases, the highest fatality rate, and the highest contribution of self-harm to burns admissions. The highest reported incidence was from Sri Lanka. Male victims generally predominated in Western countries, and females in the Middle East and the Indian sub-continent. Patients were grossly 10 years older in Europe than in Asia. The use and nature of fire accelerants, the possible roles of ethnicity, religion/faith and imitation are discussed. Three broad groups of victims were identified: psychiatric patients (Western and Middle-Eastern countries); those committing DSB for personal reasons (India, Sri Lanka, Papua-New Guinea, Zimbabwe); and those who are politically motivated (India, South Korea). Self-mutilators and self-immolators seem to be fairly distinct groups of people.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Burns. 2002 December 1
Laloë V
Burns. 2002 December 1
This 2-year prospective study examined the epidemiology and mortality of 345 patients admitted with burn injuries. Sixty-four percent of all burns were accidental in nature and at least 25% were self-inflicted. The rest were due to assaults or had a doubtful cause. The median age was 22 years. Forty-one percent of the accidents were due to the fall of a homemade kerosene bottle lamp. The main cause was flames, followed by scalds. Females outnumbered males in all categories of burns except cases of assault, and suffered from a higher mortality. Most at risk of accidental burns were children between 1 and 4 years, who suffered primarily from scalds. Self-inflicted burns were most common among women aged 20-29 years. The overall median total body surface area (TBSA) burned was 16%. Self-inflicted and 'doubtful' burns were much more extensive and more often fatal than accidental ones. The overall mortality rate was 27%. Burns involving more than 50% of the body surface area were invariably fatal. Mortality was highest in the elderly and in the 20-29 years age group. Burns were the first single cause of mortality in the surgical wards. The case is made for the establishment of more Burns Units.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Curr. Res. Nutr. Food Sci. 2019 February 25
Hammad SM, Naser IA, Taleb MH, Abutair AS
Curr. Res. Nutr. Food Sci. 2019 February 25
Burn is a traumatic injury that causes immunological, endocrine, inflammatory, many metabolic responses and emotional stress which can affect dietary, micronutrients and antioxidants intake, which in turn have effects on recovery outcomes. To investigate the role of the nutrition and dietary intake on the progression of the different stages of the healing process among burned patients in Gaza strip. One hundred burned adult patients (36males and 64 females) were enrolled in this cross-sectional clinic-based study at Médecins Sans Frontières/ France clinics in Gaza Strip. Pretested interview questionnaires, Food Frequency Questionnaires, 24 hour dietary recall, anthropometric measures, and biochemical tests were used to assess dietary, health, and healing score among burned patients. This study reported positive association between Magnesium (χ2=8.700, p=0.013), Copper (χ2=60.916, p=<0.0001), and Vitamin C (χ2=91.684, p=<0.0001)) with healing score. The results reported that the protein and energy intake were significantly lower (< 0.001) than the recommendations for both components, which might explain the higher prevalence of moderate healing (65%) among the participants. The adequacy of micronutrients such as Magnesium, Copper, and Vitamin C might be associated with positive wound healing outcomes. Consumption of healthy food is very important for healing process among burned patients. There is a real need for planned and well-balanced meals for burned patients.