Diagnosis and treatment of infections in burns

Infection is one of the most frequent complications for patients with thermal injury, with burn wound infection being the most common infections. Early recognition of infection and sepsis is imperative to reducing morbidity and mortality; however, due to physiologic changes and chronic inflammation, traditional criteria for diagnosis cannot be used. Physiologic changes and chronic inflammation also affect pharmacokinetic parameters and alter the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of medications, often rendering standard doses of antibacterials and antifungals ineffective. The clinician must understand these changes and make the appropriate drug adjustments to optimize treatment and outcomes. This is a U.S. government work and not under copyright protection in the U.S.; foreign copyright protection may apply, 2020.