Temperature sensitivity after burn injury: A burn model system national database hot topic

Model System:

Burn

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J88919

Journal:

Journal of Burn Care And Research (formerly Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation)

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2021 , 42, 6, 1110-1119

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined the epidemiology of temperature sensitivity after burn injury and determined its associations with satisfaction with life, physical health, and mental health using validated on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures. Temperature sensitivity is thought to be caused by two general mechanisms: (1) loss of vasodilation, sweating, and piloerection capabilities in injured skin and scar and (2) disordered nerve signaling and hypersensitivity. The Burn Model System National Database was used to collect data on temperature sensitivity assessed at 6, 12, and 24 months after burn injury for 637 participants. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests determined differences in patient and injury characteristics. Multivariable, multilevel generalized linear regression models determined the association of temperature sensitivity with Satisfaction with Life (SWL) scale scores and Veterans RAND 12 physical and mental health summary component (MCS) scores. Two thirds of the participants experienced temperature sensitivity. They had larger burns, required more grafting, and had higher intensity of pruritus at discharge. After adjusting for confounding variables, temperature sensitivity was strongly associated with lower SWL and MCS scores at 6 months. Temperature sensitivity decreased over time (43 percent at discharge, 4 percent at 24 months) and was not associated with poorer HRQOL at 12 and 24 months. Findings suggest that temperature sensitivity is common after burn injury and associated with worse SWL and MCS during the first year after injury. However, temperature sensitivity seems to improve and be less intrusive over time.

Author(s):