Inhalation injury in burns

Am J Surg. 1980 Apr;139(4):508-12. doi: 10.1016/0002-9610(80)90328-1.

Abstract

(1) Inhalation injury usually occurs in persons with large flame burns indoors, frequently followed by respiratory failure and death. (2) fiberoptic bronchoscopy accurately verifies the diagnosis. (3) Assessment of pulmonary capillary integrity plus bronchoscopy can predict early respiratory failure. (4) Surfactant deficiency may promote late respiratory failure. (5) Corticosteroids probably are beneficial.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Burns / complications*
  • Burns, Inhalation / complications*
  • Burns, Inhalation / diagnosis
  • Burns, Inhalation / physiopathology
  • Capillary Permeability
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / physiopathology
  • Pulmonary Surfactants / analysis
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / etiology*
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / prevention & control

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Pulmonary Surfactants