Chronology of Occult and Gross Coagulopathy in Burn Patients

Determining the Chronology of Occult and Gross Coagulopathy in Thermally Injured Patients: A Systems Biology Approach

The purpose of the study is to identify the inflammatory and coagulation pathways and mechanisms that are activated immediately following burn injury, and how they affect outcomes in terms of organ failure and death. This study also addresses the limitation of current tests (PT, PTT, and platelet counts) employed to identify coagulation disturbances in severely injured patients both in a comprehensive and rapid manner.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients, male or female, > or = 18 years of age, who arrive at Burn/Trauma Center with anticipated admission to The Burn Center within 4 hours of injury, with a thermal burn injury due to flash, flame, contact with hot object or liquid.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients suffering concomitant trauma that are in hemorrhagic shock. Patients with a preexisting history of coagulopathy, or currently taking anti-coagulants. Children and pregnant women. Patients with chemical or electrical injury. Patients who do not fluently speak either English or Spanish.