Burn Sepsis in Children

This overview is to provide the reader with an understanding of the unique pathophysiologic changes occurring in the pediatric burn patient that increases their risk of infection. In addition, thermal injury induces a persistent inflammatory and hypermetabolic state in the burn-injured child. This makes the identification and diagnosis of infection, and consequently, sepsis challenging. The diagnostic approach to infection in the burn patient is reviewed as well as preventative strategies to reduce the risk of sepsis in this susceptible population.