[Respiratory dysfunction in burned patients].
BACKGROUND
Smoke inhalation and respiratory complications are still the major causes of mortality in severely burned patients.


BACKGROUND
The diagnosis is suspected clinically on the basis of history and physical examination and can be confirmed bronchoscopically. Respiratory failure in burned patients occurs through a number of associated mechanisms. Pneumonitis and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are common early complications. New pulmonary treatments and advances in ventilation have reduced the incidence of both barotrauma and infectious complications. Tracheal stenosis can occur as a late complication of prolonged mechanical ventilation.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical and experimental studies have shown that damage to the mucosal barrier and the release of inflammatory mediators are the most important pathophysiological events following smoke inhalation. Manipulation of the inflammatory response following inhalation may be a treatment option in the distant future.


CONCLUSIONS
Inhalation injury occurring in burned patients can produce severe respiratory and systemic complications.
Bargues
L
L
Centre de Traitement des Brûlés, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Percy, Clamart, France. BARGOL@aol.com
Vaylet
F
F
Le Bever
H
H
L'Her
P
P
Carsin
H
H
D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi / Q000473:pathology; D002059:Burns, Inhalation / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D019090:Case Management; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000209:etiology; D003422:Critical Care; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology; D015208:Smoke Inhalation Injury / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000473:pathology
D018836:Inflammation Mediators