HIV seropositivity in a burn center's population.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

HIV seropositivity in a burn center's population.

J Burn Care Rehabil. 1998 Mar-Apr;19(2):138-41. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/98215604
Mele JA 3rd; Linder SA; Calabria R; Ikeda CJ; Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Saint Francis Memorial; Hospital, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA.

Abstract: HIV infection in a patient with burn injuries complicates the care of both the patient and the treating burn team. In the patient, HIV slows wound healing and increases the complications seen with burns. For the treating team, HIV is a hazard that infects the large volume of bodily fluids to which the burn team is potentially exposed. At Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, a team of plastic surgeons, infectious disease specialists, medical internists, psychiatrists, social workers, and nurses was established for the care of patients with burn injuries who have HIV. To ascertain the baseline need for this specialized care, we interviewed 103 consecutive patients admitted to the Bothin Burn Center. Those found to be positive by history (3 of 103) were excluded from HIV testing. Of the remaining 100 consecutive patients, all consented to HIV testing. None of these patients, even those with known risk factors, was found to have undiagnosed HIV positivity. We conclude the occult incidence in the population tested is lower than expected, and continued testing is warranted.

Keywords: *Burn Units *Burns/COMPLICATIONS *Burns/VIROLOGY *HIV Seroprevalence *Wound Healing
980830
M9881111

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1998. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1998. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .