Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
short term
medium

A complication of both burns and trauma.

Culture of all wounds or body fluids should be performed as indicated or suspected by symptoms before beginning treatment if possible. Empirical antibiotic therapy (based on most probable pathogens) should be given. This should be changed to an appropriate narrow-spectrum antibiotic regimen once a causative pathogen is identified.

If severe, sepsis can progress to multi-organ failure and shock, with significant mortality.

Sepsis

short term
medium

A complication of both burns and trauma.

Prompt decompression by fasciotomy is mandatory to prevent muscle ischaemia and rhabdomyolysis.

Compartment syndrome of extremities

short term
medium

A complication of both burns and trauma.

High volumes of fluid (up to 10 L/day) are the mainstay of treatment, with the amount of fluid administered depending on the severity.[26][43]

Rhabdomyolysis

short term
medium

A complication of both burns and trauma.

Potential benefits of routine prophylaxis against stress ulcers have not been definitively demonstrated, although it is commonly done.[47][48][49]

Peptic ulcer disease

long term
low

Sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes are vulnerable to electrical current injury.[2]

long term
low

Memory deficit, peripheral nerve damage, and delayed spinal cord syndromes may occur.[19]​​[44]

Anoxic encephalopathy may occur following prolonged respiratory arrest requiring CPR.[2]

long term
low

Result from electrical injury affecting the head.[19]​​

Cataracts

variable
medium

Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and somatoform disorders have been reported.[50]

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