Introduction to Burn Physiology
Learning Objectives
Describe the local physiologic response to burn injury and its implications for wound perfusion, desiccation, and infection prevention
Explain the systemic inflammatory and metabolic response to larger burns, including the ebb and flow phases of burn physiology
Apply principles of early wound control and nutritional support to mitigate hypermetabolism, catabolism, and immune compromise in burn patients
Analyze pediatric‑specific physiologic vulnerabilities following burn injury, including airway edema, hypothermia, and vascular access challenges
Evaluate geriatric‑specific considerations in burn recovery, including limited physiologic reserve, wound healing capacity, and rehabilitation needs
Author(s)
Robert Sheridan, MD
Burn Service Medical Director | Shriners Hospital for Children
Interim Chief of Staff | Shriners Hospital for Children
Attending surgeon | Mass General burn unit
Aleksandra E. Olszewski, MD
Physician, Assistant Professor of Critical Care Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Critical Care Medicine | UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Traci Wolbrink, MD, MPH
Co-Director, OPENPediatrics; Co-Director, Center for Educational Excellence and Innovation; Program Director, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship; Senior Associate in Critical Care Medicine | Boston Children’s Hospital
Associate Professor of Anaesthesia | Harvard Medical School
Citation
Sheridan R, Olszewski AE, Wolbrink TA. Introduction to Burn Physiology. 8/2013. Online Video. OPENPediatrics. https://learn.openpediatrics.org/learn/course/internal/view/elearning/2999/introduction-to-burn-physiology.