Hemofiltration in the Management of Severe Pediatric Burns: Experience in a UK Burns Centre and Systematic Review

Pediatric burns are life-threatening injuries due to the acute injury and secondary complications. In acute-phase burns, hypovolemia and vasoconstriction cause renal impairment. Sepsis and multiorgan failure compound the problem resulting in morbidity and mortality. This paper outlines 5 years' experience using hemofiltration in major pediatric burns, and a review of the current literature. Retrospective patient data collection was undertaken identifying relevant pediatric burns undergoing Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration. Data were analyzed to identify demographics, indication, duration of therapy, and outcomes. A systematic review was also performed using PRISMA principles. PubMed, Science Direct, and OVID databases were explored and relevant papers were included. From January 2015 to December 2019, hemofiltration was utilized in five cases. Age range 3 to 15 years (mean: 12), four males/one female, and mean weight 56 kg (12-125 kg). TBSA 21% to 61% (mean: 37.6%), mechanism of injury was scald-60%, flame-40%. Overall survival was 100%. Three patients were filtered for a brief period during the first 24 hours to correct metabolic acidosis and control temperature. Two patients required prolonged therapy. All patients recovered without further long-term renal support. A total of 3814 papers were identified for systematic review. Three were considered relevant for inclusion. This paper reflects the benefits of hemofiltration in the management of severe pediatric burns. Renal replacement therapy is useful in managing metabolic acidosis, temperature control, and renal failure. The current literature supports judicious use on a patient-by-patient basis. Given the lack of evidence in the literature, further studies are required to establish guidelines for the use of hemofiltration in pediatric burns.