Burn Survivors Face Elevated Long-Term Risk of MACE, VTE, and Mortality

Overview This research project investigates the long-term cardiovascular and thromboembolic consequences of burn injuries. While advances in acute care have significantly improved survival rates for burn victims, the transition of burn injury from an acute trauma to a chronic systemic condition remains under-studied. This study aims to quantify the long-term risks of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE), Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), and all-cause mortality in burn survivors. Purpose and Objective The primary objective is to evaluate whether individuals who survive the initial acute phase of a burn injury face a higher risk of cardiovascular complications compared to the general population. By utilizing a large-scale, real-world database, we seek to provide robust evidence that can inform clinical guidelines for the long-term management and cardiovascular screening of burn survivors. Methodology We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX US Collaborative Network, identifying adults (18+) diagnosed with burn injuries between 2014 and 2019. Study Design: A 1:1 propensity score-matched analysis. Control Group: Non-burn individuals matched based on demographics, comorbidities, and medication history. Observation Period: Outcomes were tracked from 3 months up to 5 years post-injury. Primary Outcomes: Hazard Ratios (HRs) for MACE, VTE, and all-cause mortality. Secondary Outcomes: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD), Pulmonary Embolism (PE), and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).