The Burns Unit in Copenhagen: Occurrence of Septicaemia 1961-1968

Abstract

Among 2 014 patients admitted to the Burns Unit, Copenhagen, during the period 1961-1968 positive blood culture was found in 16 and positive culture at autopsy in 5. In addition, 22 patients showed clinical signs of septicaemia without bacteria being demonstrable in the blood. Out of 42 patients with septicaemia 17 died, but this includes 2 who died a long time after the septicaemia had cleared. A distinct relationship was found between the incidence of septicaemia, patient age, and extent of burn. Most cases of septicaemia were caused by gram-negative bacteria, mainly Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Only 4 patients showed Staphylococcus aureus in the blood, and all survived. The bacterial flora in the burns of patients with septicaemia was predominated by Ps. aeruginosa, other gram-negative bacteria, enterococci, and fungi.