703 Evaluating the Risk Factors and the Time-course of High Intraocular Pressures in Severely Burned Patients
Authors: Wibbenmeyer Lucy , Mai Anthony P , Shriver Erin M , Fortenbach Christopher , Wang Kai 
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Severely burned patients are at risk for high intraocular pressures (IOP) and permanent vision loss from orbital compartment syndrome (OCS). Identification of at-risk patients for timely intervention is critical. This study aims to identify OCS risk factors and determine IOP trends to guide optimum monitoring in burn patients.

Methods

Medical records of burn patients seen by the ophthalmology service between 2004 and 2019 were reviewed. Patients undergoing resuscitation were split into those with high IOPs (PHigh IOP; ≥ 26 mmHg) and those with normal IOPs (PControl; IOPs ≤ 25 mmHg). Additional analysis to determine the timing of IOP elevations was performed on 13 patients (6 from the resuscitation group and 7 with facial burns).

Results

33 of the 430 patients reviewed met inclusion criteria. Twenty-six patients underwent resuscitation, 6 of whom had elevated IOPs. Analysis of the PHigh IOP (n = 6) and PControl (n = 20) groups showed that elevated IOPs were associated with larger total body surface area (TBSA) burned (p = 0.002), a higher likelihood of exceeding the IVY index (&gt; 250 ml/kg) (p = 0.018), and higher Parkland Formula calculated volume (p &lt; 0.001). Maximum IOP and actual fluid resuscitation volume were linearly related (p &lt; 0.001). Analysis of all patients with elevated IOP showed increases of 0.5 to 7 mmHg/hour with a highest absolute rise of 31 mmHg over 12 hours. All elevations occurred within 24 hours post injury. 8 patients had OCS, 2 of whom were not resuscitated due to small TBSA burns.33 of the 430 patients reviewed met inclusion criteria. Twenty-six patients underwent resuscitation, 6 of whom had elevated IOPs. Analysis of the PHigh IOP (n = 6) and PControl (n = 20) groups showed that elevated IOPs were associated with larger total body surface area (TBSA) burned (p = 0.002), a higher likelihood of exceeding the IVY index (&gt; 250 ml/kg) (p = 0.018), and higher Parkland Formula calculated volume (p &lt; 0.001). Maximum IOP and actual fluid resuscitation volume were linearly related (p &lt; 0.001). Analysis of all patients with elevated IOP showed increases of 0.5 to 7 mmHg/hour with a highest absolute rise of 31 mmHg over 12 hours. All elevations occurred within 24 hours post injury. 8 patients had OCS, 2 of whom were not resuscitated due to small TBSA burns.

Conclusions

While large TBSA burns, exceeding the Ivy Index, and Parkland Formula calculated volume are potential OCS risk factors in burn patients, 25% of the patients who developed OCS had facial burns and did not require resuscitation. Earlier involvement of ophthalmology and more frequent IOP checks in susceptible burn patients will help identify those most at risk for OCS and vision loss.

Applicability of Research to Practice

Both the characteristics and the timing of increased intraocular patients is critical to ensuring prompt involvement of the ophthalmology team and treatment of the eye to preserve vision.