Effect of diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis in critically ill burn victims

The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of diagnosed sinusitis and the effect of diagnosis and treatment on the outcome in critically ill burn victims. Chart analysis of 84 consecutive burn victims requiring mechanical ventilation for greater than 7 days was performed. Sinusitis was diagnosed in 13/84 patients (15%). There was no difference in age or total body surface area burned, or the incidence of inhalation injury, ARDS, pneumonia and sepsis (P>0.05). Co-morbid disease was similar in both the groups. The number of ventilator-dependent days and hospital length of stay were higher in the sinusitis group (P<0.05). The hospital mortality in those diagnosed and treated for sinusitis was 23% (3/13) as opposed to 48% (34/71) in those not diagnosed with sinusitis (P<0.05). Increased number of ventilator-dependent days and longer hospital stay are associated with the diagnosis of sinusitis. Our findings suggest an improved survival in those diagnosed and treated for sinusitis.