The challenges in the treatment of large burned and polytraumatized patients with arterial thrombosis in the lower limb during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case report

■ ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic spread rapidly worldwide, bringing the need for emergency actions to control the disease at the collective and individual level. Thus, the Division of Plastic Surgery and Burns of the largest hospital complex in Latin America was physically aimed at the infected. In this context, we find the challenges of treating a large burned and polytraumatized patient, who presented arterial thrombosis in the lower limb, a rare complication associated with the thermal burn. All treatment was performed in a hospital not specialized in trauma care. Case Report: Case Report: Male patient, 18 years old, without comorbidities, with predominantly third-degree burns of 50% of body surface burned and severe neurotrauma. He presented arterial thrombosis in his right leg 24 hours after the burn. The patient underwent limb amputation and serial surgical interventions for debridement and skin grafting. Despite the prevention protocols, the patient was infected by COVID-19 during hospitalization.

Conclusion:

This case focuses on a rare complication related to burn injury, which does not yet have diagnostic criteria and defined prophylactic measures. Besides, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted various health services areas, and it is essential to share knowledge during this pandemic by seeking adaptations to the crisis situation.

Keywords:
Burns; Multiple trauma; Thrombosis; Disseminated intravascular coagulation; SARS virus