Burns colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: the fast and efficient track down
Introduction:
In case of burns the protective function of the skin disappears. The combination of dead tissue and a wet wound is an ideal breeding ground for microorganisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a feared and frequent cause of burn infections. It can lead to delayed wound healing, an increased risk of wound sepsis and the failure of a skin graft. A fast and efficient detection and treatment of burns colonized by pseudomonas is therefore crucial.
Objective:
The objective of this poster is to propose the approach to track down and treat a patient with burns colonized by pseudomonas at the burn centre / ICU of the University Hospitals Leuven.
Methods:
Our method contains 3 pillars: early recognition, treatment and prevention.
It is important to recognize a wound colonized by pseudomonas as quick as possible to prevent a wound sepsis. Pseudomonas can be recognized by typical smell and a green biofilm. Therefore wound cultures should be taken when there is the slightest suspicion of a wound infection and on fixed times. The treatment can start even before the results of the wound cultures are known. 

Our standard in treatment is mechanical cleaning / debridement to destroy the biofilm and increase the frequency of the dressing changes. Our wound treatment colonized by pseudomonas typically contains 4 major aspects: hydrotherapy, the application of acetic acid 1% for 30 minutes, heat lamp for 15 minutes and Flammazine application.
In order to prevent a Pseudomonas outbreak in the burn centre, strict precautionary measures are followed. This included a weekly weighing of the hydrotherapy equipment (stretcher, mattress and cushions), a weekly examination of water sample and timely changing of the water filter. In between patients the equipment of the hydrotherapy is thoroughly disinfected with Dialox.
Results:
The implementation of this approach has clearly prevented a Pseudomonas outbreak and improved wound healing.
Conclusion:
The treatment of burns colonized by pseudomonas aeruginosa can be a big challenge. To this day there is no consensus between different burn centers. A clear approach would be useful in this matter.

Burns colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: the fast and efficient track down
**Introduction:**
In case of burns the protective function of the skin disappears. The combination of dead tissue and a wet wound is an ideal breeding ground for microorganisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a feared and frequent cause of burn infections. It can lead to delayed wound healing, an increased risk of wound sepsis and the failure of a skin graft. A fast and efficient detection and treatment of burns colonized by pseudomonas is therefore crucial.
**Objective**:
The objective of this poster is to propose the approach to track down and treat a patient with burns colonized by pseudomonas at the burn centre / ICU of the University Hospitals Leuven.
**Methods**:
Our method contains 3 pillars: early recognition, treatment and prevention.
It is important to recognize a wound colonized by pseudomonas as quick as possible to prevent a wound sepsis. Pseudomonas can be recognized by typical smell and a green biofilm. Therefore wound cultures should be taken when there is the slightest suspicion of a wound infection and on fixed times. The treatment can start even before the results of the wound cultures are known. 

Our standard in treatment is mechanical cleaning / debridement to destroy the biofilm and increase the frequency of the dressing changes. Our wound treatment colonized by pseudomonas typically contains 4 major aspects: hydrotherapy, the application of acetic acid 1% for 30 minutes, heat lamp for 15 minutes and Flammazine application.
In order to prevent a Pseudomonas outbreak in the burn centre, strict precautionary measures are followed. This included a weekly weighing of the hydrotherapy equipment (stretcher, mattress and cushions), a weekly examination of water sample and timely changing of the water filter. In between patients the equipment of the hydrotherapy is thoroughly disinfected with Dialox.
**Results**:
The implementation of this approach has clearly prevented a Pseudomonas outbreak and improved wound healing.
**Conclusion**:
The treatment of burns colonized by pseudomonas aeruginosa can be a big challenge. To this day there is no consensus between different burn centers. A clear approach would be useful in this matter.

P.048 Burns colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a fast and efficient track down and treatment

Dear friends and colleagues,

We will be pleased to welcome you in Turin (Italy) for the 19th European Burns Association´s Congress in 2022. Italy is honored to hold the meeting of the European Burns Association for the second time, after Verona in 1995. Turin is easily reachable from everywhere in Europe, either travelling by car, train or choosing flight connections. During the meeting, held in the renewed industrial center of the main Italian historical automotive factory (i.e. Lingotto-FIAT), we will meet international burn specialists, focusing on standards of care, progresses in burn treatment, strategies to face disaster situations, with a special attention to education of younger colleagues. However, in your spare time, you might enjoy the sweet days of Italian late summer, simply wandering in the green parks and gardens along the two rivers which cross the city, or you might decide to discover the numerous art galleries, churches, palaces, libraries, walking across elegant squares and large boulevards, passing through centuries of art and history; finally, you may choose to immerse yourself in some of the most exciting museum experiences, such as the Cinema Museum and the Turin’s Egyptian museum.

Looking forward to seeing you all in Turin for the 19th European Association´s Congress in 2022!
Maurizio Stella, Congress President, Turin Burn Centre