Table 2.
Long-term effects of burn injuries.25
| Organ system | Effects |
|---|---|
| Immune | Increased incidence of respiratory infections (influenza, pneumonia) Increased hospital admissions with infective diseases Increased mortality from infections |
| Cardiovascular | Increased risk of ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, heart failure and stroke Reduced exercise tolerance Myocardial fibrosis |
| Gastrointestinal | Increased risk of disease of alimentary tract, gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas Increased hospital admissions with diabetes mellitus |
| Musculoskeletal | Increased fracture risk Joint pain and stiffness Reduced mobility Increased hospital admissions with musculoskeletal disorders |
| Central Nervous | Increased hospital admissions with epilepsy, migraine and nerve problems |
| Miscellaneous | Increased all-cause mortality Increased cancer risk (perhaps worse in females) |