The American Burn Association (ABA) has reported criteria for sepsis in a burn patient.
Patient selection: burn
Sepsis should be considered when >= 3 of the following are present:
(1) body temperature < 36.5°C or > 39°C
(2) progressive tachycardia with pulse > 110 beats per minute
(3) progressive tachypnea
(3a) if not ventilated: > 25 breaths per minute
(3b) if ventilated: minute ventilation > 12 liters per minute
(4) thrombocytopenia (< 100,000 per µL) if >= 3 days after resuscitation
(5) hyperglycemia in the absence of pre-existing diabetes mellitus)
(6) inability to continue enteral feedings > 24 hours due to complications
Hyperglycemia may be manifest as:
(1) untreated plasma glucose > 200 mg/dL
(2) > 7 units of insulin per hour by intravenous drip
(3) insulin resistance (increase in insulin requirements > 25% over 24 hours)
Complications of enteral feedings may include:
(1) uncontrollable diarrhea (> 2,500 mL per day)
(2) high gastric residuals (>= 2 times the feeding rate)
(3) abdominal distention