Development and validation of an age-risk score for mortality predication after thermal injury.

Background: In burn patients, the risk of mortality typically decreases as children mature, reaches a nadir at age 21, rises linearly thereafter, and levels off in old age. We hypothesized that a single "age-risk score" (AGESCORE), incorporating a cubic functional form, can be used in predictive models for mortality after burns.

Methods: Data from 6,395 thermally injured patients admitted to a single burn center between January 1, 1950, and December 31, 1999, were used.

Evaluation of commercially available fluid-warming devices for use in forward surgical and combat areas.

The fluid-warming capabilities of four individual fluid warmers, i.e., Level 1, FMS 2000, Thermal Angel, and Ranger, were compared to evaluate their potential for medical use in forward military echelons of care.