Perioperative research into memory (PRiMe), part 2: Adult burns intensive care patients show altered structure and function of the default mode network.

Background: Long-term cognitive impairment (LTCI) is experienced by up to two thirds of patients discharged from burns intensive care units (BICUs), however little is known about its neurobiological basis. This study investigated if patients previously admitted to BICU showed structural and functional MRI changes of the Default Mode Network (DMN).

Methods: Fifteen patients previously admitted to BICU with a significant burns injury, and 15 matched volunteers, underwent structural and functional MRI scans.

Attribution bias underlying burns-induced anxiety symptoms.

Introduction: Burn injuries are a debilitating cause of morbidity and mortality associated with the long-term impact of psychological factors on quality of life. Accurate assessment of the differential impact of burn sequelae and anxiety is often complicated by the overlap between psychological and somatic symptoms in burns patients. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) is one validated psychometric tool for anxiety assessment.

Perioperative Research into Memory (PRiMe): Cognitive impairment following a severe burn injury and critical care admission, part 1.

Introduction: An investigation into long-term cognitive impairment and Quality of Life (QoL) after severe burns.

Methods: A proof of principle, cohort design, prospective, observational clinical study. Patients with severe burns (>15% TBSA) admitted to Burns ICU for invasive ventilation were recruited for psychocognitive assessment with a convenience sample of age and sex-matched controls.