International observational study of nutritional support in mechanically ventilated patients following burn injury.

Introduction: It has been proposed that nutritional therapy in critically ill patients after major burn reduces mortality. However, the actual practice of nutrient delivery, and the effect on outcome, has not been described.

Study Objectives: To evaluate international practices related to nutritional support and outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients with burn injury.

Host risk factors and autochthonous hepatitis E infection.

Introduction: In developed countries autochthonous hepatitis E infection is caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 or 4 and mainly affects middle aged/elderly men. Host factors might explain why older men develop clinically overt disease.

Methods: Retrospective review of 53 patients with symptomatic autochthonous hepatitis E infection to determine putative host risk factors.