HIV SEROPOSITIVITY IN A BURN CENTERS POPULATION

HIV infection in a patient with burn injuries complicates the care of both the patient and the treating burn team. In the patient, HIV slows wound healing and increases the complications seen with burns. For th e treating team, HIV is a hazard that infects the large volume of bodi ly fluids to which the burn team is potentially exposed. At Saint Fran cis Memorial Hospital, a team of plastic surgeons, infectious disease specialists, medical internists, psychiatrists, social workers, and nu rses was established for the care of patients with burn injuries who h ave HIV. To ascertain the baseline need for this specialized care, we interviewed 103 consecutive patients admitted to the Bothin Burn Cente r. These found to be positive by history (3 of 103) were excluded from HIV testing. Of the remaining 100 consecutive patients, all consented to HIV testing. None of these patients, even those with known risk fa ctors, was found to have undiagnosed HIV positivity. We conclude the o ccult incidence in the population tested is lower than expected, and c ontinued testing is warranted.