Final answer:
A full-thickness burn can cause acute kidney injury (AKI) due to the massive loss of fluids leading to decreased blood flow to the kidneys, potentially necessitating medical interventions like hemodialysis and resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acute Kidney Injury from Full-Thickness Burns:
A full-thickness burn is a severe injury classified as a fourth-degree burn which destroys not only all layers of the skin but also the underlying muscle, bone, and nerves. The severe tissue damage induces a cascade of systemic reactions that include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and potentially renal failure. Massive fluid loss can lead to hypovolemia, decreasing blood flow to the kidneys and causing acute kidney injury (AKI). The prognosis of AKI in the context of severe burns is grim, as it affects 7-10 percent of hospitalized patients and carries a high mortality rate. Additionally, AKI necessitates medical interventions like hemodialysis to manage and may result in long-term kidney damage.
Preventing infection and stabilizing fluid and nutritional status are paramount in the treatment of burn patients to aid recovery and protect kidney function. Limited studies involving mesenchymal stem cells have shown promise in reducing instances of kidney injury post-surgery, shortening hospital stays, and lowering readmission rates, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues for improving outcomes in patients with severe burns and concurrent AKI.