What complication must be monitored for in patients with circumferential burns?

In patients with circumferential burns, monitoring for compartment syndrome is crucial due to the potential for increased pressure within muscle compartments. Circumferential burns can lead to tissue swelling and edema, which in turn can restrict blood flow and increase pressure within the muscle compartments of the affected extremities. This situation can compromise neurovascular function and result in muscle and tissue ischemia.

As the burn injury induces edema and the fascial compartments cannot expand due to the rigidity of the skin, the pressure builds up, leading to compartment syndrome. Recognizing the signs early—such as severe pain, numbness, and diminished pulse—allows for timely intervention, which may include fasciotomy to relieve the pressure and restore normal perfusion.

While complications like infection, hypothermia, and fluid overload are also concerns in burn patients, they do not present the same immediate, life-threatening risk specifically associated with the circumferential nature of the burns and the associated rise in compartment pressure. Thus, compartment syndrome remains a priority for monitoring in these cases.