Karen Kowalske

Prof. Karen Kowalske

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

18Years (2009-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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4 February 2019 in Burns
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
ISI. Sinha
I. Sinha
MNM. Nabi
M. Nabi
LSL.C. Simko
L.C. Simko
AWA.W. Wolfe
A.W. Wolfe
SWS. Wiechman
S. Wiechman
JSJeffrey C. Schneider
Jeffrey C. Schneider

1 May 2011 in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
KKKaren Kowalske
Karen Kowalske

2 November 2023 in Annals of Surgery
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
ESEloise Ba Stanton
Eloise Ba Stanton
KMKara McMullen
Kara McMullen
PWPaul Bs Won
Paul Bs Won
JSJeffrey C. Schneider
Jeffrey C. Schneider
Colleen M. RyanColleen M. Ryan
Colleen M. Ryan
Haig A YenikomshianHaig A Yenikomshian
Haig A Yenikomshian
Objective: The aim of this study was to address the limited understanding of neuropathic pain (NP) among burn survivors by comprehensively examining its prevalence and related factors on a national scale using the Burn Model System (BMS) National Database. Background: NP is a common but underexplored complaint among burn survivors, greatly affecting their quality of life and functionality well beyond the initial injury. Existing data on NP and its consequences in burn survivors are limited to select single-institution studies, lacking a comprehensive national perspective. Methods: The BMS National Database was queried to identify burn patients responding to NP-related questions at enrollment, 6 months, 12 months, 2 years, and 5 years postinjury. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to explore associations between demographic/clinical characteristics and self-reported NP at different time points. Results: There were 915 patients included for analysis. At discharge, 66.5% of patients experienced NP in their burn scars. Those with NP had significantly higher Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29 (PROMIS-29) pain inference, itch, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance scores and were less able to partake in social roles. Multiple logistic regression revealed male sex, % total body surface area, and moderate-to-severe pain as predictors of NP at 6 months. At 12 months, % total body surface area and moderate-to-severe pain remained significant predictors, while ethnicity and employment status emerged as significant predictors at 24 months. Conclusions: This study highlights the significant prevalence of NP in burn patients and its adverse impacts on their physical, psychological, and social well-being. The findings underscore the necessity of a comprehensive approach to NP treatment, addressing both physical symptoms and psychosocial factors.

1 May 2011 in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
KKKaren Kowalske
Karen Kowalske

21 March 2023 in Surgical Clinics of North America
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
JBJulia Bryarly
Julia Bryarly
KKKaren Kowalske
Karen Kowalske

30 November 2009 in Hand Clinics
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
KKKaren Kowalske
Karen Kowalske