Aminotransferase changes in burned patients.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Hepatology
• Burn Medicine

Background:

• Serum transaminases are key indicators of liver function.
• Burn injuries can significantly impact systemic organ function, including the liver.
• Understanding transaminase kinetics post-burn is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the time course and patterns of serum transaminases (ALT and AST) in burn patients.
• To correlate transaminase levels with burn severity and patient survival.
• To identify the primary cause of elevated transaminases in burn patients.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal monitoring of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels.
• Study included 30 burn patients with varying burn sizes (10%-95% TBSA) and survival indices.
• Analysis of enzyme kinetics in relation to time post-injury and clinical status.

Main Results:

• Both ALT and AST increased in 60% of patients, showing parallel changes.
• Enzyme elevations typically occurred in the second week post-burn, with AST rising later than ALT.
• Higher transaminase levels were observed in moderately ill patients.
• No significant correlation was found between transaminase levels and the extent of the burned surface area.

Conclusions:

• Functional liver alterations are the primary contributors to elevated serum transaminases in burn patients.
• Transaminase levels serve as potential biomarkers for liver dysfunction following thermal injury.
• The timing of AST and ALT elevation may offer insights into the progression of burn-related complications.