Correlation of thermal burn hepatic dysfunction with outcomes

Area of Science:

• Burn injury research
• Hepatology
• Critical care medicine

Background:

• Major burn injuries frequently lead to organ dysfunction, increasing morbidity and mortality.
• Liver alterations are common post-burn but often overlooked in research.
• Understanding the liver's response to thermal injury is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of thermal burn injury on liver morphology and function.
• To assess the relationship between liver changes and mortality in burn patients.
• To identify prognostic indicators related to liver status following severe burns.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 55 patients with varying total body surface area (TBSA) burns were studied.
• Serial bedside ultrasonography assessed liver volume, and liver function tests were performed on days 2, 9, and 16 post-burn.
• Demographic data, burn size, and patient outcomes were collected for analysis.

Main Results:

• Non-survivors (8 patients) had a higher mean TBSA (80%) compared to survivors (47 patients, 37% TBSA).
• Liver volume increased in non-survivors and decreased in survivors over the observation period.
• Liver function tests improved in survivors but deteriorated in non-survivors.

Conclusions:

• Altered liver morphology and function correlate with mortality in severely burnt patients.
• While liver volume changes were not statistically significant, a decreasing trend in liver dysfunction and hepatomegaly indicates a better prognosis.
• Early assessment of liver status can aid in predicting outcomes for burn patients.