Trace mineral supplementation of burn patients: a national survey

Much research effort has been devoted to determination of caloric and protein requirements in burn patients. Although it is generally accepted that trace mineral requirements increase concomitantly with caloric and protein needs, little research has been conducted to document that assumption. Our survey was undertaken to assess current practice and identify research needs. One hundred ninety-six survey questionnaires were sent to burn units in North America. Forty percent (78) were returned. Ninety percent of respondents prescribe or recommend trace mineral supplements in their facilities. "Higher risk" was the single criterion most often mentioned as a basis for supplementation (54 [77%] of 70 respondents), with 49 of them indicating that they provide trace mineral supplements to patients receiving total parenteral nutrition support. Fifty-six respondents provided detailed information concerning trace mineral supplementation. Of that group, 88% prescribe zinc supplements, 75% prescribe iron supplements, and 26% prescribe chromium supplements. Thirteen percent supplement selenium. Less than 2% supplement molybdenum or vanadium and do so only when administering total parenteral nutrition. Many respondents expressed concern about the lack of guidelines for trace mineral supplementation in the burn patient, leading to the conclusion that further research in that area would benefit burn-injured patients and the health care providers who care for them.