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Is CRP-Albumin Ratio an Indicator for Wound Infection in Children Exposed to Severe Burns? A Retrospective Cohort
Serap Samut Bülbül1,2, Alper Ceylan1, Selim Görgün1
1Health Sciences University, Training and Research Hospital, Samsun, Turkey.
Insights
The C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio upon hospital admission can predict bacterial growth in severe pediatric burn wounds. A higher ratio indicates an increased risk of wound infection, guiding early clinical management.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Clinical Medicine
- Pediatric Burn Care
Background:
- Severe burns trigger inflammatory responses, marked by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and decreased albumin levels.
- These biochemical changes are common in the early stages of critical burn injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the CRP/albumin ratio at admission predicts bacterial growth in pediatric severe burn wounds.
- Investigate the CRP/albumin ratio as a potential biomarker for wound infection in pediatric burn patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 137 pediatric patients with third-degree burns (≥30% body surface area).
- Data collected from January 2019 to October 2023, focusing on admission CRP/albumin ratios and wound culture results.
Main Results:
- The CRP/albumin ratio was identified as an independent risk factor for positive wound cultures (OR: 1.162, P=.01).
- This ratio correlates significantly with the likelihood of bacterial presence in burn wounds.
Conclusions:
- An elevated CRP/albumin ratio in pediatric burn patients suggests a higher risk of wound colonization or infection.
- This biomarker may aid in anticipating complications and informing treatment strategies for severe pediatric burns.
Abstract:
Background. In the early stages of severe burn cases, an increase in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level and a decrease in serum albumin level can be observed. Objective. This study aimed to investigate whether the CRP/albumin ratio at the time of hospital admission in children exposed to severe burns would be an indicator for bacterial growth at the wound site. Method. A total of 137 pediatric patients who were treated in our hospital's burn center due to third-degree burns of 30% or more of their body between January 2019 and October 2023 were included in the study. Results. The mean age was 3.69 ± 4.16 years. CRP/albumin ratio was found to be an independent risk factor for culture positivity (odds ratio: 1.162; P = .01). Conclusion. High CRP/albumin ratio in children with severe burns may provide important information about the development of wound colonization or infection, most likely due to prolonged hospital stay.
