Predictive Value of C-Reactive Protein Levels in Adults with Major Burns in Benin City, Nigeria

Major burn injury is a cause of disability and death. Burn injuries initiate systemic inflammatory reactions, resulting in the production of burn toxins, free oxygen radicals and tissue peroxidation. One of the substances elaborated in severe burns is c-reactive protein (CRP). The objective of this study is to determine the association between levels of CRP and burn wound severity and outcome in adults with major burns. This was a cross-sectional prospective study. The study was carried out in adult burn patients admitted to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Their bio data, percentage surface area burnt, burn depth, C-reactive protein levels, full blood count, electrolyte urea and creatinine were evaluated. All data obtained were recorded in a proforma. Statistical analysis of the data was done to ascertain the correlation of these variables with outcome. Higher levels of CRP were associated with mortality and burn size. There was a statistically significant increase in patients with larger burn size (P=0.041). There was association between patients with inhalation injury and increased CRP. There was a significant increase in level of CRP (P=0.002) in patients with burn wound morbidity. Mortality was 40%. CRP increased with burn severity and high levels were associated with poor outcome.