The role of nutritional support in wound healing in low- and middle-income countries

Burn injuries impose a significant global health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to surgical interventions is limited. In such settings, supportive measures, especially nutrition, play a central role in recovery. We report the case of a 30-year-old man with ∼70% total body surface area scald burns, including superficial and deep partial-thickness injuries. On admission, he was hemodynamically stable but at high risk for malnutrition. Multidisciplinary care included fluid resuscitation, antimicrobial dressings, antibiotics, and early nutrition. Energy and protein goals were set at 3400 to 3800 kcal/day and 153 to 212 g/day, respectively. By day 4, oral intake achieved ∼3500 to 3700 kcal/day and 178 to 205 g protein/day. The patient showed rapid healing of superficial burns (50%-55% total body surface area by postburn day 19) and complete wound closure at 5 months, without grafting. One-year follow-up revealed no major complications, although expected scarring and contractures occurred. In conclusion, aggressive nutritional support potentially achieved favorable outcomes in this burn patient.