A prospective pilot study of the energy balance profiles in acute non-severe burn patients

Abstract

BackgroundMajor burn patients have been shown to exhibit a hyper-metabolic state of activity which can persist for up to two years after burn. The relationship between total body surface area (TBSA) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) has been investigated in larger burns (≥20% TBSA), however not in non-severe burns (≤15% TBSA). The primary aim of this observational study was to examine the association between the acute effects of burns <15% TBSA with RMR in patients using indirect calorimetry, as well as any potential covariates. The secondary aim was to determine 24-h energy balance. MethodsThe study included data from 39 participants (82% male), all admitted to the State Adult Burn Unit at Fiona Stanley Hospital. Each patient was recruited upon admission and RMR data was collected on day four (± one day) after burn. ResultsThe pooled data bivariate correlation showed a significant relationship between RMR and TBSA (r=0.435, p=0.009). A stronger relationship was also found between RMR and TBSA in males (r=0.634, p=0.001). Patients recorded a caloric deficit of 116kcal/day. ConclusionThis study demonstrated that a moderately strong linear association exists between RMR and TBSA in males for burns of ≤15% TBSA. The energy balance data indicated that supplementation of calorific intake for non-severe burns suggests careful consideration.