Association of Postburn Fatty Acids and Triglycerides with Clinical Outcome in Severely Burned Children

Abstract

AbstractContext:Free fatty acids (FFAs) and triglycerides (TGs) are altered postburn, but whether these alterations are associated with postburn outcomes is not clear.Objective:The aim of the present study was to analyze lipid metabolic profiles in pediatric burn patients and to correlate these profiles with patient outcomes and hospital courses.Design and Setting:We conducted a prospective cohort study at an academic pediatric hospital burn center.Patients:Our study included 219 pediatric burn patients.Main Outcome Measures:Patients were stratified according to their plasma TG and FFA levels. Main patient outcomes, such as postburn morbidity and mortality, and clinical metabolic markers were analyzed.Results:All groups were similar in demographics and injury characteristics. Patients with elevated TGs had significantly worse clinical outcomes associated with increased acute-phase protein synthesis indicating augmented inflammation and hypermetabolism, whereas increased FFAs did not seem to profoundly alter postburn outcomes.Conclusions:Elevated TGs, but not FFAs, postburn are associated with worsened organ function and clinical outcomes.