The changes and prognostic value of liver function in young adults with severe burn: A retrospective observational study

Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Dec;97(51):e13721. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000013721.

Abstract

To analyze the changes in liver functions and the relationship between alterations in liver function and mortality risk in young adults with third-degree burn wounds on over 90% of the total body surface area (TBSA).A total of 23 fatally burned factory workers in an inflammable dust explosion and fire were enrolled from 2 intensive care units. Clinical data, particularly the laboratory tests for liver function, were retrospectively analyzed and compared between the survivor and non-survivor groups.Compared to survivors, non-survivors had significantly higher total bilirubin (TBIL), glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) at the terminal point of this study (P <.05). In addition, the peak values of TBIL, GPT, and longer APTT were higher in non-survivors than in survivors during hospital course, and the peak values of TBIL was one of major prognostic factors for mortality risk. Furthermore, at the first 2 weeks, the cumulative survival rates were significantly lower in patients with liver dysfunction than those without liver dysfunction (P <.01).Our findings show that the great changes in liver function occurred in first 2 weeks after severe burns. Liver dysfunction may have an effect on clinical outcomes of post-burn. Measures to protect liver function and prevent from deterioration could be beneficial in improvement survival rate, especially during the first 2 weeks.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Burns / complications
  • Burns / diagnosis*
  • Burns / mortality*
  • Burns / physiopathology
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Liver / physiopathology*
  • Liver Diseases / diagnosis
  • Liver Diseases / etiology
  • Liver Diseases / mortality
  • Liver Diseases / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors