The Extent of Burn Injury Significantly Affects Serum Micro- and Macroelement Concentrations in Patients on the First Day of Hospitalisation

Abstract

Burns exceeding 30% of total body surface area (TBSA) result in considerable hypovolemia coupled with the formation and release of inflammatory mediators, leading to subsequent systemic effects known as burn shock. Because of plasma exudation and the associated losses of large quantities of minerals, severe burns can lead to nutritional deficiencies and consequently disrupt homeostasis and metabolism of the entire body. The study group comprised 62 patients, who were divided into 3 groups according to the severity of burns. Serum samples were tested for concentrations of Ca, Mg, Mn, P, K, Zn, Cu, Fe, Se, Na, Cr, Ni, and Al. The mineral concentrations in serum of patients with burn injuries differ significantly from reference values, but this is not affected by the extent of the body burn. There are statistically significant decreases in serum concentrations of elements important for antioxidant protection (Zn, Cu, Se), and significant increases in the concentrations of toxic elements (Al and Ni), which may aggravate the effects associated with the state of burn shock. The Spearman rank correlation analysis did not reveal any statistically significant relationships between the serum concentrations of Mn, Ni, Al, K, Na, P, Mg, Zn, Se, Cr and the affected body surface area and severity of the burn—the values were at the lower end of the reference range. The obtained results indicate that proper nutrition, including elements replenishment, is extremely important in the recovery process of burn patients and time to nutrition is an important factor affecting patient survival after severe burn.

Preliminary Study of Iron Concentration in the Human Placenta in Twin Pregnancies

“…The lower Fe concentration was observed in the placenta in women carrying multiples from the USA (17.94-34.16 mg/kg dw) [26]. In single pregnancy studies, Fe concentrations ranged from 252.16 to 1290.2 mg/kg [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27]. In our previous research on Fe concentrations in placenta obtained from women with singleton pregnancies from the same study area, the Fe concentration in the placenta was found to average 640.73 mg/kg dw [15].…”

“…The system allows the destruction of organic matter and with the use of concentrated nitric acid employed, carbohydrates matrices are rapidly decomposed at 140 • C, proteins at 150 • C, and lipids at 160 • C [19]. The closed-vessel system increases the efficiency of the digestion and is very often used in sample preparation for inorganic analysis using spectrochemical techniques [20,21], and nitric oxides formed during the process are continuously reabsorbed into the solution, allowing HNO 3 to be formed until no more oxygen is available in the gas phase [19].…”

Burns: Classification, Pathophysiology, and Treatment: A Review

“…To this end, it is necessary to maintain normal metabolism of many vitamins and trace elements involved in these processes and to provide for sufficient nutrient intake to meet the increased energy requirements during this time [ 74 ]. Major burns trigger severe oxidative stress, which, combined with the substantial inflammatory response, contributes to the depletion of endogenous antioxidants, which in turn are highly dependent on adequate micronutrient concentrations [ 69 , 75 , 76 ].…”

Evaluation of the Serum Levels of Minerals (Zinc, Selenium, Iron) and Thyroid Hormones (TSH, T3, T4) and Nutritional Intakes and Length of Stay in the Intensive Care Unit Among Burn Patients

“…Over 300,000 people die annually from burn injuries (3). Adequate examination and administration of effective minerals and hormones are essential for these patients (4). Severe burns that lead to hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU) cause hemodynamic instability, increase the need for calories and macronutrients, and cause an exponential rise in the market for micronutrients.…”

“…Essential minerals, including zinc, selenium, and iron, are important in humoral immunity, cellular immunity, immune responses, defense against damaged tissues, thyroid function, and wound healing (4). According to studies, the level of these minerals in the body during the burn process and the critical condition is reduced greatly as urinary excretion increases, or the proteins carrying these minerals decrease, as well as due to metabolism.…”