Biochemical Changes in Burns

Background: Burns are the second leading cause of death resulting from childhood injuries. It is estimated that there are approximately 3,000 pediatric deaths annually due to burns and probably three times as many disabling injuries. Liver is one of the major organs affected by thermal injury. Objective of the study was to measure liver enzymes and serum electrolytes. Results: In the present study we found (highly significant) 23 times elevation in AST, 21 times in ALT, 4 times increase in ALP, 1.7 times decrease in sodium and 1.4 times increase in potassium levels. Conclusion: An increase in edema formation in burns patients may lead to cell damage, with the release of the hepatic enzymes. Liver enzymes, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) are the most sensitive indicators of hepatocyte injury. Cellular injury or changes in cell membrane permeability, leak these enzymes into circulation. Low Na & high K+ occurs because of increased vascular permeability and cell edema.This enzymes might be the predictive markers of prognosis in burns patients.