Citation

Przkora R, Herndon DN, Jeschke MG. Burns 2008; 34(1): 41-44.

Affiliation

Shriners Hospital for Children and Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, 815 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.burns.2007.03.001

PMID

18082963

Abstract

PURPOSE: It is not known if the recovery of pediatric burn patients is age-dependent. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age on the recovery of body composition of severely burned children. PROCEDURES: Pediatric patients with massive burns, >/=40% of total body surface area, were followed over 2 years. Patients were divided into two age groups: 0-3.9 years old and 4-17.9 years old at the time of burn. Body composition was determined at hospital discharge, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after burn using dual-X-ray absorptiometry. Data analysis was performed using a two way ANOVA followed by Tukey's correction when appropriate. Significance was accepted at p<0.05. FINDINGS: Twenty-four patients were enrolled (age 0-3.9: n= 9; age 4-17.9: n= 15). Percent changes in height and bone mineral content were significantly increased in the younger age group, p<0.05. In contrast, percent changes in lean body mass were significantly lower in younger patients, p<0.05. Percent changes in total body fat mass were not affected. CONCLUSION: Patterns of recovery in pediatric burn patients are determined by age. This observation should be considered in the development of therapeutic approaches.

Language: en