Parenteral and enteral nutrition of the thermally injured patient
Kauste, A.
Annales Chirurgiae et Gynaecologiae 69(5): 197-201
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0355-9521 PMID: 6781401 Document Number: 158698
The metabolic response to major thermal injury is characterized by gross hypermetabolism with increased basal metabolic rate, increased oxygen consumption, negative nitrogen balance and weight loss. Failure to provide burn patients with sufficient exogenous caloric and nitrogen intake results in catabolic sequelae; impaired wound healing, severe disturbances in regulation of cardiovascular, pulmonary and hepatorenal functions, as well as decreased resistance to infections leading to overt septic episodes. Vigorous nutritional therapy is therefore essential for the survival and optimal care of burn victims. In addition to enteral nutrition -- either by the oral route or with the help of tube feeding, parenteral nutrition is usually required to satisfy the extremely increased energy and protein requirements of the severely burned patient.