A Study of Early Parenteral Nutritional Support and Factors Associated with Clinical Outcomes in Major Pediatric Burn Patients

Objectives: to study parenteral nutrition within 7 days post admission (early PN) and factors affecting clinical outcomes in major pediatric burn patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted regarding pediatric burn patients who had over 15% of their total body surface area (TBSA) with second- or third-degree burns. All the patients were classified as requiring early PN support or non-early PN support. Results: 124 major pediatric burns were reviewed. Eighty-six patients (65.2%) were male, and their median age was three years (0.3-15 years). Early PN showed no association with LOS (p=0.480) or a 30-day mortality (p=0.529). The children's age, wound infections, and abdominal distension were the independent associated factors of LOS (p=0.025, 0.001, and 0.003 respectively). Pneumonia and urinary tract infection were independent factors associated with 30-day mortality (p=0.025 and N/A, respectively). Conclusions: Early PN in acute pediatric burns was not associated with LOS or 30-day mortality. It can be considered as options of nutritional support in acute, major pediatric burns. Effective management of wound infections and abdominal distension may reduce LOS.