Interpretation of Nutritional Parameters in Burn Patients

Data frequently used for a nutritional evaluation, eg, estimated calorie and protein needs, weight, triceps skinfold thickness, midarm-muscle circumference, serum albumin and transferrin levels, skin tests, total lymphocyte count, nitrogen balance, and creatinine height index determinations, are conceptualized herein. It is thought that many of these values lack appropriate validation in burn patients. With the accumulation of new data, many nutritional surveillance techniques will require modification and reinterpretation. Therefore, caution is essential when interpreting these data. In the meantime, currently available data are probably best construed by a team as an assemblage of findings that may classify a burn patient at risk of morbidity and mortality unless additional attention is given to meeting nutritional needs