Background Adipokines are known to regulate inflammation and immunity, but their association with mortality in burns and trauma remains unclear. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing circulating levels of adipokines between survivors and non-survivors of burn and trauma was conducted across six databases. Standardized mean differences were calculated using fixed or random effects models. Results Nine studies were included (three burns, six traumatic brain injury (TBI)). Adipokine levels were significantly lower in survivors compared with non-survivors on day 1 postburn (resistin −1.26, leptin −1.01, respectively) and at admission after TBI (leptin −1.51, visfatin −1.44, adiponectin −1.51, and resistin −1.29, all p<0.05). Other adipokines showed no significant associations. Conclusion Adipokines, particularly resistin and leptin, are linked to mortality in acute burns and trauma, but inconsistent data and small studies prevent firm conclusions. Further research is needed to confirm their prognostic value and underlying mechanisms. Level of evidence Level II, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Ma et al. (2026) studied this question.