Frequency of Liver Function Test Abnormalities and Related Factors in Burn Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Liver Function Abnormalities in Burns
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22122/cdj.vi0.1011Keywords:
Burn injuries, Liver function tests, In-Hospital MortalityAbstract
Introduction: Liver dysfunction is a common complication in burn patients which is usually underrecognized and is suggested to serve as a prognostic marker. This study investigated the prevalence of abnormalities regarding liver function tests and their association with mortality in burn patients.
Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, data from 174 burn patients admitted to Kowsar Hospital (Sanandaj, Iran) between 2021 and 2023 were collected and analyzed. Demographic data along with clinical and laboratory data at admission and follow-up were evaluated. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, independent t-tests and logistic regression using SPSS while adhering to STROBE guidelines.
Results: The mean age was 35.8 years, with a mean burn extent of 32.6%. AST and ALT had elevated values in 69% and 66.7% of patients at admission. Total bilirubin, PT and APTT were abnormal in 27%, 54% and 9.2% of cases. Overall mortality was 20.1%. Mortality was significantly associated with higher burn percentage, third-degree burns, sepsis, ventilator use, and elevated APTT at discharge. On univariate screening (p<0.20), higher TBSA, sepsis, mechanical ventilation, prolonged APTT at follow-up, third-degree burn, AST abnormality at follow-up, plasma transfusion, and age ≥60 qualified for modeling; in multivariable analysis, only TBSA, sepsis, mechanical ventilation, and prolonged APTT remained independently associated with in-hospital mortality.
Conclusion: Liver function test abnormalities are common among burn patients, and certain abnormalities, particularly elevated APTT, show significant correlation with in-hospital mortality. Therefore, dynamic liver function monitoring may help identify high-risk patients and guide critical care decisions. Moreover, prospective studies are demanded to confirm these findings and inform early interventions.
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