Changes In Selected Biochemical Parameters In Thermal Burns Patients At The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

ABSTRACT 

Background: Thermal burns injuries are associated with changes in biochemical parameters which require specialized care. Burn shock is the first consequence of deep and extensive burns that constitutes the main cause of mortality if local and systemic treatments are not correct and timely. Changes in the biochemical parameters are attributed to the hypermetabolic state, arising mainly from increases in adrenaline release, hemolysis, sepsis, loss of fluid and electrolytes that require specialized attention. The serum levels of these biochemical substances such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, albumin, globulin, total proteins, urea and creatinine are very important factors to be observed in thermal burns injury. This is because the serum levels of these parameters are indication of how the body of the patient is responding to the different therapies that are being provided. Determining the changes in these selected biochemical parameters in thermally burnt patients helps in proper and effective management of thermal burn injury that will reduce morbidity and mortality. General Aim: The aim of this study was to determine changes in selected biochemical parameters in thermally burnt patients who report at the (burn unit) at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Methodology: The study was a case-control longitudinal study involving a total of 106 subjects made up of 53 cases (thermally burnt patients) recruited between the period from September/2015 to April/2016 at the burns center of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and 53 agematched controls. The subjects were classified into 4 groups. The ages of these groups were divided as follows: children (