Evaluation of the Serum Levels of Minerals (Zinc, Selenium, Iron) and Thyroid Hormones (TSH, T3, T4) and Nutritional Intakes and Length of Stay in the Intensive Care Unit Among Burn Patients

Abstract

Background: According to recent statistics, the rate of burns in Iran is higher than the world’s average. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the treatment protocols as much as possible. Objectives: This study investigated the level of mineral intake (iron, zinc, selenium) and thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4) serum levels among burn patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 24 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Taleghani Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to check the normality of the distribution of quantitative variables. Blood samples were taken on the first, third, and fifth days of hospitalization. Serum levels of zinc, selenium, iron, T3, T4, and TSH were measured. The correlation of qualitative variables was examined using the chi-square test, and the correlation of quantitative variables was examined using Spearman's correlation analysis. The t-test was used to compare the means in two different groups with the standard value. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) test was used to investigate the effect of time and compare the two groups. Statistical analysis of the data was performed in SPSS v. 22. Results: The levels of iron, zinc, selenium, and thyroid hormones changed during the examined days, but these changes were not statistically significant. The amount of the analyzed elements in some cases was lower than their standard serum average, but this difference was significant only for selenium. Besides, there was no significant relationship between iron, zinc, T3, TSH, and the length of stay at the ICU; this relationship was positive and significant only for T4. Conclusions: Burn patients in the ICU have insufficient intake of minerals. Changes occur in the serum levels of micronutrients in these patients, affecting their physiological conditions and reducing the speed of recovery.