The relationship between serum albumin level with burn severity and total body surface area before and after skin graft surgery in burn patients.

Abstract

Burns and burn-related injuries are among the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Research has shown that serum albumin levels can predict the burned patient's condition. Considering the limited studies and conflicting results regarding serum albumin levels around the time of skin grafting surgery in burn patients and its effect on the patient's recovery process, conducting a study in this field seems necessary. Thus, this study aimed to determine the relationship between serum albumin level and the severity and total body surface area (TBSA) of burns in patients before and after skin grafting surgery. This cross-sectional and correlational descriptive study evaluated 160 patients hospitalized in the burn department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia who were candidates for skin graft surgery. Serum albumin levels were measured before and after surgery, and basic information such as age and sex, severity and TBSA were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 22 software. The mean age of the patients was 39.16±12.68, and 57% were men. Fire was the most common cause of burns. The serum albumin level in patients with second-degree burns was significantly higher than in patients with third-degree burns before and after surgery. Also, serum albumin level had a negative and significant correlation with burn severity. Serum albumin level significantly correlates with the severity and TBSA of burns before and after surgery. Thus, serum albumin level can be considered a suitable indicator for predicting the patient's condition and the severity of trauma.