The role of energy and protein adequacy in improving functional capacity in adult males with severe burn injury: A case series
Abstract
Background: Burn injury represents a major global health problem with high mortality and disability rates, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life, including in Indonesia. Patients with severe burns frequently experience a decline in functional capacity due to muscle weakness, which is exacerbated by the hypermetabolic response. Adequate daily caloric and protein intake is essential to preserve muscle mass and potentially improve patients’ functional capacity. Case report: The first case, a 39-year-old male with grade 2A–3 burn injury involving 35.5% of total body surface area (TBSA). Nutritional management was initiated at 10 kcal/kg body weight/day and protein 1 g/kg/day, then increased to 42 kcal/kg/day and 1.9 g/kg/day. The patient showed an improvement in the Functional Assessment for Burns–Critical Care (FAB-CC) score from 19 to 30. The second case, a 35-year-old male with grade 2A–3 burns involving 57.5% TBSA. Nutritional management was started at 10 kcal/kg/day and protein 0.4 g/kg/day, then gradually increased to 60 kcal/kg/day and protein 2.5 g/kg/day. The patient demonstrated improvement in the FAB-CC score from 3 to 20. Patients with burn injury experience hypermetabolism to support tissue repair and maintain vital organ function. Systemic inflammation and burn extent influence daily nutritional requirements. Adequate energy and protein intake play an important role in improving functional capacity in patients with burn injuries. All patients demonstrated increased daily energy and protein intake, which was associated with improved FAB-CC scores and functional capacity. Conclusion: Both cases suggest that adequate energy and protein intake may support functional recovery in patients with burn injuries, as reflected by parallel improvements in FAB-CC scores during nutritional care. These findings underscore the importance of integrating optimal nutritional therapy within a multidisciplinary treatment strategy to maximize functional outcomes in burn patients.Downloads
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