Energy and Protein Provisions for Thermally Injured Children Revisited: An Outcome-Based Approach for Determining Requirements

Abstract

Energy and protein provisions for adequate wound healing and weight maintenance were examined among severely burned children. Actual intakes were documented for 27 patients admitted with a more than 40% total body surface area burn. Mean energy intake over the 4-week study period averaged 140% of the predicted basal metabolic rate (PBMR), and mean protein intake was 2.8 +/- 0.2 grams per kilogram daily. Wound healing progressed satisfactorily in all patients; at 4 weeks, the open wound area (% open) was 20% or less in 22 patients. Average weight at discharge was 88% +/- 2.6% of ideal body weight. Discharge weights were significantly higher (p < 0.05) among patients whose energy intake exceeded PBMR x 1.7 for at least 1 of the study weeks. We suggest that energy intakes approximating PBMR x 1.2 with a minimum of 3 grams of protein per kilogram will support adequate wound healing, whereas higher energy provisions (PBMR x 1.7) will enhance weight status.