INFLUENCE OF BETA-BLOCKER THERAPY IN BURN PATIENTS: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Burn injury; Beta blockers; Hypermetabolism; Wound healing; Burn outcomes
Abstract
Background: Severe burn injuries trigger a hypermetabolic and hyperadrenergic response that contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. Beta-adrenergic blockers have been shown to attenuate hypermetabolism in burn patients, particularly in pediatric populations. However, evidence regarding their effect on clinical outcomes in adult burn patients remains limited.Objective: To assess the influence of beta-blocker therapy on clinical and physiological outcomes in burn patients.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted involving 52 burn patients with 20–50% total body surface area (TBSA) burns admitted to Agni Raksha Burns Trust and Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore, India. Patients were categorized based on beta-blocker exposure: those receiving beta-blockers before injury (PMH-BB), those started on beta-blockers during hospitalization (HOSP-BB), and matched controls without beta-blocker therapy. Clinical variables, comorbidities, burn characteristics, and outcomes including mortality and wound healing time were analysed.
Results;: Among the 52 patients, the mean age was 58 ± 7 years and mean TBSA burn was 14 ± 7%. The Glasgow Coma Scale score averaged 13 ± 7 at admission. Electrical or chemical burns accounted for 40% of injuries, and inhalation injury was present in 10% of cases. Patients with prior beta-blocker therapy showed reduced mortality and fewer cardiac complications compared with the control cohort. Improved wound healing and shorter hospital stays were also observed in the pre-injury beta-blocker group
.Conclusion. Beta-blocker therapy may provide cardioprotective effects and improve outcomes in burn patients. These findings support the hypothesis that beta-adrenergic blockade could reduce burn-related complications. However, larger randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these observations.
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Mahesh A
Assistant Professor ,Department of Plastic surgery ,Rajrajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore , Karnataka, India.
Prema Dhanraj
Professor of Plastic surgery and Founder of Agni Raksha Trust , NGO, Bangalore, India,
Bhanumathi N
Assistant Professor , Department of Dermatology, PESIMSR, Kuppam(AP).
