Serum Albumin and Interleukin 6 Levels as Risk Factors of Morbidity and Mortality in Burn Patients

Background: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a major player in settingoff this cascade of inflammatory responses. The loss ofplasma proteins like albumin and a decrease in plasma colloidOsmotic pressure led to increased fluid leakage from blood capillariesinto normal tissue and the lungs.Objective: The objective of this investigation was to evaluateserum albumin and IL-6 levels as risk factors of morbidityand mortality in burn patients.Patients and Methods: The prospective cohort investigationwas conducted on 25 burn patients aged from 8 to 70 years,both sexes, with second- or third-degree burns, scald, or flameBurn if the surface area is >15%. IL-6 and serum albumin weremeasured at first, third, and seventh days in all patients.Results: The body surface burned and abbreviated burnseverity index (ABSI) were significantly increased in non-survivorsthan survivors (p < 0.001). Sodium and albumin were significantlydecreased in non-survivors than survivors (p < 0.05).Potassium and IL-6 were significantly increased in non-survivorsthan survivors (p < 0.05). Albumin was significantly decreasedafter 3 days than on admission (p < 0.001) and it wassignificantly decreased after 1 week than on admission and after3 days (p < 0.05). IL-6 was significantly increased after 3 daysand 1 week than on admission (p < 0.001). The length of hospitalstay was significantly higher in survivors than in non-survivors(p=0.048) and it increased with an increase in total body surface area.Conclusions: Serum albumin and IL-6 levels were stronglycorrelated with injury severity and progression.