Severe burn trauma is a cause of hypermetabolic reaction. This complex pathophysiological response is characterized by systemic changes leading to marked protein catabolism, hepatic steatosis, increased susceptibility to infections, and organ dysfunction.
Molecular nature and clinical relevance of this phenomenon are still not fully understood. The therapeutic goal is to attenuate hypermetabolic and hypercatabolic state, prevent secondary injuries, stop muscle wasting, enable early rehabilitation and return the patient to normal life.
This article summarizes metabolic changes caused by large burn trauma and treatment options aimed at modulation of severe catabolism.