Effects of Enteral Albumin on Healing of Laser Doppler Determined Superficial Partial Thickness Fresh Flame Burns of Adults

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Author(s): Afzaal Bashir1, Sunaina Afzaal2, Salman Ali3, Hajra Ahmad4, Mohammed A. Alharbi5, Sunniya Afzaal6

Received: 25/11/2025 | Revised: 10/12/2025 | Published: 11/01/2025 | Pages: 79-86 | DOI: https://www.ejmanager.com/mnstemps/249/249-1731995218.pdf?t=1763793224


Background: Burn wounds have different injury levels which affects their healing potential. Along with wound care, burns healing requires additional macro and micronutrients to cope with high catabolic state. Albumin is one of the important macromolecule in this healing process.

 Objective: the aim of this study is to define the role of albumin in healing of  superficial partial thickness fresh flame burn wounds.

Methodology: This prospective double-blind randomized control study was conducted from February 2019 to January 2020 in Mayo Hospital Burn Center, Lahore, Pakistan. One hundred adult patients of fresh flame burns having superficial partial thickness wounds which were assessed clinically and objectively determined by Laser Doppler Imaging were randomly allocated into supplemented albumin group (SAG) and non-supplemented albumin group (NSAG). Oral dietary supplementation by albumin 2g/kg body weight was given and outcomes were compared in terms of hospital stay, serum albumin at 7th day, number of dressings, mean pain score during first week of treatment and approximate cost.

Results: Mean age of the patients was 33±9.2. In SAG, mean hospital stay was 10(2.9) days, mean number of interactive dressings required were 2(1.3), mean pain score during first week was 4(1.7) and mean cost of treatment was 339(23) USD while in NSAG, mean hospital stay was 19(3.7), mean number of interactive dressings 4(1.7), mean pain score during first week 7(1.3) and mean cost was 522(70) USD.

Conclusion: Supplementation with oral albumin in acute burn management leads to quicker wound healing, less frequency of dressing change, lesser pain and decreased costs.

Key Words: Albumin, Superficial Partial Thickness Burn, Laser Doppler Imaging, Pain Score, Hospital Stay, Interactive dressing