# 893 The Relationship Between Serum Iron and Mortality and Length of Hospitalization in Burn Patients

## TL;DR

This study explores how serum iron levels affect mortality and hospitalization duration in burn patients, suggesting higher iron levels may lead to better outcomes.

## Contribution

The study identifies a potential link between higher serum iron levels and improved survival and shorter hospital stays in burn patients.

## Key findings

- Patients with serum iron levels ≥60 mcg/dL were less likely to die compared to those with <60 mcg/dL.
- Higher serum iron levels correlated with shorter hospital stays, though not statistically significant.
- A negative linear correlation was observed between serum iron levels and length of hospitalization.

## Abstract

The American Burn Association estimates that about 450,000 severe burn injuries requiring medical intervention occur annually. Blood loss and chronic inflammation from burns often lead to a state of anemia in patients. Iron levels are a significant biomarker in burn victims, yet the precise impact of iron on the recovery process in burn wounds remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between serum iron concentration and mortality and length of hospitalization in burn patients.

This retrospective study utilized data from patients admitted to a burn ICU between January 1, 2011, and August 1, 2022. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum iron levels and patient mortality and length of hospital stay. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted using data from 111 burn patients.

The analysis showed no significant difference in serum iron levels between patients who survived and those who succumbed to their injuries in the BICU. However, patients with serum iron levels ≥60 mcg/dL were less likely to die compared to those with < 60 mcg/dL (OR=0.21, 95% CI:0.01-64.15). There was no statistical association between serum iron level and length of hospitalization, although patients with serum iron level within or greater than normal range (≥60 mcg/dL) spent 11 days less compared to the patients with serum ion level less than 60 mcg/dl. We observed a statistically significant negative linear correlation between the length of hospitalization and serum iron level (Rho=-0.19, P =0.042).

While this study did not find a significant difference in serum iron levels between survivors and non-survivors, it suggests that higher serum iron levels (≥60 mcg/dL) may be associated with lower mortality and shorter hospital stays in burn patients, indicating a potential benefit of iron supplementation. However, further research with a larger and more diverse patient population is needed to better understand the role of serum iron in burn care.

This research provides valuable insights into the potential role of serum iron levels in burn patient outcomes, offering implications for clinical practice in burn care. Prior studies have identified an association between iron deficiency and increased mortality and poorer physical recovery in critical care patients. This study builds on the association between iron levels and clinical outcomes in burn patients. While this study found no statistically significant difference in serum iron levels between survivors and non-survivors, it suggests that higher serum iron levels (≥60 mcg/dL) may be associated with lower mortality rates and shorter hospital stays. This finding could inform treatment strategies, potentially supporting the use of iron supplementation in burn patients with low serum iron levels.

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