Hepatocellular injury in thermal burns

Abstract

Twenty five patients with thermal burns, divided into 2 groups, were evaluated for their liver functions by estimation of certain specific serum enzymes to ascertain the possible mechanism of the clinically inexplicable late deaths. Serum enzyme alterations were evident in all cases suggesting hepatocellular damage, being proportional to the extent and severity of the injury and more profound between the post-burn days 6 to 16, i.e. the 2nd wk. However, no difference was noted in the enzyme levels in fatal burns as against the survivors having a comparable degree of burn-injury. The possible relation of RES depression to hepatocellular necrosis and the final outcome has been emphasized.