Metabolic and Nutritional Support

Hypermetabolism is a hallmark of larger burn injuries. The hypermetabolic response is characterized by marked and sustained increases in catecholamines, glucocorticoids, and glucagon. There is an increasing body of literature for nutrition and metabolic treatment and supplementation to counter the hypermetabolic and catabolic response secondary to burn injury. Early and adequate nutrition is key in addition to adjunctive therapies, such as oxandrolone, insulin, metformin, and propranolol. The duration of administration of anabolic agents should be at minimum for the duration of hospitalization, and possibly up to 2 to 3 years postburn.