Retrospective and prospective analyses of methods for
nutritional support were carried out to assess their efficiency in covering the calculated caloric and
protein needs of patients with severe
burns. The energy and
protein needs of the patients in Group 1 (study group) with
nutritional support started 24 h after the thermal
trauma were determined by the Toronto formula or by means of indirect calorimetry.
Nutritional support of patients in Group 2 (control group) were initiated on day 4 post-
trauma. The patients in the two groups were similar in respect to age, gender, body surface area burned, and injury severity score. We found statistically significant differences in the metabolic response of both groups as measured by
nitrogen balance,
serum proteins, and absolute lymphocyte count. Significant differences were also registered in
body weight loss, number of positive haemocultures, and the complications rate.