Elevated baseline blood sugar determines burn-related mortality in obese patients

USA: A recent study published in Burns: Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries has emphasised the differentiation between metabolically unhealthy versus healthy obesity. Elevated baseline glucose levels indicate increased mortality in obese people with burn injuries.

Differing outcomes in burn patients with obesity have sparked interest in understanding the underlying factors contributing to their prognosis. The study using Cerner Health Facts Database has shed light on the importance of metabolic health in this population. The findings indicate that distinguishing between metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity may be key to unravelling the complex relationship between obesity and mortality in burn patients.

Researchers Holly Grossman and team conducted a retrospective analysis using deidentified patient data from 2014 to 2018. The study included 4,682 adult burn patients with second or third-degree burn injuries. The study aimed to determine if the association between increased body mass index (BMI) and mortality is influenced by baseline glucose levels, which serve as a surrogate marker for metabolically unhealthy obesity. Initially, BMI alone did not show a significant association with higher mortality.

● The study involving 4,682 adult burn patients has provided new insights into the relationship between obesity, glucose levels, and mortality in this population. Contrary to expectations, the study found that BMI alone did not contribute to higher patient mortality rates (β = 0.106, p = 0.331).

● However, further analysis revealed an interesting finding: the impact of BMI on burn-related mortality was influenced by baseline glucose levels. Specifically, individuals with higher BMI and elevated baseline blood glucose levels had a significantly higher risk of mortality than those with lower baseline blood glucose levels (β = 0.277, p = 0.009).

● These findings were consistent even after adjusting for additional factors (β = 0.285, p = 0.025) and in sensitivity analysis, indicating their robustness and validity.

● The study highlights the importance of considering baseline glucose levels as a moderator in understanding the relationship between BMI and mortality in burn patients.

These results underscore the significance of metabolic health in influencing outcomes for obese burn patients. Elevated baseline glucose levels serve as a crucial indicator of increased mortality risk. By taking into account BMI and baseline glucose levels, healthcare professionals can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the metabolic profiles of burn patients, enabling them to make more informed treatment decisions.

The recent study highlights the importance of considering metabolic health when assessing the impact of obesity on mortality in burn patients. The findings suggest that baseline glucose levels are a key moderator in this association. By recognizing the distinction between metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity, healthcare providers can better identify high-risk patients and implement appropriate interventions. This study opens the door to further investigation into the underlying mechanisms and potential strategies for improving outcomes in this specific patient population.

Reference:

Grossman, H., Cole, T. J., Shaw, C., Dissanaike, S., & Dhanasekara, C. S. (2023). Do baseline glucose levels moderate the association between burn-related mortality of patients with obesity? Burns: Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2023.05.013