Purpose:
Burns are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population worldwide. A series of metabolic events occurs after a burn injury, which puts the patient through a major catabolic phase and growth arrest period. Various treatment options have been under consideration to minimize the catabolic burden of such a population. The purpose of this study was to compare the role of propranolol, nandrolone, and their combination in the pediatric burn population in terms of reversal of growth arrest.
Materials & Methods:
This study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, King Edward Medical University/ Mayo Hospital, Lahore. After ethical approval and informed consent, all the patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included and divided into 3 different groups. Group A patients were given propranolol at a starting dose of 0.5mg/kg up to 2mg/kg for 1 week. Group B patients received nandrolone at 1mg/kg fortnightly for 3 months. Group C patients were given both the drugs at above mentioned doses. BMI was recorded 3 monthly for 1 year, and DEXA scans were done at 2 years
Results:
Patients who were given both drugs gained better weight and height than the other two groups. They also had improved bone mineral densities at 2 years than the other two groups.
Conclusion:
Our findings demonstrate that combined therapy is significantly more effective than either agent alone in reversing growth arrest. This pharmacologic approach offers a promising strategy to enhance recovery, and support long-term growth in pediatric burn patients, with the potential to inform future burn rehabilitation protocols and standard of care.
Keywords: Burns/ Rehabilitation, Growth/ Physiology, Propranolol/therapeutic use, Nandrolone/therapeutic use, Burns/drug therapy, Catabolism, Burns metabolism, Hypermetabolism
Anahtar Kelimeler: