OBJECTIVE
To study intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) changes in acute period of burn disease and evaluate the capabilities of this biomarker for prediction of mortality.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
There were 38 patients with burns of 50.7±17.2% of body surface; 7 patients died. Blood sampling was carried out in 1, 2, 3, 6±2, 9±2 and 11±2 days after injury. We analyzed I-FABP concentration, free radical processes according to biochemiluminescence analysis, lipid peroxidation and activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase.
RESULTS
I-FABP was increased throughout the study. There was a correlation between I-FABP level and pro-/antioxidant imbalance. Deceased patients had 4—37 times higher concentration of I-FABP compared to survivors. The maximum values were recorded in patients with early sepsis and fatal outcome. Logistic regression revealed a relationship between mortality and high I-FABP level. I-FABP >143.6 pg/ml had good specificity (71.4%), sensitivity (81.5%) and diagnostic efficacy (79%) regarding the risk of mortality. ROC analysis demonstrated acceptable informative value of I-FABP (AUC 0.783±0.137).
CONCLUSION
Acute period of burn disease is accompanied by increased serum I-FABP. Enterocyte membrane damage is associated with imbalance between pro- and antioxidants. Increased I-FABP correlated with sepsis. I-FABP >143.6 pg/ml in severely burned patients has significant prognostic value for mortality.