Introduction: A policy was implemented at our burn center in 2014 to initiate early enteral nutrition (EN) in burn patients within 4 hours of admission. It’s hypothesized that early EN (initiated within 4 hours of admission) is more beneficial than late EN (initiated ≥ 4 hours from admission) for burn patients and is associated with increased calorie and protein intake, promote nutrition profiles, fewer feeding complications, and prevent body weight loss.
Materials & Methods: Burn patients who sustained a total body surface area (TBSA) burn injury ≥ 10% between 2018 and 2021 were identified in Chung Shan Medical University Hospital. Patients were received early EN during the admission of burn center.
Results: The authors identified 7 pediatric burn patients who met inclusion criteria, and most (57%) were male. The early EN implantation had improved the level of Albumin (P = .019), Calcium (P = .025) and Phosphorus (P = .002), and stabilized the level of WBC (P = .022) and Creatinine (P = .017) after 7 days of volume-based feeding process.
Conclusion: Achieving and sustaining adequate nutrition in burn patients with moderate to large surface area burn injuries are critical to recovery. Early EN in burn patients is associated with decreased underfeeding, promote the nutrition profiles and prevent the body excess weight loss. The authors recommend protocols to institute feeding for patients with burns ≥ 10% TBSA within 4 hours of admission at all burn centers.

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