INCREASED PROTEIN-INTAKE DURING THE RECOVERY PHASE AFTER SEVERE BURNSINCREASES BODY-WEIGHT GAIN AND MUSCLE FUNCTION

We determined the effect of protein intake on weight gain and muscle f unction in the recovery phase after severe burns, fifteen patients wit h deep burns between 30% to 50% of total body surface were studied ove r a 3 week period-after resolution of the hypermetabolic, catabolic st ate. All patients were studied in an acute rehabilitation hospital aff iliated with the burn center. Nutritional profiles; weight gain; and m uscle strength, measured by a physical therapy index (0 to 10)-10 bein g the greatest progress-were measured. All patients were provided a hi gh-calorie, high-protein diet. Group 1 patients (n = 8) also were prov ided a standard nutrient supplement to maintain caloric intake at 30 t o 35 kcal/kg/day and to maintain protein intake at 1.3 to 1.5 g/kg/day . Group 2 patients (n = 7) were provided a high-calorie, high-protein diet plus a protein hydrolysate (70 g/day) that provided a protein int ake of 1.7 to 2 g/kg/day. Group 1 patients averaged a 1 to 1.5 pound w eight gain per week or four pounds during three weeks. Their physical therapy index at three weeks of 4 +/- 0.5 indicated adequate improveme nt in strength and endurance. Group 2 patients averaged 2.5 to 3 pound s weight gain per week or 8.5 pounds during three weeks. Their physica l therapy index of 7 +/- 0.7 indicated marked gains in muscle strength . Both measurements were significantly higher than those of Group 1. W e conclude that increased protein intake by means of adding a protein hydrolysate increases the rate of restoration of body weight and muscl e function.