Lipid mobilization and metabolism after thermal trauma.

Lipid mobilization following thermal injury was studied in 25 patients with burns of between 35 and 95% TBSA for 30 to 50 days postinjury. The concentration of free fatty acids and glycerol in the plasma was elevated. The concentration of plasma triglycerides was elevated, while the concentration of ketone bodies remained normal. Thus it is suggested that the free fatty acids are primarily being re-esterified to triglycerides rather than being utilized for ketone body production. During the first 10 days postinjury, the plasma carnitine level was slightly decreased, while the concentration of carnitine in liver and muscle was elevated. The level of carnitine in burn wound fluid was similar to that in plasma. Therefore, the early decrease in plasma carnitine appeared to result from wound losses, as well as the sustained increased uptake by liver and muscle throughout the burn course.