Is CRP-Albumin Ratio an Indicator for Wound Infection in Children Exposed to Severe Burns? A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background. In the early stages of severe burn cases, an increase in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level and a decrease in serum albumin level can be observed. Objective. This study aimed to investigate whether the CRP/albumin ratio at the time of hospital admission in children exposed to severe burns would be an indicator for bacterial growth at the wound site. Method. A total of 137 pediatric patients who were treated in our hospital’s burn center due to third-degree burns of 30% or more of their body between January 2019 and October 2023 were included in the study. Results. The mean age was 3.69 ± 4.16 years. CRP/albumin ratio was found to be an independent risk factor for culture positivity (odds ratio: 1.162; P =.01). Conclusion. High CRP/albumin ratio in children with severe burns may provide important information about the development of wound colonization or infection, most likely due to prolonged hospital stay.