Fatty Infiltration of the Liver in Severely Burned Pediatric Patients: Autopsy Findings and Clinical Implications

BACKGROUND: Trauma induces hypermetabolic responses that are characterized by the mobilization of all available substrates. The marked increase of peripheral lipolysis after a burn can lead to the development of fatty liver, which has been associated with immunodepression and increased mortality. METHODS: All autopsies of pediatric burn patients between January 1988 and January 1998 were reviewed. Patient demographics, hospital course, cause of …