Evaluation of several laboratory tests to monitor posttraumatic condition of polytrauma patients

Objective Blood serum biochemical parameters (total protein and lactate) were evaluated to monitor posttraumatic condition of polytrauma patients. Material and methods The study included 22 polytrauma patients. Depending on severity of trauma the patients were divided into three groups; in the first group, the ISS being up to 15 (n = 6, mean age, 36.4 ± 13.0 years); in the second, the ISS measuring from 16 to 24 (n = 8, mean age 34.5 ± 11.6 years); and in the third, the ISS being more than 25 (n = 8, mean age 38.6 ± 8.7 years). Venous blood total protein and lactate concentration was measured during posttraumatic period. Results The findings showed intergroup statistically significant differences in the level of total protein with minimal decrease in patients of the first group, and maximum decrease in the third group. No intergroup statistically significant differences were observed in lactate concentration of the study groups. An extent of hypoproteinemia was found to have greater correlation with severity of trauma than lactacidemia. Hypoproteinemia was shown to be caused by intense catabolism during the first 3 days after trauma, and by low protein production for more than 3 days. Conclusion Serum total protein in polytrauma patients was shown to be a more meaningful measure to evaluate severity of polytrauma and monitor therapeutic interventions as compared to lactacidemia.