Metformin Boosts Recovery in Older Burn Patients

By CAFMI AI From npj Aging (Open Access)

Improved Survival Rates with Metformin in Older Burn Patients

Recent research highlights a significant association between metformin use and better outcomes for older adult burn patients. Older adults face higher risks of death and complications after burn injuries, partly due to slower healing and greater susceptibility to infections. This study analyzed data from a single burn center, comparing patients aged 65 and above who received metformin during their hospital stay to those who did not. The results showed notably lower mortality rates in the metformin group, suggesting a protective effect beyond its known role in managing diabetes. These findings are especially relevant for clinicians seeking interventions to reduce mortality among elderly burn patients.

Benefits Extend Beyond Diabetes Management

Metformin’s advantages were observed regardless of whether the patients had diabetes, indicating benefits linked to its anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects rather than glucose control alone. The metformin-treated group also experienced shorter hospital stays and fewer infections, which are critical factors in burn care management. Additionally, wound healing times improved, pointing to enhanced tissue repair and recovery. This implies that metformin could be considered as an adjunct therapy in burn treatment protocols for older adults, potentially improving clinical outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens associated with prolonged hospitalization and complications.

Clinical Implications for Primary Care Physicians

For primary care physicians, these findings underscore the importance of considering metformin’s role beyond glycemic control, especially in older adults at risk for burn injuries. While traditionally used for type 2 diabetes, metformin’s anti-inflammatory and cellular resilience properties may offer additional therapeutic avenues. This could influence pre-hospital and transitional care planning, prompting earlier discussions about medication management and potential benefits in elderly patients prone to trauma. However, further research and clinical trials are needed to confirm these results and establish guidelines for metformin use specifically in burn care among older adults. Practitioners should remain attentive to emerging evidence to optimize patient outcomes in this vulnerable population.

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