Clinical Observation of Wound Healing in Burn Patients with Depression Based on Serum Neurotrophic Factor Levels
Objective: To explore the relationship between serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in burn patients and their depressive status and wound healing outcomes, providing clinical evidence for early identification and intervention of post-burn depression. Methods: A total of 120 burn patients were enrolled and divided into a depression group (n = 58) and a non-depression group (n = 62) based on scores from the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) upon admission. Serum BDNF, NGF, and NT-3 levels were measured on days 1, 7, and 14 after admission, and compared with indicators including wound healing time, infection rate, secondary grafting rate, and hospitalization duration. Pearson correlation analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors influencing delayed wound healing. Results: Serum BDNF and NGF levels were significantly lower in the depression group than in the non-depression group at all time points (p < 0.05), while NT-3 levels showed no significant difference between groups. The depression group had significantly longer wound healing times and hospital stays, as well as higher rates of wound infection and secondary grafting (p < 0.05). On day 7, serum BDNF and NGF levels were negatively correlated with wound healing time, whereas HAMD scores were positively correlated. Low BDNF levels, high HAMD scores, and larger total burn surface area were independent risk factors for delayed wound healing. Conclusion: Reduced serum neurotrophic factor levels in post-burn depression are closely associated with delayed wound healing. Serum BDNF may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting wound recovery. Early screening for depression and timely intervention in burn patients can improve wound healing outcomes.
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