Research & Practice
Validation of Pediatric Micronutrient Supplementation Regimen at Harborview Medical Center
Severe pediatric burn injuries result in significant metabolic stress, increasing nutritional requirements and the need for targeted micronutrient supplementation to support wound healing, immune function, and recovery. Although evidence-based supplementation recommendations are well established for adults, pediatric-specific guidance remains limited. This quality improvement project evaluated the effectiveness of Harborview Medical Center’s existing pediatric burn micronutrient supplementation protocol and identified opportunities for optimization.
A retrospective chart review was conducted for pediatric burn patients admitted over a three-year period who met established inclusion criteria. Average daily micronutrient intake from enteral or parenteral nutrition, along with supplemental vitamins and minerals, was compared with recommendations from ASPEN and age-appropriate Dietary Reference Intakes when pediatric burn-specific recommendations were unavailable.
The analysis demonstrated that the current protocol met or exceeded recommendations for the majority of micronutrients evaluated, supporting its effectiveness in providing appropriate nutritional support for pediatric burn patients. Copper and selenium were the only micronutrients that consistently fell below ASPEN recommendations, identifying trace element provision as the primary opportunity for protocol refinement. Differences in nutrition support modality and enteral formula selection also influenced micronutrient delivery.
Overall, the findings validate the current pediatric burn micronutrient supplementation protocol while highlighting opportunities to optimize trace element provision and continue strengthening evidence-informed nutrition support practices for pediatric burn patients.
Materials Available
Project Type(s): MNT Concentration Clinical Poster
Author(s): Gabrielle Siros
Program(s): Master of Science, RDN Training
Year: 2026
Adviser(s):