Which burn-related phase is signaled by elevated catecholamines and elevated or normal plasma insulin?

Which burn-related phase is signaled by elevated catecholamines and elevated or normal plasma insulin?

• A. Ebb phase
• B. Flow phase
• C. Acute phase of the flow response
• D. Adaptive phase

Answer: (C)

The situation reflects the early, active hypermetabolic state that follows the initial burn injury. After the initial ebb, when circulation and energy use are down, the body shifts into the flow phase, where metabolism ramps up and catabolic hormones dominate. In the acute phase of this flow response, catecholamines rise sharply to drive energy mobilization, while insulin is often still present in elevated or normal amounts despite developing insulin resistance. This combination supports rapid glucose production and substrate availability to meet the heightened energy demands. So, the pattern described fits the acute phase of the flow response, rather than the ebb phase or the later adaptive stage.

The situation reflects the early, active hypermetabolic state that follows the initial burn injury. After the initial ebb, when circulation and energy use are down, the body shifts into the flow phase, where metabolism ramps up and catabolic hormones dominate. In the acute phase of this flow response, catecholamines rise sharply to drive energy mobilization, while insulin is often still present in elevated or normal amounts despite developing insulin resistance. This combination supports rapid glucose production and substrate availability to meet the heightened energy demands. So, the pattern described fits the acute phase of the flow response, rather than the ebb phase or the later adaptive stage.