[Changes of plasma cytokines in patients with severe trauma and their relationship with organ damage]

We investigated kinetics of plasma TNF, IL-6 and IL-8 and their relationship with organ dysfunction and endotoxemia in 17 patients with severe trauma in order to further elucidate the role of cytokines in the development of organ damage and their production mechanism after trauma. Plasma cytokine levels significantly increased in trauma patients, and their plasma TNF was increased earlier. The cytokines were positively correlated with ISS, cardiac and hepatic enzyme activities, index of renal function, and plasma endotoxin levels. It is suggested that TNF, IL-6 and IL-8 may participate in the development of organ damage after trauma, and its release might be related to massive endotoxin translocation into body at the early stage of trauma.