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Endothelin-1 levels in severe burn injuries
G N Onuoha1, E K Alpar, J Gowar
1Department of Trauma/Surgery, Selly Oak Hospital, Raddlebarn Rd, Birmingham B29 6JD, England.
Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|December 15, 2000
Summary
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels did not significantly increase in patients with severe burn injuries within 24 hours. This study found no correlation between ET-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in burn patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Elevated endothelin (ET)-1 levels are often reported in thermal injury patients.
- The role of ET-1 in severe burn injury pathophysiology requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that ET-1 levels rise in patients with severe burn injuries.
- To explore the relationship between ET-1, TNF-alpha, and burn severity.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples from 28 adult subjects (14 with thermal injuries) were analyzed.
- ET-1 and TNF-alpha levels were measured using enzyme immunoassay on days 1 and 2 post-injury.
- Measurements were taken before transfusion or surgical intervention.
Main Results:
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels were significantly higher in burn patients compared to controls (P<.005).
- Endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels did not show a significant change in burn patients compared to controls (P>.05).
- No significant correlation was found between ET-1 and TNF-alpha plasma levels.
Conclusions:
- Significantly elevated ET-1 levels were not observed in burn patients within 24 hours post-injury.
- ET-1 levels did not appear to correlate with burn injury severity.
- Further research on ET-1 release in thermal injury is recommended to understand its pathophysiological role.