[Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the changes in serum sIL-2R and Fn in severe burn patients]

Many reports showed that level of soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R) in sera was obviously increased in burn patients, while plasma fibronectin (Fn) was markedly decreased, and they had close relation with the occurrence and development of burn infection. The purpose of this study was to verify the significance of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the prevention and treatment of burn infections by observing its effect on the levels of serum sIL-2R and Fn in severe burn patients.

Forty two burn patients(with more than 30% body surface area or three degree more than 10%) were selected and divided into two groups at random: HBOT group(25 cases) and non-HBOT group(17 cases); forty healthy blood donors were selected as normal control. The venous blood samples were drawn from 42 patients at 1/3, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 28 and 35 days postburn, the levels of serum sIL-2R and Fn were measured by ELISA and rocket electrophoresis techniques respectively, meanwhile, the incidences of sepsis of two groups were compared.

1. In non-HBOT group: the levels of serum sIL-2R were remarkably increased, while serum Fn were markedly decreased at all periods postburn (compared with normal control: P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); 2. In HBOT group: the levels of serum sIL-2R were not obviously increased at all periods except 21 days postburn, and Fn were not decreased at all periods except 8 h postburn (compared with normal control: P > 0.05). Compared with non-HBOT group, however, the levels of serum sIL-2R were profoundly reduced, while Fn was significantly enhanced at all periods postburn(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and the incidence of sepsis was obviously lowered (P < 0.05).

HBOT can significantly reduce the level of serum sIL-2R but enhance Fn in severe burn patients, so it may have a positive effect on the prevention and treatment of burn infections.