Ventilatory patterns following burn injury and effect of sulfamylon

Seven burn patients treated with silver nitrate dressings were studied during the first 10 days after injury. Minute ventilation, oxygen consumption, and ventilatory equivalent were measured. Minute ventilation was increased two- to threefold, as was oxygen consumption. Ventilatory equivalent was only slightly increased. THree patients were initially treated with silver nitrate, and then, when clinically stable, were switched to Sulfamylon. They showed a 50% rise in ventilation, tidal volume, ventilatory equivalent, and a slight increase in respiratory rate and VD/VT. In addition, their PO2 increased and base excess fell. Five normal subjects were then given Diamox, and their minute ventilation, O2 consumption, and ventilatory equivalent were measured at rest, with a standard exercise, and with an added dead space. Diamox produced only a 25% increase in minute ventilation and ventilatory equivalent. The results suggest that, although some of the increased ventilation of Sulfamylon is due to carbonic anhydrase inhibition, another factor, such as pain casued by the topical agent, also plays a role.