Neopterin as parameter of cell-mediated immunity response in thermally injured patients

Serum neopterin levels have been determined retrospectively in 22 patients with burn injuries. Neopterin, which is produced by monocytes/macrophages following stimulation by interferons, is regarded as a marker for the activation of the cellular immune response. In most patients neopterin levels were initially in the normal range. All patients had their first operation and skin transplantation during the first week; mean neopterin levels increased significantly thereafter. Further skin transplantations or infections did not significantly influence the elevated neopterin level. This result may be due to continuous stimulation of the cellular immune system, as indicated by the elevated neopterin levels during most of the follow-up. In four low risk patients, neopterin levels always remained in the normal range. Two patients with inhalation trauma showed highly elevated neopterin levels (30-70 nmol/l) already upon admission and for 3 days thereafter. No correlation of neopterin levels with the burned body surface area was observed. However, mean serum neopterin levels were higher in the group of non-survivors (five patients) compared to survivors during the first 2 weeks after the trauma; rising neopterin levels were observed during the last 5 days before death. Although elevated neopterin levels could not be attributed either to the burn itself or to later events, the cellular immune system of burned patients was shown to be highly activated.