Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Imaging Approaches to Assessments of Toxicological Oxidative Stress Using Genetically-encoded Fluorogenic Sensors
Published on: February 7, 2018
Oxidative stress in burnt children
J Jutkiewicz-Sypniewska1, A Zembroń-Lacny, J Puchała
1The Pediatric Surgical Ward, Public County Hospital, Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland.
Insights
Oxidative stress is present in burnt children, indicated by decreased total antioxidative capacity and increased lipid peroxidation. These markers persist throughout the disease, suggesting a need for antioxidant therapy in pediatric burn patients.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Pediatric Medicine
- Burn Injury Research
Background:
- Burn injuries trigger reactive oxygen species production, leading to oxidative stress and cellular damage.
- Oxidative stress is a significant factor in the pathophysiology of burn disease.
- Understanding oxidative stress dynamics in pediatric burn patients is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the presence and severity of oxidative stress in children with burn injuries.
- To identify the phase of burn disease when oxidative stress is most pronounced.
- To assess the duration of oxidative stress following burn injury in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 84 pediatric burn patients, divided into lightly burnt (LB) and moderately to severely burnt (SB) groups.
- Blood samples were collected on days 1, 2, 3, 7, and 21 post-injury.
- Measured plasma total antioxidative capacity (TAC) and red blood cell lipid peroxidation products (TBARS), comparing to a healthy control group.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in TAC was observed in both LB and SB groups compared to controls.
- TBARS concentration increased on day 1 post-burn and remained elevated throughout the study period.
- No significant differences in TAC or TBARS were found between the LB and SB groups.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the presence of oxidative stress in pediatric burn patients, evidenced by altered TAC and TBARS levels.
- Oxidative stress is a persistent condition following burn injury in children.
- Exogenous antioxidant supplementation is recommended for burn-injured children to counteract oxidative stress.
Background:
One of the effects of burn injury is production of reactive oxygen species increasing general-structural damage. Such a condition is called oxidative stress. The purpose of this research was to find out whether oxidative stress is present in burnt children treated routinely and, if so, in which phase of the disease it is the most severe and how long it persists.
Material And Methods:
The study was carried out on a group of 84 burnt children. The patients were divided into 2 groups: lightly burnt (LB-N:55) and moderately to severely burnt (SB-N:29). Blood samples were collected based on hospitalization period within the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th and 21st day, respectively, following the injury. Total antioxidative capacity (TAC) in plasma and concentration of lipid peroxidation products (TBARS) in red blood cells were estimated. The test results were compared to control group of 40 healthy children.
Results:
The research showed a statistically significant decrease in TAC in both groups of burnt children. The TBARS concentration was increased in both groups within the 1st day following burn injury and maintained the high level throughout the research continuation. No statistically significant differences between LB and SB groups were recognized.
Conclusions:
The observed changes in the tested parameters are attributable to oxidative stress occurring in burn disease. For this reason, burn--injured children are recommended to receive exogenous antioxidants.
Related Concept Videos
Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns
Cellular Injury I: Introduction
Radical Autoxidation

