Related Experiment Videos
Elevated hyaluronan blood concentrations in severely burned patients
H Onarheim1, R K Reed, T C Laurent
1Department of Physiology, University of Bergen, Norway.
Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Serum hyaluronan (HYA) levels significantly increase in burn patients, indicating elevated mobilization from tissues post-injury. These elevated connective tissue markers may signal burn severity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Trauma Medicine
Background:
- Hyaluronan (HYA) is a key interstitial matrix polysaccharide with low normal plasma concentrations.
- HYA is primarily cleared via lymphatic drainage and hepatic degradation.
- Elevated plasma HYA has been observed in sheep following major burn injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum hyaluronan (HYA) concentrations in severely burned patients.
- To determine if HYA levels correlate with burn severity or extent.
- To explore the potential of HYA as a biomarker for burn injuries.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 10 severely burned patients (28 +/- 5% body surface area).
- Serum HYA concentrations were measured at 24 hours post-injury and during the first week.
- Concentrations were compared to normal HYA levels and clinical data.
Main Results:
- Serum HYA concentration at 24 hours post-injury was 206 +/- 71 micrograms l-1, double the upper normal limit.
- Moderately elevated HYA levels persisted for the first week post-burn.
- This suggests increased HYA mobilization and transport from tissues after thermal injury.
Conclusions:
- Increased systemic concentrations of interstitial matrix components like HYA are reported for the first time in burn patients.
- Elevated serum HYA post-burn may reflect increased tissue mobilization and transport.
- Plasma concentrations of connective tissue components could potentially indicate burn injury severity and extent.