Effect of TNF-α Concentration on Selected Clinical Parameters of Swine After Burns

The study aimed to observe TNF-α serum concentration as well as changes in respiration rate, body temperature, and pulse rate in burn victims during 84 h post burn.

A total of 30 healthy pigs were divided into two groups: A, the test group and N, the control group. The experimental group suffered burns to 30% of the body surface, and after infliction of the burns both groups were closely monitored.

The biggest increase in TNF-α serum concentration in the test subjects occurred around the 6^th h of the study, and the second biggest increase took place between 12^th and 36^th h. In the 36^th h, TNF-α was 2.5 times more concentrated in serum in the test group than in the control group. In the test group, the biggest increase in respiration rate occurred up to the 6^th h post burn, on average up to 29/min. In the 12^th h post burn, the mean pulse rate in the test group was 133/min and dropped to the lowest value in the 72^nd h of the experiment. A gradual increase in body temperature up to 41.72°C was observed up to the 30^th h post burn and decreased to a significant value of 40.74°C by the 84^th h of the study.

In a period of a pronounced rise in TNF-α serum concentration, this parameter, pulse rate, and respiration rate are highly correlated and are also influenced by multiple inflammation forming factors.