Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Collecting And Measuring Wound Exudate Biochemical Mediators In Surgical Wounds
Published on: October 20, 2012
Plasma concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 during burn wound surgery or dressing
R P Papini1, A P Wilson, J A Steer
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, University College London Hospitals, UK.
Background:
Clinical deterioration after burn wound manipulation may be related to the release of cytokines including tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Methods:
The two cytokines were assayed by immunoenzymetric assay in blood samples taken before and during manipulation of the burn wound. An antibiotic, teicoplanin, was administered to half the patients at the start of the procedure in a randomized fashion as part of a separate trial.
Findings:
Sixty patients with a median burn size of 8% (range 1-56%) were studied during dressing change (n = 40) or burn excision (n = 20). There was little change in TNF levels between preoperative and recovery samples but IL-6 concentrations increased three-fold, particularly in those with large recent burns or bacteraemia, and were correlated with poor clinical outcome. The presence of teicoplanin did not significantly affect the levels of either cytokine.
Interpretation:
The systemic cytokine response to burn wound dressing or debridement is predominantly that of IL-6 and it is not significantly reduced by preventing Gram-positive bacteraemia during the procedure.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Response II: Inflammatory Exudate and Tissue Repair
The typical wound exudate is odorless, transparent, straw-colored, thin, and watery. Exudate, however, can differ depending on the state of wound healing. Likewise, the exudate's...
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...
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects
Healing II: Complications

