Early hemodynamic variations assessed by an echo-Doppler aortic blood flow device in a severely burned infant:...

We describe the case of a seriously burned infant who suffered from a deep burn covering approximately 30% of his total body surface area. Because invasive hemodynamic monitoring is usually not suggested in infants, hemodynamic profile can be misunderstood. We tested a new echo-Doppler device to determine hemodynamic variation using a small esophageal probe specifically designed for newborns and infants. The aortic flowmeter was connected with satellite devices to obtain the hemodynamic profile, including aortic blood flow (ABF), preejection period, left ventricular ejection time, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, calculated stroke volume, calculated total systemic vascular resistance (TSVR), and end-tidal CO2 pressure. The positioning of the probe was easily obtained at each time. The hemodynamic management initially exhibited a hypovolemic status followed by a hyperdynamic profile, as suggested by a gradually increased ABF, which seemed similar to the variations currently reported in adult burn patients. Concurrent with hemodynamic determinations, plasma samples were drawn to measure interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta(IL-1beta), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-alpha)levels. A consistent peak of IL-6 occurred simultaneously with the drop in TSVR. In contrast, no marked modifications were observed with IL-1beta and TNF-alpha. The same circulating cytokines moved alike in burned adults; IL-6 could partly explain the mechanisms of hemodynamic variation through the systemic inflammatory response syndrome. On the other hand, the echo-Doppler device could provide valuable noninvasive findings, allowing early improvement in resuscitation during the acute phase of critically burned infants and children.