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The systemic stress response to thermal injury in children

K Sedowofia1, C Barclay, A Quaba

  • 1Department of Child Life and Health, University of Edinburgh, UK.

Clinical Endocrinology
|December 23, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Thermal injury causes high stress hormone levels in children. Angiotensin II, adrenaline, and dopamine remain elevated for days, indicating unique pediatric responses needing consideration in burn care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric endocrinology
  • Burn trauma research
  • Stress response physiology

Background:

  • Thermal injury is a significant stressor in children.
  • Limited data exists on the endocrine stress response in pediatric burn patients.
  • Understanding these responses is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify stress hormone levels in children following thermal injury.
  • To analyze the temporal changes in these hormone levels.
  • To compare pediatric responses to those observed in adults.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 23 children (5 months to 12 years) with burns (10-61% body surface area).
  • Measured arginine vasopressin, angiotensin II, cortisol, dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.
  • Collected sequential blood samples during the first 108 hours post-injury.

Main Results:

  • All measured stress hormones were elevated upon admission.
  • Arginine vasopressin and cortisol normalized within 36 hours.
  • Angiotensin II, adrenaline, and dopamine levels fluctuated but remained high throughout the 108-hour study period.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric thermal injury triggers significant elevations in stress hormones.
  • Observed differences in adrenaline and noradrenaline levels compared to adults suggest distinct pediatric responses.
  • These findings may inform specialized management strategies for burn-injured children.
Abstract

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