%0 Journal Article
%T Curbing Inflammation in Burn Patients
%A Jayme A. Farina Jr.
%A Marina Junqueira Rosique
%A Rodrigo G. Rosique
%J International Journal of Inflammation
%D 2013
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2013/715645
%X Patients who suffer from severe burns develop metabolic imbalances and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) which can result in multiple organ failure and death. Research aimed at reducing the inflammatory process has yielded new insight into burn injury therapies. In this review, we discuss strategies used to curb inflammation in burn injuries and note that further studies with high quality evidence are necessary. 1. Introduction Trauma resulting from severe burn injury triggers a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and serious metabolic disturbances. One of the best known systemic manifestations observed in the first hours after a major burn injuries is related to increased systemic capillary permeability with protein leakage into the interstitial space, generalized edema, and a tendency toward hypovolemic shock. Adequate fluid replacement is mandatory in the first hours after a traumatic burn. However, in burn patients, other systemic disorders are also accompanied by SIRS such as cardiac dysfunction, acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute renal failure, increased intestinal permeability resulting in bacterial translocation, hypermetabolism, hypercatabolism, and sepsis [1¨C4]. These intense disruptions in body¡¯s homeostatic balance may result in multiple organ failure and death. Therefore, research seeking new mechanisms by which to attenuate inflammation after severe burn injury is needed. In this review, we address and discuss the available options. 2. Burns and Inflammation Burn injury induces global changes to the entire immune system resulting in suppressed immune function and increased susceptibility to infection. This immunopathological response can contribute to the development of SIRS and subsequent multiple organ failure. Patients with severe burns are more likely to die from sepsis due to the massive release of inflammatory mediators from the burn wounds. Total body surface area (BSA) involved and smoke inhalation are predictors of death. Each one percent increase in total body surface area burned was associated with a six percent increase in mortality risk. Also, the presence of smoke inhalation increased mortality risk by ninefold [5]. In addition, the depth of the burn also affects mortality risk as full thickness burns have a poorer prognosis compared to partial thickness. Nevertheless, the systemic disorders observed in the first hours after a severe burn injury are related to increased systemic capillary permeability with protein leakage and a tendency toward hypovolemic shock. Burns greater than 10% BSA in
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/iji/2013/715645/