Time course of oxidative stress after major burns

Objective: To evaluate oxidative stress resulting from major burns in humans. Design: Prospective clinical study with control group. Setting: Mechanically ventilated adult patients admitted with more than 30 % total burn surface area. Patients and participants: 20 patients with a mean body surface burned area of 54 %. Measurements and results: The oxidative stress evaluation was based on measurements of trace elements, vitamins, antioxidant enzymatic activity and end-products of lipid peroxidation. During the first 5 days after injury burn patients exhibit a decrease in selenium and antioxidant vitamins (C, beta-carotene, lycopene) and an increase in lipid peroxidation products (TBARS). Conclusion: Our results suggest that major burn is associated with oxidative stress during the 5 days after the initial injury, as demonstrated by a simultaneous decrease in antioxidant vitamins and a large increase in TBARS.