Cytokine Profile as A Prognostic Parameter in Burn Patients

Burn injuries of the skin are one of the most
common household injuries which vary depending on the
way of induction and its severity. Common complications
are sepsis of the wound and immunosuppression. A total
of 44 burned patients were included in the study. Blood
samples and a swab were taken from the location of burn
from each patient. All cytokines (IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, GCSF, TNF and IFN) were evaluated using the ELISA
technique. Swabs were cultured and the bacterial
growths were tested for sensitivity to 20 different
antibiotic discs. Hematological tests were performed and
compared to the healthy group control using the
automated five parameter counter. The mean serum
levels of the cytokines in both female and male patients
were significantly higher when compared to the healthy
control group. Hematological parameter level results
showed an increase in WBC count in both female and
male samples, eosinophil and lymphocyte levels
decreased in both genders. Neutrophils have significantly
increased in both female and male samples. Monocytes,
basophils, and RBC count showed no significant
difference in both female and male patient samples. The
mean concentrations of Hb and platelets have
significantly increased in males but no significant
difference in female samples. In the bacteriological
cultures, only 21 samples showed a bacterial growth. 14
were females and 7 were males. 7 Gram negative bacteria
and 13 Gram positive bacteria were detected. 6 total
bacterial species were identified (Enterococcus,
Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis,
Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, and Pseudomonas).
Antibiotic sensitivity results showed that the number of
sensitive bacteria was significantly higher than the
resistant bacteria. 14 of the patients had 3rd degree
burns. 5 had 2nd degree burns, and 1 had 1st degree burn.
Further immunological studies are required to interpret
the high mortality rates in burned patients.