EFFECTS OF PENTAFRACTION ADMINISTRATION ON MICROVASCULAR PERMEABILITYALTERATIONS INDUCED BY GRADED THERMAL-INJURY

Background. Pentafraction is a pentastarch derivative hypothesized to limit burn edema by ''sealing'' damaged capillaries, restoring a barri er to fluid translocation and macromolecular (protein) flux. Methods. Canine hind paw lymph flow (Q(L)) and lymph (CL) and plasma (CP) prote in concentrations were measured before and for 6 hours after (1) 5-sec ond 100 degrees C (n = 6) or 80 degrees C (n = 6) foot paw scald, (2) 100 degrees C (n = 5) or 80 degrees C (n = 5) foot paw scald followed 30 minutes later by a 4 cc/kg bolus of 6% pentafraction, or (3) pentaf raction infusion without scald (n = 5). Before scald or pentafraction infusion, hind paw venous pressure was elevated and maintained by outf low restriction until a steady state, minimal C-L/C-P was reached. The reflection coefficient, sigma(d), was determined as 1-C-L/C-P, and th e (fluid) filtration coefficient (K-f) was calculated. Results. Scaldi ng uniformly produced statistical (p<0.05, ANOVA) increases Q(L), C-L/ C-P, sigma(d), K-f, and paw weight gain. Postburn pentafraction infusi on produced no enduring alterations in any measured parameter as compa red with those of animals who received a matched severity scald withou t pentafraction. Conclusion. Pentafraction does not appreciably amelio rate the adverse microcirculatory consequences observed at the site of burn injury.