THE INFLUENCE OF THE C1-INHIBITOR BERINERT(R) AND THE PROTEIN-FREE HAEMODIALYSATE ACTIHAEMYL20-PERCENT(R) ON THE EVOLUTION OF THE DEPTH OF SCALD BURNS IN A PORCINE MODEL

Standardized deep partial-thickness burns were inflicted on domestic p igs by scalding 30 per cent of the skin surface for 25 s with 75 degre es C hot water. The animals (n = 18; weight 25-35 kg) were divided int o three groups: I, control group (n = 6), Ringer's lactate only; II, h aemodialysate group (n = 6), Ringer's lactate and a protein-free haemo dialysate of calf-blood (ACTI-HAEMYL20%(R); AH) and III, C1-inhibitor group (n=6), Ringer's lactate and C1-inhibitor (C1-INH; BERINERT(R)). Skin biopsies were taken at defined time points (4, 28, 52 and 76 h) a nd investigated histologically. Depth of burn was determined morphomet rically after coloration with a modified MTT-staining on frozen sectio ns of the skirt biopsies. Fluid therapy with C1-INH decelerated signif icantly the progression of the burn wound in the postburn-period compa red to Ringer's lactate alone. In comparison with C1-INH, the treatmen t with AH demonstrated a less beneficial influence on the depth of sca ld burns. The favourable effects of C1-INH are explained by the protec tion of the dermal microcirculation during the acute phase of thermal injury. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd for ISBI.