Objective: To evaluate oxidative stress resulting from major burns in human
s.
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 meas
urements of trace elements, vitamins, antioxidant enzymatic activity and en
d-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 oxidativ
e stress during the 5 days after the initial injury, as demonstrated by a s
imultaneous decrease in antioxidant vitamins and a large increase in TBARS.