Characterization of antioxidant status in burn patients

Abstract

Introduction: After thermal aggression, antioxidant levels decrease, and oxidative biomarkers are raised, which, together with inflammatory mediators, participate in alterations of the microvasculature and complications. The antioxidant defense protects the body against oxidative damage.

Objective: the objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of the antioxidant defense state of burn patients.

Material and Method: A total of 27 burn patients were studied, who were determined levels of enzyme antioxidants and Total Antioxidant Status (FRAP) at 24 and 72 hours, and weekly. The relationship of FRAP with extension and evolution was analyzed. The values were analyzed using descriptive statistics. For differences between the variables of interest, we used the Mann-Whitney U test for comparison of independent means and the Friedman test for comparison of related means. A significance level α=0.05 and a reliability of 95 % were used.

Results: The reduced glutathione enzyme was greatly decreased throughout the study period; however, the enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase were very high in a sustained manner. However, FRAP was greatly diminished throughout evolution.

Conclusion: The state of antioxidant defense in the sample of burn patients was characterized by alterations in both the enzymatic biomarkers and the state of total antioxidant defense, which was not related to the extent of the lesion or the clinical evolution of the patients.