BACKGROUND: Early escharectomy has been shown to improve the survival rates and the treatment outcomes of major burn patients. However, its exact mechanism, especially in terms of the human immune system, has not been fully elucidated. This observational study, which placed a focus on adhesion molecules, was conducted to assess changes of soluble intercelluar adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), and E-selectin in major burn patients undergoing early eschar excision.

METHODS: Seventeen ASA physical status II or III adult major burn patients, admitted for plastic and reconstructive surgery for burn wound care, were initially recruited. When early escharectomy was scheduled, a series of blood samples were obtained four times at 72 and 24 hours preop and 24 and 72 hours postop, respectively. Changing levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and E-selectin were measured using quantitative sandwich immunoassay techniques.

RESULTS: All patients suffered from major burns. Early escharectomy does not appear to have any significant impact on the levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1. On the other hand, E-selectin levels showed a significant decrease after escharectomy.

CONCLUSIONS: Major burn injury certainly induces a systemic inflammatory response. Adhesion molecules behave in such a way that escharectomy has a limited immunomodulatory effect in major burns. This is probably related to the timing and extent of surgery, and the complex nature of burn related inflammation.