In spite of extensive studies on the impairment of hepatic function following burns has discussed on its pathogenesis, no effort were given yet on relationship between extent of burn and hepatic damage. To clarify the above relationship, tile author h...
In spite of extensive studies on the impairment of hepatic function following burns has discussed on its pathogenesis, no effort were given yet on relationship between extent of burn and hepatic damage. To clarify the above relationship, tile author has performed serum enzyme study of albino rabbits following thermal burn.
Experimental study was performed on 4 groups of animal, group 1 as a control, group 2 with 10% burn, group 3 with 20% burn and group 4 with 40% burn. The degree of burn was second degree in each animal. Blood sample for enzyme study was collected after 4 hours, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 days following burn, and serum levels of cholinesterase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (S. G. O. T.), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (S. G. P. T.) and lactic dehydrogenase (L. D. H.) from each experimental animal were determined.
The results obtained are as followings:
1. Normal serum enzyme level of adult albino rabbit ranged cholinesterase 9.80±1.83, S. G. O. T. 54.20±8.11, S. G. P. T. 56.90±6.67 and L. D. H. 453.00±38.54.
2. In 10-20% burn group, cholinesterase level was lowest at the 12th day. But S. G. O. T. and S. G. P. T. elevated to the maximum level at the third day which returned to normal range at the 21st and 18th day, respectively. On the other hand, L. D. H. reached maximum level at the 4th hour which returned to normal level during a period of the 6th to 18 th day after burn.
3. In 40% burn group, cholinesterase was lowest at the 12th day and did not returned to normal range by the 24th day.
4. Hepatic damage following burn seemed to occur at early stage and recovery from damage was noted before the 24th day in the group of 10 to 20% burn. However, as the extent of burn approach to 40%, recovery of hepatic damage was more delayed.
5. Serum enzyme levels in fatal burn cases revealed marked diminution in cholinesterase as with marked elevation of S. G. P. T. and L. D. H., suggesting hepatic damage to be one of leading contributing factors in fatality.