The evaluation of the adrenal and thyroid axes and glucose metabolism after burn injury in children

Dexmedetomidine on the interplay of IL-6 and STAT3 pathways in adrenal gland damage-induced scalding burns in rats

Scalding burns are a common form of thermal injury that often leads to systemic complications. Pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways have been linked to the pathophysiology of organ damage caused by burns. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of dexmedetomidine, an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist with anti-inflammatory properties, on the interplay of IL-6 and STAT3 pathways in adrenal gland damage following scalding burns in rats. Twenty-eight rats were divided randomly into four groups. Rats in group 1 (n=7, control) were given only 0.9% intraperitoneal (i.p.) NaCl. Rats in group 2 (n=7, DEX) were exposed to 25°C water for 17 s on day 1 and received 100 mcg/kg/day dexmedetomidine i.p. for 3 days; for rats in group 3 (n=7, Burn), boiling water of 94°C was applied inside for 17 s. Rats in group 4 (n=7, Burn+DEX) were exposed to 94°C water for 17 s and received 100 mcg/kg/day dexmedetomidine i.p. for 3 days. Adrenal gland tissues were histopathological examined, and STAT3, IL-6, and TUNEL staining were performed using immunohistochemically. Our results revealed that scalding burns increased IL-6 and STAT3 expression in the adrenal glands of rats. Histological analysis demonstrated that dexmedetomidine administration ameliorated adrenal gland damage and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Our findings suggest that dexmedetomidine protects the adrenal glands in scalding burns. This protection appears to be mediated, at least in part, by its modulation of IL-6 and STAT3 pathways.

Pediatric enteral nutrition therapy for burn victims: when should it be initiated?

Objective

To review the scientific evidence regarding the initiation of enteral nutrition in the pediatric burn population.

Methods

This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials comparing early enteral nutrition and late enteral nutrition in individuals aged 1 month to 18 years with burns. The MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched using the terms "burns", "fires", "child nutrition disorders", "nutritional support" and related terms.

Results

Three articles that included a total of 781 patients were identified. There was no significant difference in the mortality rate between the early and late groups (OR = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.46 - 1.15, p = 0.17). Patients who received early enteral nutrition had a 3.69-day reduction in the length of hospital stay (mean difference = -3.69, 95%CI = -4.11 - -3.27, p < 0.00001). There was a higher incidence of diarrhea and vomiting and decreased intestinal permeability in the early group. This group also presented higher a serum insulin concentration and insulin/glucagon ratio as well as lower caloric deficit and weight loss when compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Analysis of the different intragroup variables suggests the importance of starting nutritional support early. Considering the number of pediatric burn patients, there is a need for robust studies with greater scientific impact.

The endocrine response to severe burn trauma

The endocrine system is frequently altered after a major burn trauma. Besides the endocrine response to stress characterized by hypercortisolism, several hypothalamus-hypophysis-target gland axes are rapidly perturbed within a few days. These alterations can persist in the long term and deserve an appropriate treatment. Disturbances in water clearance and glucidic metabolism are also common and need to be diagnosed and corrected to decrease morbidity in such patients. Bone and mineral metabolism is deeply compromised and requires correction of mineral abnormalities in order to improve symptoms and prevent bone loss. No large prospective and/or intervention trials are available to date to elaborate age-related, evidence-based recommendations to monitor and treat burn-related endocrine alterations.

A 3-year-old girl with Graves' disease with hypoglycemia following transient adrenal hyporesponsiveness

A 3-year-old girl with Graves' disease developed a generalized convulsion as a result of hypoglycemia (25 mg/dL). At the time of the hypoglycemic seizure, her plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) level (1460 pg/mL) was extremely high, but her serum cortisol level (28.4 microg/dL) was relatively low given the severe stress. The cortisol-releasing hormone (CRH) provocation test done after thyroid function had improved revealed normal ACTH and cortisol responses. Since there was no other cause of hypoglycemia, such as hyperinsulinemia, long-term starvation, suddenly advanced emaciation, or prolonged fasting, it was suspected that the transient adrenal hyporesponsiveness was the main cause of hypoglycemia.