Effect of TNF-α Concentration on Selected Clinical Parameters of Swine After Burns

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to observe TNF-α serum concentration as well as changes in respiration rate, body temperature, and pulse rate in burn victims during 84 h post burn. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 healthy pigs were divided into two groups: A, the test group and N, the control group. The experimental group suffered burns to 30% of the body surface, and after infliction of the burns both groups were closely monitored. RESULTS: The biggest increase in TNF-α serum concentration in the test subjects occurred around the 6(th) h of the study, and the second biggest increase took place between 12(th) and 36(th) h. In the 36(th) h, TNF-α was 2.5 times more concentrated in serum in the test group than in the control group. In the test group, the biggest increase in respiration rate occurred up to the 6(th) h post burn, on average up to 29/min. In the 12(th) h post burn, the mean pulse rate in the test group was 133/min and dropped to the lowest value in the 72(nd) h of the experiment. A gradual increase in body temperature up to 41.72°C was observed up to the 30(th) h post burn and decreased to a significant value of 40.74°C by the 84(th) h of the study. CONCLUSION: In a period of a pronounced rise in TNF-α serum concentration, this parameter, pulse rate, and respiration rate are highly correlated and are also influenced by multiple inflammation forming factors.