Endothelin-1 and prostaglandin E2 levels increase in patients with burns.

Abstract

The increased plasma ET-1 response in patients with burns may have a role in the genesis of the systemic response to burns. This peptide may also activate monocyte production of PGE2 and other mediators of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome. This study was done to measure ET-1 and PGE2 levels in patients with burns greater than 20 percent of the body surface area on admission, at 12, 24, and 48 hours. The correlations between severity of burn, ET-1 levels, and PGE2 production were also assessed.