Objective: To observe influence of escharectomy during and after burn shock stage upon the changes in plasma ET and NO.
Methods: 35% TBSA full-thickness burn was produced in pigs, which were divided into two groups. Group S was a group undergoing escharectomy during burn shock stage at 24 h postburn. Group C was a group receiving escharectomy at 96 h after injury. ET and NO were determined and ET/NO was calculated.
Results: The levels of ET and NO were higher after injury than before injury in both groups. The level of ET was lower significantly in group S than in group C from 96 h postburn on. The level of NO was higher in group S than in group C. The ET/NO was lower in group S than in group C from PBH 24 on.
Conclusion: Escharectomy during burn shock stage was beneficial in reducing injury of endothelial cells, decreasing exudation and edema, decreasing tissue hypoxia and improving microcirculation.