Open AccessPreferential Activation and Depletion of the Alternative Complement Pathway by Burn Injury
Author(s) -
Jeffrey A. Gelfand,
Matthias B. Donelan,
John F. Burke
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
annals of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.153
H-Index - 309
eISSN - 1528-1140
pISSN - 0003-4932
DOI - 10.1097/00000658-198307000-00011
Subject(s) - medicine , alternative complement pathway , sepsis , total body surface area , burn injury , classical complement pathway , titer , pneumonia , complement system , shock (circulatory) , immunology , surgery , antibody
Complement levels of eight adult burn patients (25% to 90% body surface area) were studied upon admission to a burn unit and sequentially for one week. Mean classical pathway titers (CH50) were 49% below the normal mean, while hemolytic C4 titers were reduced by 53% and C3 by 43%. However, the alternative pathway titer was reduced by more than 90%, suggesting preferential depletion of this pathway. This depletion was associated with sepsis, pneumonia, and "shock lung." Alternative pathway deficiency was still present one week postburn, and may contribute to the susceptibility of burn patients to bacterial sepsis.