Evaluation of plasma oxidative stress, with or without antioxidant supplementation, in superficial partial thickness burn patients: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is one of the main causes of pathophysiological alterations observed during burn injury. The present pilot study aimed to determine whether a specific oral antioxidant supplementation could in any way influence free radical blood values in patients affected by superficial partial thickness burns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma oxidants and plasma antioxidant capacity were analysed in 20 superficial partial thickness burn patients for a 2-week period; patients were randomly divided into two groups, one of which was supported with a specifically designed oral antioxidant formula (Squalene 100 mg, Vitamin C 30 mg, Coenzyme Q10 10 mg, Zinc 5 mg, Beta Carotene 3.6 mg, Bioflavonoids 30 mg, Selenium 55 mcg) administered daily, starting from the day of admission, for the whole study period.

RESULTS: No significant differences were found in plasma oxidants and plasma antioxidant capacity between the two groups of patients.

CONCLUSIONS: These results did not reflect any significant benefits of an antioxidant oral supplementation at usual dosages when considering oxidative plasmatic values of superficial partial thickness burn patients.