Methemoglobin: A New Way to Distinguish Burn Depth.

In this work, we present a model of dynamics of methemoglobin (MetHb) in burn injuries and show that measuring levels of MetHb can distinguish thickness in burn injuries.

METHODS: The model of dynamics of MetHb levels in blood of subjects with burn injuries has been developed based on the vascular morphology of the skin. The model contains burn-specific and non-specific components.

RESULTS: The model predicts three distinct outcomes: (a) superficial burn, where the superficial plexus is mainly intact, (b) partial thickness burn, where the superficial plexus lies within the zone of coagulation, but the deep plexus is mainly intact, and (c) full depth burn, where the deep plexus lies in the zone of coagulation. The use of MetHb as a marker of burn injury has not just anatomical, but also physiological justification. The model is in qualitative agreement with a clinical study and an animal model (Yorkshire swine), which used Near Infrared Spectroscopy to assess MetHb levels in burns.

CONCLUSIONS: MetHb level in burn injuries is a physiological variable that can be used to classify burn injuries.