Evaluation of Endothelial Glycocalyx in the Surgical Resuscitation of Major Burn Patients

Overview

The purpose of this observational study is to examine whether Endotheliopathy of Trauma (EoT) is present in severely burned patients and how it is affected by burn debridement surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Do severely burned patients present with EoT before undergoing burn debridement surgery? * Does the surgical intervention worsen EoT, leading to increased postoperative syndecan 1 (sdc 1) levels compared to preoperative levels? Participants will: * Undergo debridement surgery where the total area of debrided and donor sites covers 20% or more of the Total Body Surface Area (TBSA). * Have their sdc 1 levels measured before and after surgery. * Have perioperative factors analyzed to assess their impact on endothelial damage and glycocalyx functionality. This study aims to provide insight into how surgical resuscitation affects the endothelial glycocalyx in severely burned patients.

The endothelial glycocalyx is a protective layer of glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycans that lines the luminal surface of blood vessels and plays a critical role in regulating vascular permeability and coagulation. The syndecan family, consisting of four members (syndecan 1-4), is the main proteoglycan. Of particular interest, sdc 1 is a marker of endothelial damage, with elevated levels (\>40 ng/ml) being linked to EoT. This condition is characterized by increased transfusion requirements, prolonged hospital stays, and higher morbidity and mortality rates. Early burn debridement (from the fifth day onward) has been associated with improved outcomes in severely burned patients. The purpose of this surgical intervention is to mitigate the inflammatory response triggered by the burned (and potentially infected) skin. However, this surgery presents significant challenges for anesthesiologists, as it typically involves massive blood loss and may exacerbate the shock that these patients frequently experience. To counteract hemorrhagic shock induced by the surgical trauma, fluid and blood product administration is critical. The state of the endothelial glycocalyx may influence the effectiveness of surgical resuscitation. When damaged, the glycocalyx heightens the risk of postoperative pulmonary edema, prolonged mechanical ventilation, abdominal or limb compartment syndrome, and deepened burns due to poor perfusion. These complications increase the likelihood of sepsis, multi-organ failure, and elevated mortality. This study aims to evaluate whether EoT is present in severely burned patients before surgery and assess whether the surgical intervention exacerbates this condition. Investigators will conduct a two-year prospective observational cohort study at the Burn Unit of Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, from March 2024 to March 2026. The study will include patients undergoing burn debridement surgery involving 20% or more of their TBSA. Plasma sdc 1 levels will be measured preoperatively and postoperatively to assess glycocalyx disruption. Additionally, investigators will analyze perioperative factors to determine their relationship with endothelial damage. The literature on severely burned patients and the endothelial glycocalyx is limited, with no studies to date specifically addressing its role in surgical resuscitation. Quantifying perioperative sdc 1 levels will help provide a clearer understanding of the status and function of the glycocalyx in these patients. This insight could contribute to strategies aimed at protecting the endothelial glycocalyx, potentially reducing postoperative complications related to fluid therapy and positively impacting the morbidity and mortality of severely burned patients.