Changes in plasma D-lactate and intestinal IgA levels in severe burn patients

Objective To investigate the underlying mechanism of intestinal barrier injury in severe burn patients.?Methods Plasma D lactate level and fecal IgA level of burn patients were measured with spectrophotometric assay and ELISA respectively.?Results A significant increase in plasma D lactate was observed and its level reached peak in the third week after burn. A marked decrease in intestinal IgA level was found,and it decreased to its lowest level in the second week after burn.?Conclusion The results suggested that many factors were involved in disruption of intestinal mucosal barrier function,and the decrease of IgA might play a role in it. Therefore,it seems to be important that distinct protective measures should be taken to maintain the intestinal barrier function of burn patients in various ways.