Eosinophil infiltration of burn wounds in young and older burn patients.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Advanced age alters many physiological processes in the body, including both innate and adaptive immune responses, affecting burn wound healing. Previous findings in our lab led us to look more closely at eosinophil infiltration of burn tissues. We hypothesize that burn wounds within the older population present with an increased population of eosinophils than those in the younger population. METHODS: A pilot study was performed utilizing samples collected from male and female patients 30-years-old and younger and 65-years-old and older. Samples were collected at day (PBD) 2-6 after burn. Deep partial-thickness burn tissues were collected during surgery, formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE), and assessed by H&E to confirm deep partial-thickness injury. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was then performed for Major Basic Protein (MBP) to identify eosinophils. Eosinophils/mm burn were calculated. Welch's Test was used to determine statistical significance of eosinophil measurements between young and old groups. RESULTS: Thirteen samples, were divided into two groups, Young (n=10) and Old (n=3). The mean and median age for Young was 23yo (Max 30yo; Min. 17yo). The mean age was 81yo and the median 84yo for the Old (Max. 93yo; Min. 67yo). Other demographics included race. It was found that the Young and Old groups had a mean of 0.171 Eos/mm and 0.910 Eos/mm, respectively, which was statistically significant (p=0.017). CONCLUSION: Older patients do present with increased eosinophil infiltration in the early stages of burn wound healing within our small sample set. Increased sample numbers will be required to confirm this discovery.