Prognostic value of serum concentrations of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 in dermal burn injuries among pediatric patients.

The primary aim of this study was to determine whether a significant correlation exists between the relative decline in serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) between the third and eighth day post-injury and the duration of epithelialization in dermal burns among pediatric patients. Additional objectives included analyzing the correlation between total body surface area (TBSA) affected and serum IL-6 and IL-8 levels on the third day post-injury, evaluating differences in cytokine dynamics between surgically and conservatively treated patients, and assessing the influence of invasive bacterial presence on IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations. This prospective study included 36 pediatric patients with second-degree dermal burns affecting up to 20% TBSA. Serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 were measured on the third, fifth, and eighth days post-injury. There was no significant correlation between the relative decline in IL-6 or IL-8 and the duration of epithelialization (p=.713). However, IL-6 levels and IL-8 levels correlated significantly with TBSA on the third day after injury (p=.037 for IL-6 and p=.001 for IL-8). No significant differences were observed in cytokine dynamics between surgical and conservative treatment groups. The presence of invasive bacteria did not significantly affect IL-6 or IL-8 concentrations.