Postburn gastrointestinal vasoconstriction increases bacterial and endotoxin translocation

Splanchnic ischemia has been associated with bacterial translocation and increased endotoxin absorption from the gut. To study the effects of major burn on splanchnic circulation, minipigs were randomized to receive 40% flame burn and Parkland resuscitation or sham burn and maintenance fluids. Total and fractionated blood flow, O2 delivery and consumption, mucosal pH of the intestine, and endotoxin levels in the superior mesenteric vein were measured for 48 h, and then abdominal organs were harvested for bacteriological culture and histopathological analysis. Total mesenteric blood flow and fractionated blood flow to the mucosa-submucosa of the jejunum, cecum, and colon decreased 2 and 4 h postburn. Although mesenteric O2 consumption was unchanged, mesenteric O2 delivery and intestinal mucosal pH were decreased during the early postburn period. Concomitantly, endotoxin levels in the superior mesenteric vein were significantly elevated during the first 8 h postburn. The bacteriological cultures of the systemic tissue samples showed increased bacterial translocation in the burn group. After major burns, there is a transient selective splanchnic vasoconstriction, which is associated with intestinal mucosal acidosis and increased incidence of bacterial translocation and endotoxin absorption from the gut.