Beneficial effects of ethanol on experimental burns
Tikellis, J.I.; Spillert, C.R.; Suval, W.; Lazaro, E.J.
American Surgeon 52(1): 53-55
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1348 PMID: 3942389 Document Number: 282516
Alcohol has been demonstrated to produce cutaneous vasodilation. The burn wound is characterized by a compromised microcirculation which is amenable to pharmacologic manipulation to improve the final outcome of the injury. Various agents including heparin, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents have been employed to maintain a patent microcirculatory bed. Ethanol has been used in the present study in a murine burn model as a vasodilator administered immediately preburn and post-burn. Preburn administration of ethanol significantly improved the mean burn severity at 48 hr compared to ethanol given post-burn. Ethanol, acting as a vasodilator, improves dermal circulation post-burn and reduces the overall extent of injury.