[Systemic steroids use in second degree burn using an animal model].

BACKGROUND

the use of steroids is recognized in septic shock. There are reports of their use in burns. It is also known their negative effect in wound healing.

OBJECTIVE

to know the effect of steroids in burn healing.

METHODS

two groups of ten rats (wistar) were exposed to metallic cylinder at 95°C for 15 seconds on the back. At the moment of the burn one group received hydrocortisone dose 5 mg/kg. The other group didn't received medication. The scar was removed at the fifth day and the burn injury was covered with queratinocyte culture. The rats were sacrificed at 14th day. The presence of infection and the percentage of new epithelium, fibrosis, inflammatory process, presence of fibroblast and vascular proliferation were evaluated. We compared both groups using χ(2) test.

RESULTS

there are no difference between groups in fibrosis, inflammatory process, or fibroblast presence. But there is a difference in vascular proliferation against the first group (steroid group). There were no signs of infection and all of them were epithelized at the 14th day.

CONCLUSIONS

the use of steroids in burns only showed difference in vascular proliferation.