Steroids and immunity from injury through to rehabilitation

Foster, Mark Anthony (2016). Steroids and immunity from injury through to rehabilitation. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

There are over one million deaths from road traffic collisions. In Afghanistan, there have been 2005 UK battle injuries over 10 years. Advances in military trauma care have improved survival, resulting in more severely injured individuals entering the trauma care pathway. Improved understanding of immunoendocrine changes after severe trauma may facilitate novel interventions to improve outcomes. We prospectively recruited 102 severely injured patients at the QEH Birmingham; 52 military and 50 civilian patients with a mean Injury Severity Score of 27.2±13.9. Blood and 24-hr urine were collected at baseline (injury<24h) and at regular intervals from while in hospital and at 3,4, and 6 months. Results demonstrated a reduced neutrophil function following a surge of DAMPs and cytokines that were released into the circulation. Both DHEA and DHEAS were significantly down-regulated (p<0.0001). Serum testosterone was initially completely suppressed (p<0.0001) but normalised after week 4. Protein and muscle loss followed a U-shaped curve; catabolism began to recovery 4-6 weeks following injury. In conclusion, the acute response to severe injury comprises increased glucocorticoid activation and down-regulation of adrenal and gonadal androgens. Delineation of whether the endocrine changes are beneficial or adverse will determine the potential for future intervention studies.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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