How Does Plasma Help Burn Victims?
Severe burns are not only physically devastating but can also lead to life-threatening complications, infections, or organ failure.
In critical situations like these, donated plasma can help burn victims on their path toward healing and recovery.
What Types of Burns Require Plasma?
Burn injuries span a broad spectrum of severity, ranging from small local burns to significant burns that cover much of the body, damage the skin, and injure deeper tissues (e.g., fat, muscle, and bone).
In cases where burns are more severe and cover a large portion of the body, using plasma therapy is an essential part of treatment.
Why Do Burn Victims Need Plasma?
Victims of severe burns are at risk of burn shock.
In a severe burn injury, it is common for fluid to leak from the blood vessels (including veins and arteries) into other tissues, resulting in insufficient fluid within the blood vessels. This is known as hypovolemic shock and may result in kidney failure, among other complications. Intervention is critical, as extensive burns can be fatal if not treated promptly.
After a severe burn, if the fluid volume within the blood vessels is not corrected, shock continues, tissues do not receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive, and major organs—including the kidneys—can fail.
Infusing plasma into a burn victim’s veins can replenish vital fluid volume.
Plasma therapy for burn victims has other important benefits. In severe burn injuries, the body’s clotting system can be compromised. Plasma contains essential clotting factors and can help correct clotting issues, such as hemorrhages or uncontrolled bleeding. Plasma can also help restore and protect the endothelium, the lining of the blood vessels.
Plasma may be preferable to other IV fluids sometimes given after burns, such as Lactated Ringer’s solution or normal saline. Plasma was more commonly used for the treatment of burn injuries in the past before being replaced by these other IV fluids. However, today, it is being used frequently in burn centers and is receiving increased attention for its benefits.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Burns
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has a high concentration of platelets, which play a crucial role in the healing process in severe burn injuries.
The platelets in PRP contain growth factors that can help accelerate cell regeneration and tissue repair.
Platelet-rich plasma treatment for burn injuries is a valuable intervention for burn wounds for two primary reasons. First, it can aid in wound healing by promoting cellular growth and tissue regeneration. Second, it can prevent bacterial infection within the wound, a serious complication of burn injuries.
Your Plasma Donations Can Help
Plasma donations can provide burn victims the essential treatment they need to heal and recover.
Donating life-changing plasma and platelets at PlasmaSource can help make a difference in the lives of others, support disease prevention, aid in research, and facilitate the development of vital pharmaceuticals.
Our highly trained experts are ready to help you donate plasma and get paid in a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment. Learn more about our plasma donation process, and contact us to schedule an appointment.
