The effect of low molecular weight heparin on salvaging the zone of stasis in an experimental burn model

Abstract

Background/aim: Multiple zones of injuries are formed after burns, consisting of a zone of coagulative necrosis, a zone of hyperemia, and a zone of stasis, in which progressive microcirculatory thrombosis leads to degeneration and deepening of the wound. We used an experimental rat comb burn model to test the hypothesis that use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) may save the zone of stasis. Materials and methods: Adult female rats were randomly divided two groups: the LMWH group (n = 8) rats received subcutaneous LMWH injections, while the saline group (n = 8) rats were injected with the same volume of saline solution by the same route. The zone of stasis was evaluated macroscopically and histologically, and functional capillary density was evaluated. Results: Histological assessments revealed higher macrophage numbers and PML density, fibroblast proliferation, and angiogenesis in the LMWH group than in the saline group. Functional capillary density measurement in the stasis zones revealed no significant difference between the two groups in the first 4 days, although a significant difference in favor of the LMW group was observed in the last 3 days. Conclusion: The results of this experimental study show that LMWH is effective in saving the zone of stasis.