Reversal of Postburn Immunosuppression with Low-dose Polymyxin B

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Abstract
In a randomized study of 28 patients with thermal injury, polymyxin B was administered intravenously in small doses to attempt to block the immunosuppressive effects of endotoxin. When compared with controls, treated patients showed a reduction in septic complications and death, but this reduction is not statistically significant at this time. In vitro measurements of lymphocyte function, however, indicate a statistically significant improvement in the T helper to suppressor ratio, and in the lymphocyte responsiveness to a number of bacterial antigens.