Relationship between polymorphonuclear leucocytes and the outcome of patients with severe trauma

Major trauma is accompanied by a marked inflammatory reaction that involves infiltration of blood polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) into the injured area. This process is dynamic and evolves rapidly over the first 24–72 hours after injury. Activated PMNs can contribute to tissue damage by release of oxygen radicals, proteolytic enzymes and proinflammatory cytokines. The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that occurs early after major trauma is characterized by a neutrophil infiltrate within the lungs. Also the inflammation, in response to brain injury, involves infiltration of neutrophils into the injured brain parenchyma.