Interferon gamma in trauma-related infections.

OBJECTIVE

The efficacy of interferon gamma therapy in reducing infection and improving outcome from infection in patients sustaining major injury was examined.

DESIGN

Randomized double-blind placebo control trial

SETTING

Nine level one university affiliated trauma centers in the United States.

PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS

Four hundred sixteen patients with injury severity score (ISS) > or = 25 or ISS > or = 20 with evidence of wound contamination.

INTERVENTION

Recombinant human interferon gamma 100 ug or placebo was given subcutaneously daily for up to 21 days in addition to standard antibiotic therapy.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Comparable rates of major and minor infections were observed. Among the patients treated with interferon gamma there were fewer deaths related to major infection regardless of type [7-(3%) vs 18-(9%)]. The results, however, were dominated by one center which had the highest enrollment, infection and death rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies are warranted to investigate the role of interferon gamma therapy in improving outcome with major infection.