[The PMN elastase plasma level, a biochemical parameter of the severity of trauma].

Polytrauma patients with defined severity of trauma showed a significant release of lysosomal enzymes as measured by PMN leucocyte elastase-alpha 1 proteinase inhibitor complex in plasma. A positive correlation was found between the amount of liberated elastase and the severity of trauma (- indicated by means of extent of tissue trauma and blood loss). The concentration of elastase complexed with alpha 1 proteinase inhibitor may serve as an indicator for the severity of trauma and as an objective parameter supplementing the scales and scores used until now, which all are based upon subjective judgement.