Effect of continuous local dexamethasone on tissue biomechanics and histology after inhalational burn in a preclinical model

Objective Inhalational burns frequently lead to dysphonia and airway stenosis. We hypothesize local dexamethasone delivery via a novel drug-eluting electrospun polymer-mesh endotracheal tube (ETT) reduces biomechanical histologic changes in the vocal folds inhalational burn. Methods Dexamethasone-loaded polymer mesh was onto ETTs trimmed transglottic endolaryngeal segments secured nine Yorkshire Crossbreed swine with directed 150°C inhalation burns. Uncoated were implanted additional identical ETT maintained for 3 7 days. Vocal fold (VF) structural stiffness measured using automated-indentation mapping compared across groups four uninjured controls, matched assessment performed. Statistical analysis conducted two-way ANOVA Tukey's post hoc test Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results VF after burn decreased longer intubation, from 19.4 (7.6) mN/mm at days 11.3 (5.2) (p < .0001). Stiffness similarly dexamethasone, 25.9 (17.2) 18.1 (13.0) group increased tissues without = .0002), all placement had higher tissue .001). No significant change evidence of epithelial ulceration or fibrosis noted, while an degree inflammation noted .04). Conclusion Local increases uncoated acute laryngeal model, reflected early model.