Cytokine IL1α and lactate as markers for tissue damage in spineboard immobilisation. A prospective, randomised open-label crossover trial

IL1α and lactate both have a strong relationship with pressure exposure time, but not with pressure magnitude. Furthermore, IL1α was measured even in the absence of visible redness of the skin. The study offers the potention of biomarkers, reflecting inflammation and/or tissue metabolism, for use in assessing the effects of prolonged spineboard support.