[The predictive value of serum neopterin for multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in extensively burned patients]

To evaluate the predictive value of serum neopterin for multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in extensively burned patients.

Twenty-nine burn patients with TBSA of more than 70% were included in this study, and these patients were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of MODS. Blood samples were obtained on 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 postburn days (PBDs). And serum neopterin levels were determined by radioimmunossay. To evaluate the predictive power of neopterin, sensitivity, specificity, predictive value of a positive/negative test were calculated for the diagnosis of MODS.

Serum neopterin levels in MODS group were significantly higher than those in non-MODS group on 3, 7, 14 and 21 PBDs (P < 0.05 similar 0.01). And a positive correlation was found between neopterin levels and MODS scores in patients who developed MODS on 3, 7 and 21 PBDs (r = 0.470 similar 0.811). In a period of up to 28 PBDs, neopterin levels exceeding 35.0 nmol/L were associated with MODS by a clinical sensitivity of 81.1%, a specificity of 89.9%, a positive predictive value of 81.1%, and a negative predictive value of 89.9%.

These data indicated that the presence of constant high neopterin serum levels appear to be associated with the development of postburn MODS. Serum levels of neopterin might be a useful marker for the early identification of extensive burned patients at risk for MODS.