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Pseudofracture: An Acute Peripheral Tissue Trauma Model
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Impaired blood polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration and infection risk in severe trauma

G Egger1, A Burda, H Mitterhammer

  • 1Institute of Pathophysiology, Karl-Franzens University, Graz, Austria. gerd.egger@eunet.at

The Journal of Infection
|July 16, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Impaired polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) migration in trauma patients is linked to a higher risk of bacterial infections. Whole-blood migration tests can predict infection risk in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Trauma Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Severe trauma can compromise the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections.
  • Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) play a crucial role in fighting bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between impaired blood polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) migration and the incidence of bacterial infections in severe trauma patients.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study enrolled 26 intensive-care patients with varying injury severity scores.
  • Daily PMN migration was assessed using a whole blood membrane filter assay.
  • An automated image analyzer quantified PMN migration upon stimulation with f-Met-Leu-Phe.

Main Results:

  • Nine patients developed verified posttraumatic bacterial infections, exhibiting reduced PMN migratory capacity compared to uninfected patients.
  • A PMN migration percentage of 6% or less for three consecutive days preceded infections by 1-19 days.
  • The test demonstrated 82.3% specificity and 88.8% sensitivity for predicting infection (p=0.0008).

Conclusions:

  • Impaired PMN migration in trauma patients signifies an elevated risk of bacterial infection.
  • Whole-blood migration tests are valuable predictive markers for identifying infection risk in trauma patients.

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