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[Studies on low protein C-expression in severe sepsis]
S Manekeller1, H-J Hertfelder, T von Spiegel
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Thorax- und Gefässchirurgie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Bonn.
Zentralblatt Fur Chirurgie
|August 17, 2005
Summary
Higher protein C levels in severe sepsis survivors indicate its role as an anticoagulant. Non-survivors had lower protein C, suggesting increased consumption due to coagulation activation.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Hematology
- Sepsis Pathophysiology
Background:
- Severe sepsis is linked to increased morbidity and mortality.
- Protein C deficiency may contribute to poor outcomes in sepsis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plasma protein C levels over time in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) versus severe sepsis.
- To investigate the reasons for reduced protein C expression in severe sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Plasma protein C, thrombin-antithrombin-complex, and factor VII levels were measured twice weekly in 32 severe sepsis patients and 10 SIRS patients.
- Patients were admitted to a surgical intensive care unit.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in protein C, thrombin-antithrombin-complex, or factor VII levels between SIRS and severe sepsis groups.
- Survivors of severe sepsis had significantly higher protein C levels than non-survivors.
- Survivors had significantly lower thrombin-antithrombin-complex levels; factor VII showed no significant difference.
Conclusions:
- Higher plasma protein C concentrations in severe sepsis survivors compared to non-survivors.
- Lower protein C levels in non-survivors may result from increased consumption as an anticoagulant during sepsis-induced coagulation activation.