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Updated: May 3, 2026
Pseudofracture: An Acute Peripheral Tissue Trauma Model
Published on: April 18, 2011
Predictive value of elevated interleukin-33 levels for multi-organ dysfunction syndrome in trauma patients in South
Sanghyun An1,2, In Sik Shin3, Myoung Jun Kim4
1Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea.
Background:
Multi-organ distress syndrome (MODS) causes morbidity in patients with trauma. This study evaluates the effectiveness of interleukin-33 (IL-33), which reflects tissue damage and the inflammatory response, as a MODS indicator in patients with trauma.
Methods:
Patients with trauma admitted to our trauma center between July 2022 and July 2023 were included. IL-33 levels were measured in blood samples for 4 days. Correlations with clinical and laboratory indicators, including initial IL-33 levels, were analyzed to identify independent predictors of MODS.
Results:
Among the 87 patients enrolled, 20 developed MODS. Initial IL-33 levels were elevated in the MODS group, compared with the non-MODS group. In the non-MODS group, IL-33 levels increased on day 1 and then declined, whereas in the MODS group, IL-33 levels were highest at admission (day 0) and decreased continuously through day 3. In patients with detectable initial IL-33 levels, the measured levels correlated with higher Abbreviated Injury Scale 5 scores and the Injury Severity Score (ISS). A logistic regression analysis revealed the ISS and delta neutrophil index as factors contributing to MODS progression.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest that initial IL-33 levels are elevated in the MODS group, compared with non-MODS group, and exhibit a rapidly declining trend, showing an initial association with MODS that was not maintained in a multivariate analysis. These findings suggest that IL-33 might have relevance in assessing trauma severity; however, further validation is required before it can be considered a biomarker for MODS.
Insights
Interleukin-33 (IL-33) levels were initially higher in trauma patients who developed multi-organ distress syndrome (MODS). However, IL-33 did not prove to be an independent predictor of MODS in further analysis.
Area of Science:
- Trauma care
- Critical care medicine
- Biomarker discovery
Background:
- Multi-organ distress syndrome (MODS) is a significant cause of morbidity in trauma patients.
- Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a cytokine that reflects tissue damage and inflammatory responses.
- Identifying reliable indicators for MODS is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of IL-33 as an indicator for MODS in trauma patients.
- To determine if initial IL-33 levels correlate with MODS development.
- To identify independent predictors of MODS progression.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 87 trauma patients admitted between July 2022 and July 2023.
- IL-33 levels were measured in blood samples for four days post-admission.
- Correlations between IL-33 levels, clinical data, and laboratory indicators were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Twenty patients developed MODS; they had higher initial IL-33 levels compared to the non-MODS group.
- IL-33 levels showed distinct patterns in MODS versus non-MODS groups post-admission.
- Initial IL-33 levels correlated with Abbreviated Injury Scale 5 and Injury Severity Score (ISS).
- ISS and delta neutrophil index were identified as independent predictors of MODS.
Conclusions:
- Initial IL-33 levels are elevated in trauma patients who develop MODS.
- While IL-33 shows an initial association with MODS, it was not an independent predictor in multivariate analysis.
- IL-33 may be relevant for assessing trauma severity, but further validation is needed for its use as a MODS biomarker.
