Endogenous prostaglandin F2 alpha in the hyperdynamic state of severe sepsis in man

Nine surgical patients underwent haemodynamic and respiratory monitoring during the course of severe sepsis. Endogenous PGF2 alpha levels in mixed venous and arterial plasma were measured. Results indicate pulmonary net release of PGF2 alpha, since arterial levels (1252 +/- 119 pg/ml) are significantly higher than mixed venous ones (824 +/- 89 pg/ml) in full-pronounced hyperdynamic septic shock. By contrast, the inactive metabolite KH2PGF2 alpha was found in lowest concentrations during shock (368 +/- 72 pg/ml) which suggests impaired pulmonary degradation. It is concluded that circulating PGF2 alpha is a marker of stimulated prostaglandin production in severe human sepsis.