Prognostic potential of cytokines, nitrates, and APACHE II score in sepsis

The prognostic potentials of physiological ([Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation] APACHE II score) and biochemical (Interleukin 6 [IL-6], Interleukin 6 soluble receptor [IL-6sR], and Interleukin 2 receptor [IL-2R], nitrates) measures were evaluated in sepsis. The APACHE II scores were calculated, and concentrations of the biochemical markers were measured, based upon information and samples obtained from 68 septic patients at time of diagnosis. Outcome (survival/non-survival) was determined at the end of the hospital stay associated with the septic episode. Statistically significant differences between survivors (S) and non-survivors (non-S) were found for APACHE II (p < 0.0001), IL-6 (p < 0.005), IL-6sR (p < 0.05), IL-2R (p < 0.02). No significant differences were found for nitrates. None of the markers could serve individually as an effective prognostic indicator. However, those markers demonstrating a significant difference between survivors and non-survivors may be able to contribute to a multi-parameter prognostic model.