RATIONALE Cytokines are central mediators of the immune-inflammatory response to injury and subsequent multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Although previous studies evaluated cytokine levels after trauma, differences between patients with burn and non-burn trauma have not been assessed systematically. METHODS A prospective database of trauma patients admitted between May 2004 and Sept...

The most common method for detection of drug resistant (DR) TB in resource-limited settings (RLSs) is indirect susceptibility testing on Lowenstein-Jensen medium (LJ) which is very time consuming with results available only after 2-3 months. Effective therapy of DR TB is therefore markedly delayed and patients can transmit resistant strains. Rapid and accurate tests suitable for RLSs in the dia...

BACKGROUND Although therapeutic concepts of patients with major trauma have improved during recent years, organ dysfunction still remains a frequent complication during clinical course in intensive care units. It has previously been shown that cytokines are upregulated under stress conditions such as trauma or sepsis. However, it is still debatable if cytokines are adequate parameters to descri...

To determine plasma concentrations of angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, Tie-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and determine their association with mortality.The study prospectively recruited 96 consecutive patients with severe sepsis in a l intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital. Plasma Ang-1, Ang-2, Tie-2,...

Most of the major advances in the prevention and treatment of burn sepsis and MODS have been made within the last 20 years. Improvements have been made in gaining a better understanding of the pathophysiology of burn sepsis and MODS, in revising the definition of sepsis and MODS, and in prevention and treatment of burn shock. Additionally, improvements have been made in fluid resuscitation in p...

INTRODUCTION Increased serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been identified for diagnosis and prognosis of impaired cardiac function in patients suffering from congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and sepsis. However, the prognostic value of BNP in multiple injured patients developing multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) remains undetermined. Therefore, the aims of this...

BACKGROUND Lactate is associated with morbidity and mortality; however, the value of prehospital lactate (pLA) is unknown. Our objective was to determine whether pLA improves identification of mortality and morbidity independent of vital signs. METHODS We measured pLA in 1,168 patients transported by rotorcraft to a Level I trauma center over 18 months. The primary outcome was in-hospital mor...

BACKGROUND High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a late mediator of systemic inflammation. Extracellular HMGB1 play a central pathogenic role in critical illness. The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between plasma HMGB1 concentrations and the risk of poor outcomes in patients with severe blunt chest trauma. METHODS The plasma concentrations of HMGB1 in patients with sev...

BACKGROUND Severe trauma induces a widespread response of the immune system. This "genomic storm" can lead to poor outcomes, including Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS). MODS carries a high mortality and morbidity rate and adversely affects long-term health outcomes. Contemporary management of MODS is entirely supportive, and no specific therapeutics have been shown to be effective in ...

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been used in a wide variety of diseases. Many researchers hypothesize that the dysbiosis intestinal plays an important role development gut-derived infections; thus, FMT is potential therapeutic target against multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). A 106-year-old male patient was initially diagnosed with cerebral infarction and pulmonary infection...