Combined inhibition of C5 and CD14 efficiently attenuated the inflammatory response in a porcine model of meningococcal sepsis.

Background: Fulminant meningococcal sepsis, characterized by overwhelming innate immune activation, mostly affects young people and causes high mortality. This study aimed to investigate the effect of targeting two key molecules of innate immunity, complement component C5, and co-receptor CD14 in the Toll-like receptor system, on the inflammatory response in meningococcal sepsis.

Methods: Meningococcal sepsis was simulated by continuous intravenous infusion of an escalating dose of heat-inactivated administered over 3 h.

Paediatric ventilation treatment of acute lung injury in Nordic intensive care units.

Background: Treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in children is largely based on extrapolated knowledge obtained from adults and which varies between different hospitals. This study explores ventilation treatment strategies for children with ARDS in the Nordic countries, and compares these with international practice.

Methods: In October 2012, a questionnaire covering ventilation treatment strategies for children aged 1 month to 6 years of age with ARDS was sent to 21 large Nordic intensive care units that treat children with ARDS.