Activated cytotoxic T cells and NK cells in severe sepsis and septic shock and their role in multiple organ dysfunction.

To evaluate the role of activated cytotoxic cells in patients with severe sepsis (n = 32) or septic shock (n = 8), direct (granzymes A and B) as well as indirect markers (cytokines) for cytotoxic cell activation were measured. Elevated IL-12p40 levels had been detected in 58% of the sepsis patients, whereas only a few had detectable TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, or IL-12p70 levels. Granzymes A and B levels were elevated in 42.

Administration of C1 inhibitor reduces neutrophil activation in patients with sepsis.

Forty patients with severe sepsis or septic shock recently received C1 inhibitor. In the present study we studied the effect of C1 inhibitor therapy on circulating elastase-alpha(1)-antitrypsin complex (EA) and lactoferrin (LF) levels in these patients to gain further insight about agonists involved in the activation of neutrophils in human sepsis. Elevated levels of EA and LF were found in 65 and 85% of the septic patients, respectively.

Elevated nucleosome levels in systemic inflammation and sepsis.

Objective: Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is a frequent complication of severe sepsis and septic shock and has a high mortality. We hypothesized that extensive apoptosis of cells might constitute the cellular basis for this complication.

Design: Retrospective study.