Observation of blood motion in the internal jugular vein by contact and contactless photoplethysmography during physiological testing: case studies.

Central venous pressure is an estimate of right atrial pressure and is often used to assess hemodynamic status. However, since it is measured invasively, non-invasive alternatives would be of great utility. The aim of this preliminary study was a) to investigate whether photoplethysmography (PPG) can be used to characterize venous system fluid motion and b) to find the model for venous blood volume modulations.

Circulating Syndecan-1 as a Predictor of Persistent Thrombocytopenia and Lethal Outcome: A Population Study of Patients With Suspected Sepsis Requiring Intensive Care.

Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host responses to infection. Recent studies have suggested that endotheliopathy may be the common basis for multiple organ failure in sepsis. Under septic conditions, accumulation of proteases accelerates shedding of proteoglycans, such as syndecan-1, from the endothelial surface, resulting in augmented leukocyte adhesion to the vascular wall, enhanced vascular permeability, and intravascular coagulation.