Characterization of circulating monocytes expressing HLA-DR or CD71 and related soluble factors for 2 weeks after severe, non-thermal injury.

Background: Severe injury is associated with changes in monocytes that may contribute to poor outcomes. Longitudinal characterization of monocyte response patterns after trauma may provide added insight into these immunological alterations.

Methods: Venous blood obtained seven times during post-injury days 1 through 13 from 61 patients with an injury severity score >20 was assessed by flow cytometry for monocytes (CD14+) expressing HLA-DR or CD71 (transferrin receptor) and for circulating levels of interleukin (IL) 1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, soluble CD14 (sCD14), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)), and endotoxin.