Circulating nucleosomes as a predictor of sepsis and organ dysfunction in critically ill patients.

Objectives: Sepsis is a leading cause of death in critically ill patients, and apoptosis plays a major role in the pathophysiology of sepsis. Elevated levels of circulating nucleosomes released by apoptotic cells have been detected in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic/prognostic value of circulating nucleosomes in sepsis.

[Early high-volume hemofiltration treatment in severe sepsis].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of early application of high-volume hemofiltration treatment (HVHF) on the levels of lactic acid, pro-inflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP) in plasma, as well as APACHE II score in patients suffering from severe sepsis.

Methods: Thirty patients meeting the diagnosis of severe sepsis were enrolled in the trial within 24 hours of insults. The level of lactic acid, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CRP in plasma were measured before HVHF and at 24, 48 or 72 h following HVHF treatment.