Correlation of Redox Status with Procalcitonin and C-reactive Protein in Septic Patients.

Based on the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiological mechanisms of sepsis and the importance of PCT as a clinically applicable biomarker for early detection of inflammatory response initiation, we aimed this study at examining the correlation between PCT levels and oxidative stress parameters (prooxidants and antioxidants) in patients with sepsis. This study was designed as a case-series prospective clinical study which involved 103 critically ill patients and 17 healthy participants with diagnosis of sepsis/septic shock (over 18 years of age, both gender) admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Valjevo General Hospital in Serbia. All subjects were divided into patients who were operated on/underwent surgery before sampling and have sepsis (n = 24), patients who were operated on/underwent surgery before sampling and have septic shock (n = 25), patients who were not operated on/did not undergo surgery before sampling and have sepsis (n = 26), patients who were not operated on/did not undergo surgery before sampling and have septic shock (n = 28), and participants who are healthy (n = 17). PCT has confirmed a positive correlation with prooxidants and type of critical illness, and performing surgical intervention diminished oxidative stress in patients with septic shock. Prognosis in critically ill patients was strongly associated with PCT levels but not with nonspecifically C-reactive protein.

[The importance of hemodynamic monitoring in mitral and tricuspid valve surgery].

INTRODUCTION: Untreated mitral valve disease is associated with marked hemodynamic disorders, low ejection fraction (EF) and poor perfusion. The study aimed to explore the importance of hemodynamic monitoring in intraoperative evaluation and treatment of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study included 85 patients: group 1: 41 patients, EF<40%; group 11: 44 patients, EF>40%. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded after initation of anesthesia (1), after sternotomy (2), after extracorporeal circulation (ECC) (3) and before leaving the operation theatre (4). The following parameters were assessed: mean arterial pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance index, central venous pressure, cardiac index. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t-test and correlation analyses in time series. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Hemodynamic parameters were changed at the beginnig of surgery, but gradually improved after sternotomy and were normal at the end of the operation. Both examined groups presented with reduction of the pulmonary artery preassure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance index (reduction more than 30%) and cardiac index (up to 100%). Strong correlation between 1/2 and 3/4 assessments pointed to the importance of intraoperative evaluation. Swan-Ganz catheter ia a valuable tool used for hemodynamic monitoring. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative medication (based on obtained hemodynamic parameters) and operative treatment led to normalization of all parameters in both groups, regardless of the preoperative values of EF.