Low plasma granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor is an indicator of poor prognosis in sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: Monocyte dysfunction has been shown to be associated with adverse consequences in septic patients. The cytokine growth factor granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) may be required for optimal monocyte function in these patients. The current study investigates whether plasma GM-CSF levels were significantly different in septic patients and whether there was an association with prognosis. DESIGN: Plasma samples were collected from all septic patients from day 1 of the diagnosis of sepsis for 3 days. Healthy volunteer plasma served as control samples. A novel enzyme-linked immuno-adsorbent assay was developed with suitable sensitivity for detection of GM-CSF in patient and normal plasma. APACHE II score, age, sex and outcome were determined for all patients. SETTING: A single centre study at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital in a medico-surgical 13 bed intensive care unit. PATIENTS: All septic patients (n = 53) fulfilling the criteria of the APCC for the diagnosis of sepsis, were recruited for the study with informed consent from day 1 of the diagnosis of sepsis and plasma GM-CSF measured on three consecutive days. Patients were excluded from the study if on immunosuppressive therapy. Normal healthy volunteers (n = 33) were included in the study to serve as controls. RESULTS: Plasma GM-CSF levels were statistically significantly depressed in patients who died compared with those who survived, who had levels comparable with healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that low plasma GM-CSF is associated with adverse consequences for septic patients. The measurement of GM-CSF in the plasma of septic patients merits further study for use as a prognostic marker and also to identify the type of immunotherapy the patient may benefit from.