SERUM NEOPTERIN AND SOLUBLE INTERLEUKIN-2 RECEPTOR FOR PREDICTION OF A SHOCK STATE IN GRAM-NEGATIVE SEPSIS

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of neopterin and soluble interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor for shock occurrence in gram-negative sepsis. Methods: We examined 57 patients admitted to an intensive care unit with gram-negative sepsis diagnosed according to preestablished criteria. Blood samples were collected every 24 hours and neopterin and soluble IL-2 receptor were measured by using commercially available test kits. To judge the predictive significance of these analyses the Cox proportional hazards regression model was used. Results: Both neopterin (P < .05) and soluble IL-2 receptor (P < .01) were identified as significant predictors of a shock state, but the prognostic strength of neopterin exceeded that of soluble IL-2 receptor. To further assess if other factors could interfere with the predictive significance of both compounds, we also investigated other clinical and laboratory variables but these candidate predictors did not contribute any additional significant predictive information. Conclusion: The measurement of serum neopterin and soluble IL-2 receptor concentrations has predictability for identifying patients with gram-negative sepsis at risk for progression toward the syndrome of septic shock.