Erythrocyte SOD1 activity, but not SOD1 polymorphisms, is associated with ICU mortality in patients with septic shock

Glutathione Reductase Is Associated with the Clinical Outcome of Septic Shock in the Patients Treated Using Continuous Veno-Venous Haemofiltration

Background and objectives: At present, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of continuous veno-venous haemofiltration (CVVH) in the early treatment of septic shock. This study focuses on the association between survival and different parameters of oxidative stress (RedOx). Thereby, we evaluated whether RedOx markers are associated with the outcome of septic shock in patients under early-initiated CVVH treatment. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of 65 patients with septic shock who started CVVH within 12 h after hospital admission. Blood samples were taken from each patient prior to the start of CVVH. The following RedOx markers were measured: glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase (GR), total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated using binary logistic regression and stepwise multivariable regression. Results: The 65 patients had a median age of 66 years and 39 were male. Based on the outcome, the patients were divided into two groups—non-survivors (n = 29) and survivors (n = 36)—and the levels of RedOx markers were compared between them. Of all the markers, only higher GR activity was found to be significantly associated with the fatal outcome; 100.3 U/L versus 60.5 U/L, OR = 1.027 (95% CI, 1.010–1.044). Following adjustment for the sequential organ failure assessment score and other parameters, GR activity still presented a significant association with the fatal outcome, OR = 1.020 (95% CI, 1.002–1.038). Conclusions: GR activity is associated with in-hospital fatal outcomes among septic shock patients under early-initiated CVVH treatment. Septic shock patients who have a lower GR activity at hospital admission may have a favourable outcome of the early initiation of CVVH.

Urea to albumin ratio is a predictor of mortality in patients with septic shock

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate urea to albumin ratio (UAR) as predictor of mortality in patients with septic shock.

METHODS

We included all individuals aged ≥ 18 years, with the diagnosis of septic shock at Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. Laboratorial and clinical data was recorded within the first 24 h of the patient's admission. Serum urea and albumin concentration were used for UAR calculation. All patients were followed during their ICU stay and the mortality rate was recorded.

RESULTS

222 patients were included in the analysis; the mean age was 62.3 ± 15.1 years and 66% were male. Mortality rate during the ICU stay was 59.9% and the median UAR was 40.7 (24.5-66.1). The UAR was also higher in patients who died in the ICU and was positively correlated with APACHE II, SOFA score and CRP. The ROC ICU mortality development (AUC: 0.617; CI 95%: 0.541-0.693; p: 0.003) at the cutoff of ≥47.25. Furthermore, UAR values were associated with ICU mortality when adjusted by age, sex and APACHE II (OR: 1.011; CI95%:1.000-1.022; p = 0.043) and when adjusted by lactate (OR: 1.014; CI95%:1.003-1.024; p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that UAR could play a role as predictor of ICU mortality in patients with septic shock.