Introduction: Endothelial damage accounts greatly for the high mortality in septic shock. Higher expression of mediators (IL-6, IL-8, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [sICAM-1], soluble endothelial-linked adhesion molecule 1 [sELAM-1]) have been described for non-survivors in comparison with survivors. We investigated the predictive value of the mediators IL-6, IL-8, sELAM-1 and sICAM-1 and their time course in intensive care unit patients who developed septic shock with respect to outcome.
Materials and methods: We measured serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, sELAM-1 and sICAM-1 in 40 intensive care unit patients who developed septic shock. Measurements were performed until death or until resolution of septic shock. Clinical and laboratory data were also recorded.
Results: After 48 hours the levels of sELAM-1 and sICAM-1 increased in non-survivors and decreased in survivors. sELAM-1 was predictive for outcome on the third day (P = 0.02) and the fourth day (P = 0.02) after diagnosis of septic shock. This difference in the time course between survivors and non-survivors occurred 7 days before death of the patients (median, 10 days). sICAM-1 levels increased significantly in non-survivors over the study period (P < 0.001). sELAM-1 (P = 0.04), IL-6 (P = 0.04) and IL-8 (P = 0.008) were significantly higher in non-survivors over the whole study period. The age and norepinephrine dose >0.5 mug/kg/min were significantly different between the groups.
Conclusion: sELAM-1 showed a markedly opposing course after 48 hours of septic shock. This adhesion molecule may be a useful early predictor of disease severity in the course of septic shock after early initial treatment of the patients, and might suggest considering endothelial-restoring therapy.