Clinical science
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To obtain predictors of organ failure (OF), we studied markers of systemic inflammation [circulating levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R), soluble E-selectin and C-reactive protein, and neutrophil and monocyte CD11b expression] and routine blood cell counts in 20 patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and positive blood culture. Eight patients with shock due to community-acquired infection developed OF, whereas 11 normotensive patients and one patient with shock did not (NOF group). The first blood sample was collected within 48 h after taking the blood culture (T1). ⋯ The maximum SISS value was 7. The range of SISS values in OF patients was 2-5, and that in NOF patients was 0-1. In conclusion, high levels of CD11b expression, depressed platelet and monocyte counts, and high concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and sIL-2R predict OF in patients with community-acquired septic shock, and the combination of these markers may provide the means to identify sepsis patients who will develop OF.