Plasma Gelsolin Depletion and Circulating Actin in Sepsis—A Pilot Study
Author Information
Author(s): Lee Po-Shun, Patel Sanjay R., Christiani David C., Bajwa Ednan, Stossel Thomas P., Waxman Aaron B.
Primary Institution: Brigham and Women's Hospital
Hypothesis
The extent of plasma gelsolin reduction correlates with outcomes of septic patients and circulating actin is a manifestation of sepsis.
Conclusion
Circulating actin and plasma gelsolin deficiency are associated with early sepsis, and the degree of plasma gelsolin deficiency correlates with sepsis mortality.
Supporting Evidence
- Actin was detected in 81% of plasma samples from septic patients.
- Survivors had significantly higher plasma gelsolin levels than non-survivors.
- Low plasma gelsolin levels were predictive of 28-day mortality.
Takeaway
In sick patients with sepsis, lower levels of a protein called plasma gelsolin are linked to higher chances of dying, and actin is found in their blood.
Methodology
We measured plasma gelsolin and actin levels in samples from non-surgical septic patients and correlated these with 28-day mortality.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the study being conducted at a single academic hospital.
Limitations
The study was limited to non-surgical septic patients and may not generalize to all sepsis cases.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 66 years, with 61.9% being men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Confidence Interval
[1.04–11.43]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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