Fatal Outcome in Bacteremia is Characterized by High Plasma Cell Free DNA Concentration and Apoptotic DNA Fragmentation: A Prospective Cohort Study
2011

High Plasma Cell Free DNA Concentration and Apoptotic DNA Fragmentation in Bacteremia

Sample size: 132 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Huttunen Reetta, Kuparinen Taru, Jylhävä Juulia, Aittoniemi Janne, Vuento Risto, Huhtala Heini, Laine Janne, Syrjänen Jaana, Hurme Mikko

Primary Institution: Tampere University Hospital

Hypothesis

Is high plasma cell free DNA concentration associated with fatal outcomes in bacteremia?

Conclusion

Plasma cf-DNA concentration is a specific independent prognostic biomarker in bacteremia, with higher levels indicating a greater risk of death.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients with high cf-DNA levels had a significantly higher risk of death.
  • cf-DNA levels were higher in nonsurvivors compared to survivors.
  • High cf-DNA concentration was an independent risk factor for case fatality.

Takeaway

This study found that patients with high levels of cell-free DNA in their blood are more likely to die from bacteremia, which is a serious infection.

Methodology

The study measured plasma cf-DNA levels in 132 patients with bacteremia and analyzed the data using quantitative PCR and logistic regression.

Limitations

The study did not include a control group of critically ill patients without bacteremia, which limits the ability to compare cf-DNA levels.

Participant Demographics

Patients were adults aged 16 to 93, with a median age of 62, including 62 females and 70 males.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI 0.69–0.94

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0021700

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