Elastase and granzymes during meningococcal disease in children: correlation to disease severity

J.B. van Woensel, M.H. Biezeveld, C.E. Hack, A.P. Bos, T.W. Kuijpers

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the levels of human neutrophil elastase and lymphocyte-derived granzymes A and B in relation to disease severity in children with meningococcal disease. Design: Clinical observational cohort study. Paediatric intensive care unit. Patients: All patients with meningococcal disease during the study period were included. Measurements and results: Blood sampling was done on the day of admission and on days 3 and 7. Assays for elastase and granzymes were done with ELISA. Sixty-one patients were included: 19 having distinct meningitis; 17 meningitis and shock; and 25 fulminant septicaemia. On admission levels of elastase were increased in all patients, being highest in those with fulminant septicaemia and lowest in those with distinct meningitis. Granzyme A (although marginally) and granzyme B levels were only increased in patients with shock. In 20 of the 28 patients admitted for ≥3 days elastase decreased from admission ("rapid-decrease" group). In the remaining 8 patients, elastase started to decrease after 2 days ("slow-decrease" group). Patients of the "slow-decrease" group had a higher temperature up to day 4, needed more respiratory support (mean airway pressure in cm H
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1239-1247
JournalIntensive Care Medicine
Volume31
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2005

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