Combining Serum Procalcitonin Level, Thromboelastography, and Platelet Count to Predict Short-term Development of Septic Shock in Intensive Care Unit.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, sepsis continues to lead to high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to save lives. However, most biomarkers can only help to diagnose sepsis, but cannot predict the development of septic shock in high-risk patients. The present study determined whether the combined measurement of procalcitonin (PCT), thromboelastography (TEG) and platelet (PLT) count can predict the development of septic shock. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 175 septic patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit between January 2017 and February 2021. These patients were divided into two groups: 73 patients who developed septic shock were assigned to the septic shock group, while the remaining 102 patients were assigned to the sepsis group. Then, the demographic, clinical and laboratory data were recorded, and the predictive values of PCT, TEG and PLT count for the development of septic shock were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared to the sepsis group, the septic shock group had statistically lower PLT count and TEG measurements in the R value, K value, α angle, maximum amplitude, and coagulation index, but had longer prothrombin time (DT), longer activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and higher PCT levels. Furthermore, the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was higher in the septic shock group. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PCT, TEG and PLT count were associated with the development of septic shock. The area under the curve analysis revealed that the combined measurement of PCT, TEG and PLT count can be used to predict the development of septic shock with higher accuracy, when compared to individual measurements. CONCLUSION: The combined measurement of PCT, TEG and PLT count is a novel approach to predict the development of septic shock in high-risk patients.

[A study on the relationship between metabolic syndrome and anterior cerebral infarction].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and anterior circulation infarction (ACI). METHODS: 271 ACI patients (166 men and 105 women) who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of China Guideline for Cerebrovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment were enrolled. 147 control subjects (67 men and 80 women) without the clinical signs of cerebral infarction but with detailed case history, physical examination and CT or MRI were also selected. The prevalence and risk of MS were observed in the ACI and control group. MS was defined with the modified criteria in Chinese. RESULTS: The prevalence of MS in the ACI group and control subjects was respectively 43.17% and 19.05%. The prevalence of MS was significantly higher in the ACI group as compared with the control subjects (P < 0.01). The component level of MS were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). MS was associated with a 3.7 fold higher risk of ACI (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There is a close relationship between MS and ACI. MS is an important risk factor of ACI.