Levels of oxidized low-density lipoproteins are increased in patients with severe sepsis

Background: It was hypothesized that the inflammatory response of patients with severe sepsis may result in changes of plasma levels of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDLs) and that drotrecogin (activated) (DAA) (Xigris, Eli Lilly and Company [Indiana 46285, USA]) may. influence ox-LDL levels. Materials and Methods: The ox-LDL Levels were measured in severe septic patients on day 1, 4, and 7 of severe sepsis. Patients were treated either with Or Without DAA. Results: The ox-LDL levels increased significantly (P < .05) front day 1 to day 7 (day 1, mean +/- SEM, 25.4 +/- 1.8 U/L; day 4, mean +/- SEM, 34.3 +/- 2.1 U/L; day 7, mean +/- SEM, 38.3 +/- 2.1 U/L) in all patients (n = 68). The ox-LDL levels increased significantly from day 1 to day 7 both in patients treated with (n = 31) and without DAA (n = 37) (P < .001) (DAA-group; day 1, mean +/- SEM, 24.4 +/- 2.8 U/L; day 4, mean +/- SEM, 35.5 +/- 2.9 U/L; day 7, mean +/- SEM, 40.7 +/- 3.2 U/L) (Control group; day 1, mean +/- SEM, 26.3 +/- 2.8 U/L; day 4, mean SEM, 33.2 +/- 2.9 U/L; day 7, mean +/- SEM 36.4 +/- 2.9 U/L). No significant differences of ox-LDL levels were observed between both groups at any point of time (P > .05). Conclusions: The ox-LDL concentrations increase significantly during the first week of severe sepsis and are not affected by administration of drotrecogin alpha (activated) (Xigris). (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.