Biomedical subjects

Hans-Christoph Pape

Publications and source records attributed to Hans-Christoph Pape.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Effects of hypothermia and re-warming on the inflammatory response in a murine multiple hit model of trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Although, hypothermia is a frequent event after trauma, it is unclear whether its beneficial or detrimental effects are more important. This study aims to quantify the effects of hypothermia and re-warming on the inflammatory response after fracture/hemorrhage and subsequent fracture stabilization with resuscitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-one male C57Bl/6 mice (aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 22.0+/-3.0 g) underwent femoral fracture and hemorrhage followed by resuscitation and splint fixation of the fracture. Animals were sacrificed 3h after induction of hemorrhage and fracture. Besides a sham group (n=6), four experimental groups were created: A: normothermia (n=12), B: hypothermia after trauma (n=21), C: re-warming after resuscitation and before stabilization (n=21), and D: hypothermia before trauma (n=21). Groups B-D were further subdivided into three subgroups according to the degree of hypothermia (subgroup 1: 35-33 degrees C, subgroup 2: 32.9-30.0 degrees C, and subgroup 3: 29.9-27.0 degrees C). Plasma cytokine (TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10) and chemokine (MCP-1) concentrations were determined by ELISA, pulmonary permeability changes were quantified, and histological analysis of lung and liver tissues was performed. RESULTS: Normothermia resulted in a significantly increased early mortality rate. A significantly increased pro-inflammatory and decreased anti-inflammatory responses were also observed in normothermia as compared to hypothermia. The extent of these changes was most pronounced in the severe hypothermic group. Re-warming after mild hypothermia resulted in a pro-inflammatory response comparable to normothermia. CONCLUSION: Hypothermia has a beneficial effect on early survival after trauma, which appears to be independent of the level of hypothermia and re-warming. Re-warming, however, enhanced the pro-inflammatory response. Further studies with a longer posttraumatic observation period are required to investigate the long term effects of the hypothermia and re-warming-induced changes on the pro- and anti-inflammatory responses.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Implant retention and removal after internal fixation of the symphysis pubis.

Although internal fixation of diastasis of the symphysis pubis is commonly performed, there are no clear guidelines regarding the indications for removal of these implants. The long-term physiologic effects of retaining these internal fixation devices are not well described. We surveyed the literature to assess the current thinking and recommendations regarding implant retention and removal. Twenty-four case series and two case reports were found, for a total of 482 cases. Complications arose as a result of implant retention in 7.5% of patients, with infection the most common complication. There is no consensus in the literature regarding implant retention and removal after internal fixation of diastasis of the symphysis pubis.

Device Removal↗

PubMed2005

Secondary effects of femoral instrumentation on pulmonary physiology in a standardised sheep model: what is the effect of lung contusion and reaming?

Intramedullary nailing is the treatment of choice for patients with femoral shaft fractures. However, there is an ongoing debate in multiple trauma patients with associated lung contusion when primary or secondary definitive stabilisation of the long bone fracture should be performed, as nailing is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In a standardised sheep model, this study aimed to quantify the development of acute pulmonary endothelial changes, to assess the activation of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) and to observe the effects on the coagulation system associated with the reamed nailing procedure. Furthermore, the effect of coexisting lung contusion in an experimental model was evaluated. The animals were randomly assigned to one of four different groups (6 animals/group). In control groups, only a sham operation (thoracotomy) was performed, whereas in study groups, lung contusion was induced prior to femoral stabilisation either by external fixation or reamed femoral nailing. Using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) pulmonary permeability changes were quantified and PMNL activation was assessed by chemiluminescence. Additionally PMNL diapedesis and interstitial lung oedema were determined by histological analysis. All animals were sacrificed 4 h after the start of the femoral instrumentation. Without an associated lung injury, instrumentation of the femoral canal with the reamed nailing technique induced a transient increase in pulmonary permeability. In the face of an induced lung contusion, reamed femoral nailing resulted in significant increases in PMNL activation, pulmonary permeability and interstitial lung oedema, compared with external fixation. Without pulmonary contusion, reaming of the femoral canal was associated with a transient increase in pulmonary permeability. This was exacerbated in the presence of lung contusion along with increased PMNL activation. External fixation did not provoke similar changes. The findings of this study support the view that reaming of the femoral canal should be avoided in polytrauma patients with severe chest trauma as it could act as an additional stimulus for adverse outcome. Temporary external fixation appears to be a safe method for fracture stabilisation until inflammatory and coagulatory disturbances after trauma have been normalized.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Improvements in passive car safety led to decreased injury severity--a comparison between the 1970s and 1990s.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize changes in the mechanism and pattern of injury for vehicular trauma victims with modern vehicle design. Crash and injury severity were specifically investigated to isolate the influence of these improvements in vehicle design. METHODS: Since 1972, a local, prospective, assessment of vehicular trauma victims on-scene and at medical institutions providing care has been performed including the following parameters: delta-v, collision speed, type of road using, abbreviated injury scale (AIS), injury severity score (ISS), incidence of polytrauma or death. Victims (for restrained car occupants, bicyclists, pedestrians) injured between 1973 and 1978, and between 1994 and 1999 were compared. RESULTS: Lower crash severity (delta-v, collision speed) and injury severity (AIS, ISS, incidence of polytrauma or death) were measured for restrained car occupants, bicyclists and pedestrians during the later period. The correlation coefficient between delta-v or vehicle collision speed and ISS was higher in the earlier period for car occupants, cyclists and pedestrians. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the observed reduction in injury severity in restrained car occupants, bicyclists and pedestrians is not only linked to the reduction of crash severity, but also related to improvements in vehicle design beyond seat-belt use. Passive car safety led to decreased injury severity--a comparison.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed2005

Limb lengthening with the Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor (ISKD).

OBJECTIVE: Callus distraction of the femur or tibia with an intramedullary distractor, which lengthens mechanically through alternating rotations of at least 3 degrees. INDICATIONS: Femoral or tibial shortening between 20 and 80 mm. Angular and rotational deformities can be corrected at the osteotomy site. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Open epiphyses. Small medullary canal (after intramedullary reaming femoral diameter < 14.5 mm, tibial diameter < 12.5 mm). Severe deformities. Insufficient compliance. Osteitis. Soft-tissue infections. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Supine position. Femoral shaft osteotomy at the proximal or middle third by multiple drill holes completed with a chisel. For lengthening of the tibia, osteotomy with a Gigli saw is preferred. Control of the rotation by two parallel 3.0-mm Kirschner wires. Correction of angular or rotational deformities. Via stab incision reaming of the medullary canal with a flexible reamer. The femur is overreamed 2.0 mm and the tibia 1.5 mm above the desired implant diameter. Insertion of the Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor (ISKD) into the medullary canal and distal locking in freehand technique. Control of the rotation and of the osteotomy gap. Proximal locking with an aiming device. For femoral lengthening 3 days and for tibial lengthening 5 days postoperatively the distraction is begun by increasing mobilization with partial weight bearing, to achieve daily distraction of 1 mm. In case of insufficient distraction, additional rotations are performed by the patient while checking the external monitor that displays the daily and total distraction length. RESULTS: Intramedullary lengthening with the ISKD was performed in four patients having an average age of 29 years (18-36 years). Two femoral shortenings were combined with complex rotational and angular deformities. The average lengthening of three femora and one tibia was 31 mm (26-40 mm). The average intraoperative blood loss was 230 ml (110-320 ml), the mean surgical time 108 min (90-145 min). The average daily distraction amounted to 1.2 mm (0.9-1.8 mm). Full weight bearing was permitted after 10 weeks (7-14 weeks), return to regular work after 11 weeks (7-16 weeks). At follow-up examination of an average of 2.3 years postoperatively the knee range of motion was full. Consolidation was noted 80 days (51-111 days) postoperatively with an average consolidation index of 2.9 days/mm (1.8-4.1 days/mm). No complications were observed. According to the Paley Score all patients had an excellent outcome.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Role of adhesion molecule ICAM in the pathogenesis of polymicrobial sepsis.

INTRODUCTION: Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is thought to be involved in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) recruitment and secondary organ damage in response to infection and inflammation. The precise role of ICAM-1 in disease progression is unknown and remains a topic of controversy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ICAM-1 on histological changes and cytokine synthesis in a murine model of polymicrobial sepsis. METHODS: Polymicrobial sepsis was induced in experimental animals by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP). A control group was formed using sham laparotomy without CLP. In order to ascertain the role of ICAM-1 in the response, procedures were performed in both ICAM-1 knockout animals (ICAM-1-/-) and in C57BL/6 mice that were not genetically modified (wild type, WT). Clinical response was observed daily, morphological changes occurring in the lung and liver were studied using light microscopy and quantified using a scoring system. Plasma concentrations of various cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10) were measured via ELISA. RESULTS: In ICAM-1-/- mice a less severe clinical response to induced sepsis was observed with significantly less weight loss and hypothermia. A significantly lower mortality rate was observed in ICAM-1-/- mice (12.5% vs. WT: 45.5%) and no significant histological changes were apparent in pulmonary or hepatic tissue on light microscopy following CLP. In WT animals however, significant evidence of leukocyte infiltration and interstitial thickening in pulmonary tissue was observed. Similarly, hepatic tissue sinusoidal widening and hydropic degeneration was present. In addition, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine synthesis in ICAM-1-/- animals was significantly attenuated when compared to WT mice. (ICAM-1-/-: TNF-alpha: 67.7+/-12.1pg/microl; IL-6: 208.9+/-26.7pg/microl; IL-10: 34.6+/-5.8pg/microl; WT: TNF-alpha: 840.7+/-150.2pg/microl; IL-6: 3100.2+/-1052.3 pg/microl; IL-10: 1550.1+/-495.7 pg/microl). DISCUSSION: This study suggests that ICAM-1 has an important pathophysiological role in the response to polymicrobial sepsis. It would appear that absence of this molecule impairs the ability of PMNL to migrate into organ tissues and reduces consequent secondary organ damage resulting in improved clinical status and overall survival. Further investigation into the effectiveness of ICAM-1 modulation in the treatment of sepsis is warranted.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Management of polytraumatized patients with associated blunt chest trauma: a comparison of two European countries.

BACKGROUND: Blunt chest trauma represents one of the most common injuries in polytrauma patients. Blunt chest injury complicating polytrauma is associated with significant prolongation of intensive care stay. Further, it has a great impact on the timing of fixation of skeletal injuries, possibly contributing to adverse outcome. The purpose of this study is to assess whether there are any differences in the management and outcome of polytrauma patients with blunt chest trauma between trauma units in two different countries. Detailed information about advantages and disadvantages of these two systems might allow optimising the management of blunt chest trauma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This investigation was performed using the polytrauma database of the German Trauma Society and the British Trauma Audit Research Network. After the definition of the inclusion abbreviated injury scale (AIS(chest) > or = 3) and injury severity score (ISS > 16) and exclusion (AIS(head/neck) > or = 2, referral from outside institutions) criteria, patients were recruited solely from these databases. RESULTS: 188 patients from the German database and 181 patients from the British database were enrolled in this study. Demographic data and injury pattern of the two patient populations did not significantly differ. The volume of initial red blood cell transfusion and length of the intensive care stay were significantly higher in Germany (p < 0.05). Mortality in the UK was 9% higher than in Germany (p = 0.057). Time to death in non-survivors was also significantly longer in Germany (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The reasons for the differences regarding survival times and survival rates seem to be multiple. German patients received more red blood cells, had a longer hospital stay in intensive care and a better survival rate. The use of kinetic therapy in Germany, not standard in the UK, may contribute to a more favourable outcome.

Abbreviated Injury Scale↗

PubMed2005

Does traumatic brain injury result in accelerated fracture healing?

In patients who have sustained a traumatic brain injury with an associated extremity fracture there is often a clinical perception that the rate of new bone formation around the fracture site is increased. Whether this rapidly forming new bone is fracture callus or a variant of heterotopic ossification, a common complication of traumatic brain injury, is the subject of some debate. This review will provide a comprehensive analysis on this topic and will discuss clinical and physiological evidence as well as potential areas for future research in this field.

Bone Remodeling↗

PubMed2005

The current status of road user injuries among the elderly in Germany: a medical and technical accident analysis.

BACKGROUND: The incidence and treatment of injuries involving the elderly road user are of increasing importance for all fields of trauma care to ensure the best possible outcomes. METHODS: Traffic accident reports were analyzed through technical and medical investigation for the involvement of elderly citizens. RESULTS: In 12,309 documented traffic accidents between 1985 and 1998, 1,843 elderly citizens (65 years and older) were involved, 1,260 of which were reported to have been injured. The mean Injury Severity Score among the injured elderly citizens was 7.3. Of the injured elderly road users, 39.5% were car occupants, 27.4% were bicyclists, 29.6% were pedestrians, 1.8% were truck occupants, and 1.7% were motorcyclists. Of the elderly road users in cars, 53% were not injured, in contrast to only 1.1% of the bicyclists and 0.8% of the pedestrians. Serious or severe injuries (Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale, >/=2] occurred for 36.5% of the injured elderly road users as car occupants (unrestrained, 58%; restrained, 34%), 57.4% as bicyclists, and 65.4% as pedestrians CONCLUSION: A high rate of motor injuries is associated with vehicle accidents and increased levels of severity among the elderly population. This finding is especially evident for elder pedestrians and bicyclists. Also of note, the elderly even appear to be at risk for sustaining an increased level of injury severity when they are restrained or belt protected.

Abbreviated Injury Scale↗

PubMed2005

Timing of fixation of major fractures in blunt polytrauma: role of conventional indicators in clinical decision making.

Grading of the clinical status in patients with multiple trauma is important regarding the treatment plan. In recent years, 4 different clinical conditions have been described: stable, borderline, unstable, in extremis. Clinical parameters have been widely used in patients with penetrating injuries, and 3 categories were found to be important: shock, hypothermia, coagulopathy. However, in blunt trauma patients, the role of conventional parameters for decision making regarding the timing of fracture treatment is poorly described. After blunt trauma, additional factors seem to play a role, because the injuries affect multiple body regions. These additional factors are summarized under the term, "soft-tissue injuries," which may include the soft tissues of the extremities, lung, abdomen, and pelvis. The study describes four pathophysiologic cascades that are relevant to the clinical conditions listed above. Threshold values for separation of the patient conditions are documented, leading to a staged surgical strategy.

Decision Making↗

PubMed2005

Alterations in the systemic inflammatory response after early total care and damage control procedures for femoral shaft fracture in severely injured patients.

BACKGROUND: Recently, there has been a move away from early total care in patients with severe, multiple injuries to damage control orthopedics (DCO) in an attempt to limit the physiologic insult resulting from operative treatment after trauma. For femoral shaft fracture, this entails initial external fixation and subsequent conversion to an intramedullary nail (IMN). We sought to quantify the inflammatory response to initial surgery and conversion and link this to subsequent organ dysfunction and complications. METHODS: Patients with femoral shaft fracture and a New Injury Severity Score of 20 or more were included. Data were retrospectively collected for 4 days at admission and at exchange procedure (external fixation to intramedullary nail), and the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) score and the Marshall multiorgan dysfunction score were calculated. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-four patients met the inclusion criteria. The DCO group had significantly more severe injuries (New Injury Severity Score of 25.4 vs. 36.2, p < 0.0001) and significantly more head and thoracic injuries (both p < 0.0001). The mean SIRS score was significantly higher in the IMN group, from 12 hours until 72 hours postoperatively (p < 0.05). The mean peak postoperative SIRS score was significantly higher in the IMN group than in the DCO group, at the primary procedure and at conversion, as was the time with an SIRS score greater than 1. At conversion in the DCO group, the preoperative SIRS score correlated with magnitude and duration of elevation in the SIRS and multiorgan dysfunction scores (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: It would appear that despite more severe injuries in the DCO group, patients had a smaller, shorter postoperative SIRS and did not suffer significantly more pronounced organ failure than the IMN group. DCO patients undergoing conversion while their SIRS score was raised suffered the most pronounced subsequent inflammatory response and organ failure. According to these data, DCO treatment was associated with a lesser systemic inflammatory response than early total care for femur fractures. The inflammatory status of the patient may be a useful adjunct in clinical decision making regarding the timing of conversion to an intramedullary device.

Abbreviated Injury Scale↗

PubMed2005

Damage control orthopaedics: evolving concepts in the treatment of patients who have sustained orthopaedic trauma.

In some groups of polytrauma patients, particularly those with chest injuries, head injuries, and those with mangled extremities, early total care of major bone fractures may be potentially harmful. Delaying all orthopaedic surgery, however, is also not always the best approach. In these situations, damage control orthopaedics, which emphasizes the stabilization and control of the injury rather than repair will add little additional physiologic insult to the patient and is a treatment option that should be considered.

Fracture Fixation↗

PubMed2004

Total hip arthroplasty in young patients using the thrust plate prosthesis: clinical and radiological results.

INTRODUCTION: The standard treatment for patients who require total hip replacement is the implantation of an intramedullary diaphyseal anchored hip prosthesis. A bone-sparing thrust plate hip prosthesis (TPP) can be used as an alternative device for young patients. The TPP relies on proximal femoral metaphyseal fixation. The theoretical advantage of leaving diaphyseal bone intact is easier conversion to a stemmed prosthesis. This retrospective study evaluated the medium- and short-term results after total joint replacement using the third generation TPP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1997 and 2001, 58 TPPs were used for 52 patients. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from the patients' charts and our electronic database. Their average age at time of surgery was 40.9+/-11.4 years. At follow-up, the Harris hip score, residual pain, required pain medication, and the ability to lie on the operated side were documented. Radiographic evaluation included standardized radiographs of the hip joint and the pelvis. RESULTS: Four patients required revision surgery (6.9%). For 51 of the remaining 54 TPPs, a postoperative functional and radiological status was obtained. The average follow-up was 26+/-11.0 months. 88% of the patients experienced some or complete relief of pain. The median Harris hip score at follow-up was 73+/-20.5 points. A postoperative hip dislocation occurred in 5 patients (8.6%). CONCLUSION: Since many patients experienced some or complete relief of pain, the TPP can be recommended as a feasible implant for the treatment of hip disorders requiring total hip arthroplasty in young patients. Revision surgeries are facilitated by the good bone stock remaining in the proximal femur.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Combination of femoral fracture treatment and corrective osteotomy in a child with osteogenesis imperfecta.

The main feature of osteogenesis imperfecta is an excessive fragility and deformability of the bones owing to reduced mass and bone quality. This leads to angular deformity and frequent fractures. These fractures usually heal rapidly, and conservative treatment is the norm. In displaced and unstable fractures, elastic intramedullary nailing is a treatment option. We report a case of a 3-year-old child with osteogenesis imperfecta type I who suffered an undisplaced femoral shaft fracture in the presence of a preexisting 32 degrees femoral antecurvation. This deformity greatly increases the risk of a refracture due to the pathological induction of stress risers. Therefore, fracture treatment by unreamed elastic intramedullary nailing was combined with simultaneous correction osteotomy, resulting in anatomic alignment and uncomplicated fracture healing. The single-stage surgical stabilization performed allowed rapid mobilization along with a decreased likelihood of refracture.

Bone Nails↗

PubMed2004

Improved comfort in lower limb lengthening with the intramedullary skeletal kinetic distractor. Principles and preliminary clinical experiences.

INTRODUCTION: Limb lengthening by external fixators is associated with many problems such as pain at the pin tracts, muscle transfixation, pin tract infections, reduced joint motion, and prolonged fixation time. The intramedullary skeletal kinetic distractor (ISKD) is a new internal, mechanically activated implant, which distracts by mild rotations of 3 degrees. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective clinical study, four patients with an mean age of 29 years (18-36 years) underwent intramedullary lengthening via ISKD. The average lengthening of three femora and one tibia was 31 mm (26-40 mm). RESULTS: All patients performed the rotations for the distraction themselves without any significant problems. One patient took mild analgesics during the first days of distraction, whereas three patients did not require any analgesics. The average patient discharge occurred 10 days (8-11 days) postoperatively with no complications during the hospital stay. The planned length of distraction was achieved in all patients with normal alignment and normal joint orientation. Full weight bearing was performed on average after 10 weeks (7-14 weeks). Consolidation was noted 80 days (51-111 days) postoperatively with an average consolidation index of 2.9 days/mm. No complications were observed during the follow-up period of 14 months. The Enneking score was 26.8 points, and according to the classification of Paley all patients had an excellent result. CONCLUSIONS: From these preliminary results we conclude that the comfort of limb lengthening with the ISKD is increased by the elimination of fixator-associated complications and by the simple distraction mechanism, which is well tolerated by the patients. Further advantages of the ISKD are early full weight bearing and excellent limb function.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Pathophysiologic changes and effects of hypothermia on outcome in elective surgery and trauma patients.

Generally, hypothermia is defined as a core temperature <35 degrees C. In elective surgery, induced hypothermia has beneficial effects. It is recommended to diminish complications attributable to ischemia reperfusion injury. Experimental studies have shown that hypothermia during hemorrhagic shock has beneficial effects on outcome. In contrast, clinical experience with hypothermia in trauma patients has shown accidental hypothermia to be a cause of posttraumatic complications. The different etiology of hypothermia might be one reason for this disparity because induced therapeutic hypothermia, with induction of poikilothermia and shivering prevention, is quite different from accidental hypothermia, which results in physiological stress. Other studies have shown evidence that this contradictory effect is related to the plasma concentration of high-energy phosphates (e.g., adenosine triphosphate [ATP]). Induced hypothermia preserves ATP storage, whereas accidental hypothermia causes depletion. Hypothermia also has an impact on the immunologic response after trauma and elective surgery by decreasing the inflammatory response. This might have a beneficial effect on outcome. Nevertheless, posttraumatic infectious complications may be higher because of an immunosuppressive profile. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of induced hypothermia on outcome in trauma patients.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Damage control: extremities.

The principles of fracture management in polytrauma patients continue to be of crucial importance. Over the last five decades, various strategies of fracture treatment in the multiply injured patient have evolved. The various new methodologies remain controversial. In the beginning, early surgical fracture treatment of long bone fractures after multiple trauma was not routinely advocated. It was believed that the polytraumatised patient did not have the physiological reserve to withstand prolonged operations. The introduction of standardised, definitive surgical protocols, led to the concept of early total care (ETC) in the 1980s. This concept was subsequently applied universally, in all patient groups, regardless of injury severity and distribution. Later, it became apparent that certain patients did not appear to benefit from ETC. Indeed, extended operative procedures, during the early phase of multiple trauma recovery, were associated with adverse outcome. This applied for patients with significant thoracic, abdominal and head injuries and those with high injury severity scores (ISS). In response, the concept of damage control orthopaedics (DCO) was developed in the 1990s. DCO methodology is characterised by primary, rapid, temporary fracture stabilization. Secondary definitive management follows, once the acute phase of systemic recovery has passed. We explore the processes underlying the systemic biological impact of fracture fixation, the evolution of operative treatment strategies for major fractures in polytrauma and the current trends toward staged management of these patients.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗

PubMed2004

L-selectin shows time and gender dependency in association with MODS.

BACKGROUND: Recent investigations have demonstrated gender related immunologic alterations after trauma. These complications arise due to polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN) interacting with endothelium via L-selectin. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate gender related differences in the expression of L-selectin in relation to posttraumatic multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). METHODS: Multiply injured patients were prospectively entered in the study. MODS was determined using the Denver score. The concentration of L-selectin on the surface of PMN was determined using flow cytometry during a 14 days' period. RESULTS: 48 patients were included in the study. The kinetics of L-selectin were different comparing male and female patients. Male patients with MODS initially showed a rapid decrease of surface L-selectin from 80 to 20 ng/ml. A return to admission levels was related to MODS. Male patients without MODS displayed elevated L-selectin levels up to 140 ng/ml. Female patients, however, all showed an initial rapid decrease of L-selectin to 20 ng/ml. Women who developed posttraumatic MODS had significantly increased levels up to 110 ng/ml before development of MODS developed. CONCLUSIONS: We feel that a gender related dimorphism in the initial L-selectin expression following trauma exists and is associated with MODS. These findings indicate new therapeutic means for the treatment of MODS. Therapies should be timely and gender dependently coordinated.

Adolescent↗