Correlation Between Cytokines and the Severity of Meningococcal Disease
Correlation Between Cytokines and the Severity of Meningococcal Disease
Objectives:

 Meningococcal disease (MD) is a complex catastrophic phenomenon that can converge rapidly to
 irreversible septic shock, myocardial dysfunction, and profound coagulopathy. During
 meningococcal sepsis and meningitis, a myriad of cells release cytokines within the
 intravascular environment and subarachnoid space. Cytokines are key molecular messengers that
 play key roles in orchestrating and mediating the metabolic, endocrine and coagulation
 responses to meningococcal infection. The aim of the present study is to determine the
 profile of different cytokines in serum and cerebrospinal fluid during MD, as well as relate
 the level of these cytokines to severity of MD.

 Design:

 Prospective, nonrandomized study.

 Setting:

 Tertiary referral intensive care unit.

 Patients:

 Children and adults admitted with a clinical diagnosis of MD. Interventions: Blood and
 cerebrospinal fluid will sample from children and adults with MD.
Meningococcal disease (MD) is a complex catastrophic phenomenon that can converge rapidly to
 irreversible septic shock, myocardial dysfunction, and profound coagulopathy. During
 meningococcal sepsis and meningitis, a myriad of cells release cytokines within the
 intravascular environment and subarachnoid space. Cytokines are key molecular messengers that
 play key roles in orchestrating and mediating the metabolic, endocrine and coagulation
 responses to meningococcal infection. The aim of the present study is to determine the
 profile of different cytokines in serum and cerebrospinal fluid during MD:

 IL -4; IL-6; IL-10 and interferon alfa, as well as relate the level of these cytokines to
 severity of MD, evaluated by occurrence of shock, acute renal failure, disseminated
 intravascular coagulation and survival.

 Design: Prospective, nonrandomized study. Setting: Tertiary referral intensive care unit.
 Patients: Children and adults admitted with a clinical diagnosis of MD. Interventions: Blood
 and cerebrospinal fluid will sample from children and adults with MD.

 Measurements and Main Results: in process Conclusions: in process
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  clinical diagnostic of meningococcal disease

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  no meningococcal disease