Introduction: The sepsis syndrome is potentially affecting several organs and systems irrespectively of the primary source of the infection. Alterations of the brain function in sepsis patients may result either from a primary central nervous system (CNS) infection or could be part of the sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE), a common complication of sepsis, characterized by a diffuse dysfunction of the brain due to an infection elsewhere in the body without overt CNS infection. Aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of electroencephalography and the biomarker Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) when measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the management of these patients. Methods: Patients presenting at the emergency department with altered mental status and signs of infection were included in this study. Among initial assessment and treatment of the patients based on the international guidelines for treating sepsis, NGAL was measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using ELISA technique. Electroencephalography was performed when possible within 24 hours after admission and EEG abnormalities were recorded. Results: 32 of 64 patients included in this study were diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) infection. CSF NGAL was significantly higher in patients with CNS infection compared to patients without CNS infection (18.1 [5.1-71.1] vs 3.6 [1.2-11.6]; p<0.001). There was a trend for higher CSF NGAL in patents with EEG abnormalities, that did not reach statistical significance (p=0.106). CSF NGAL levels were similar between survivors and non-survivors (medians: 7.04 vs 11.79). Conclusion: In patients presenting at the emergency department with altered mental status and signs of infection, CSF NGAL was significantly higher in patients with CSF infection. Its role in this acute setting should be evaluated further. CSF NGAL could be suggestive of EEG abnormalities.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.