OBJECTIVE:Sepsis is still major cause of morbidity and mortality, despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment in modern medicine. Therefore, laboratory examinations that provide correct and rapid results are needed to support the diagnosis. This study was conducted to investigate value of immunological indicators procalcitonin (PCT) and soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) in differential diagnosis of patients with sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), as well as to assess their importance in determining prognosis of patients with sepsis.METHODS:Total of 90 patients, 38 with SIRS and 52 with sepsis, who were between the ages 20 to 92, were included in this prospectively planned study. Blood sample was collected from the patients during hospitalization and again in follow-up visit. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MyBioSource, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) was used to measure sTREM-1, and PCT was measured using mini VIDAS B.R.A.H.M.S PCT assay (Biomerieux, S.A., Marcy-l’Étoile, France). In addition, patients were clinically assessed using Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scoring system.RESULTS:On day of intensive care unit admission, sTREM-1 and PCT levels, as well as APACHE II score were significantly higher in sepsis group than SIRS group (p=0.001, p=0.01, p=0.001, respectively). Values of sTREM-1 and APACHE II score were higher in the patients with positive blood cultures than those with negative culture results (p=0.002, p=0.006, respectively). PCT, C-reactive protein, and sTREM-1 levels were significantly higher in nonsurviving group. In differentiation of SIRS from sepsis, sTREM-1 cut-off value ≥133 pg/mL and PCT cut-off value of 1.57 ng/mL yielded sensitivity of 71.1% and 67.33%, and specificity of 73.3% and 65.79%, respectively.CONCLUSION:In patients with suspected sepsis, sTREM-1 and PCT can be used as indicators, in addition to scoring systems such as APACHE II and Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score. However, it would be appropriate to support present findings with studies of larger series.

OBJECTIVE:Anti-streptolysin O (ASO) and anti-DNase B (ADB) titers are used for the diagnosis of poststreptococcal complications. Ranges of normal values of ASO and ADB titers vary, depending on age, population and different time intervals. Although many studies have been performed for determination of the ASO titer in our country, only a few studies have been conducted for specification the upper limit of normal for (ULN) ADB. In our study we aimed to determine the upper limit of normal of ADB antibody titers in children aged 5–15.METHODS:One hundred and twenty one children aged from 5–15 who were admitted to our outpatient clinic of Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital with noninfectious reasons between November 2013 and March 2014 were included in the study. Patients who met the following criteria were included in the study; absence of streptococcal infection in the last three months in physical examination and/or no growth of group A, C, and G of beta-haemolytic streptococci in throat culture, normal ranges of ASO and C reactive protein (CRP) levels. All serum samples were analyzed collectively by nephelometric method. The upper limit of normal value for anti-DNase B has been defined by separating the upper 20% from the lower 80% of all measurements.RESULTS:Anti-DNase B antibody levels were ranged between 50–576 IU/ml and its upper limit was 219.2 IU/ml. When analyzed according to age groups, anti-DNase B antibody levels in the group aged between 5–10, ranged between 50–576 IU/ml and its upper limit was 212.2 IU/ml, anti-DNase B antibody levels in the group aged 10–15, ranged between 50–408 IU/ml and its upper limit was 231.2 IU/ml (p=0.008).CONCLUSION:Based on our results, upper normal values ADB antibody showed variations with age in our results. Therefore national reference values should be detected by more comprehensive studies.