Table 2.
Endotoxin levels as a function of reason for intensive care unit admission
| Mean ± standard error of the mean (% >50 pg/ml) | |||
| Reason for admission | n (%) | EAA assay | LAL assay |
| Elective surgery | 21 (28) | 180 ± 58 (53) | 165 ± 16 (68) |
| Transplant | 11 (14) | 240 ± 110 (50) | 260 ± 48 (91) |
| Renal failure | 5 (7) | 320 ± 196 (40) | 390 ± 170 (80) |
| Sepsis | 19 (25) | 470 ± 57 (85) | 130 ± 37 (60) |
| Hepatic failure | 3 (4) | 210 ± 180 (33) | 200 ± 45 (100) |
| Respiratory failure | 6 (8) | 190 ± 60 (50) | 240 ± 70 (100) |
| Post-CPR | 6 (8) | 160 ± 120 (33) | 190 ± 40 (83) |
| Other | 3 (4) | 450 ± 160 (100) | 85 ± 35 (67) |
Transplants performed were liver, lung, and pancreas. Post-CPR refers to in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) cases. Others: acetaminophen overdose, pre-eclampsia and deep vein thrombosis. EAA, endotoxin activity assay; LAL, limulus amoebocyte lysate.