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. 1991 Nov;214(5):621–626. doi: 10.1097/00000658-199111000-00013

Nitrogen oxide levels in patients after trauma and during sepsis.

J B Ochoa 1, A O Udekwu 1, T R Billiar 1, R D Curran 1, F B Cerra 1, R L Simmons 1, A B Peitzman 1
PMCID: PMC1358619  PMID: 1953116

Abstract

The mediators responsible for maintenance of the hyperdynamic state and the low systemic vascular resistance (SVR) observed in sepsis have not been elucidated. Nitric oxide (.N = O) is a mediator with numerous functions, including regulation of vascular tone and a role in macrophage-mediated cytostasis and microbiostasis. Thirty-nine critically ill trauma and septic patients were studied to determine the relationship between .N = O production and the hyperdynamic state. high plasma levels of NO2-/NO3- (the stable end products of .N = O) were observed in septic patients (p less than 0.02). Low SVR and high endotoxin levels were associated with high NO2-/NO3- values (p = 0.029, p = 0.002). Changes in .N = O levels may mediate the vasodilation seen in sepsis. Low NO2-/NO3- levels were observed in trauma patients (p less than 0.001) and remained low even in the presence of sepsis (p = 0.001).

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Selected References

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