Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Critical Care Medicine

Objectives: to investigate the prognostic value of levels of VEGF in patients with sepsis in the intensive care setting regarding the clinical course and final outcome. Moreover, to compare this prognostic value of VEGF levels with other commonly used biochemical markers for prognosis of sepsis (CRP and Microalbuminuria) and with the APACHE IV and SOFA scoring systems. Design: A prospective, randomized, single center study. Setting: Critical Care Department (medical/surgical ICU).Patients: 40 critically ill patients admitted to the Critical Care Department with a diagnosis of sepsis. Measurements: VEGF concentrations (measured by ELISA) were measured on admission and 48 hours later. CRP levels and Microalbuminuria concentrations were measured on admission to the ICU. APACHE IV score was calculated on admission and 72 hours later and SOFA score was calculated at baseline and subsequently thereafter every day until ICU discharge or death or up to a total of 28 days. Clinical outcome (duration of stay in the ICU, need for mechanical ventilation, need for inotropic/vasopressor support, need for haemodialysis, and final outcome of survival/mortality rates) were recorded for all patients

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