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Intensive Care Medicine

Published in:

01-08-2005 | Original

Temporal changes in whole-blood and plasma glutathione in ICU patients with multiple organ failure

Authors: U. B. Fläring, O. E. Rooyackers, C. Hebert, T. Bratel, F. Hammarqvist, J. Wernerman

Published in: Intensive Care Medicine | Issue 8/2005

Abstract

Objective

This study investigated the temporal changes in whole-blood and plasma glutathione in ICU patients with multiple organ failure.

Design and setting

Prospective and descriptive pilot study performed in an ICU with eight beds at a university hospital.

Patients

Critically ill patients (n=11) with multiple organ failure and ICU stay of at least 6 days were consecutively included. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n=21) and healthy volunteers (n=10) were used as reference groups.

Measurements and results

Whole-blood and plasma glutathione were measured every 72 h. Total glutathione and the reduced fraction were determined in whole blood. The oxidized fraction and the redox status were calculated from these values. In plasma only the total concentration was determined. Patients were studied for 6–15 days. Nutrition was supplied according to routines supplying basal needs including glutamine. Both total and reduced glutathione was found to be depleted in whole blood compared to the reference groups. Redox status indicated continuing oxidative stress. Plasma glutathione showed higher values in total concentrations than the reference groups.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that glutathione remains depleted in whole blood. This contrasts to what has previously been shown in skeletal muscle where a restitution of glutathione concentration is seen.

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Title: Temporal changes in whole-blood and plasma glutathione in ICU patients with multiple organ failure
Authors: U. B. Fläring
O. E. Rooyackers
C. Hebert
T. Bratel
F. Hammarqvist
J. Wernerman
Publication date: 01-08-2005
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Intensive Care Medicine / Issue 8/2005
Print ISSN: 0342-4642
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-005-2687-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Temporal changes in whole-blood and plasma glutathione in ICU patients with multiple organ failure

Abstract

Objective

Design and setting

Patients

Measurements and results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Design and setting

Patients

Measurements and results

Conclusions

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