Activation of the L-arginine nitric oxide pathway in severe sepsis

Abstract

Aims - To determine in children with sepsis syndrome and septic shock the time course of nitric oxide metabolites: nitrate and nitrite (nitrogen oxides). To determine whether serum concentrations of nitrogen oxides distinguished those children who died from sepsis from those who survived; those who required prolonged inotropic support compared with those who did not; and whether there was any relationship of the levels of nitrogen oxides to markers of tissue perfusion. Methods - Nitrogen oxides were measured in 30 children with sepsis syndrome or septic shock at admission, 12, 24, and 48 hours. A non-septic control group had serum nitrogen oxides measured at admission. Markers of haemodynami..