Abstract
BACKGROUND: High density lipoprotein (HDL) can be readily oxidized in inflammatory conditions and exhibit pro-inflammatory and dysfunctional (Dys-HDL) characteristics. We hypothesize that Dys-HDL may predict adverse outcomes and correlate with inflammatory cytokines in sepsis. METHODS: Emergency department (ED) patients with sepsis were enrolled. Blood was drawn at enrollment and after 48 h. Dys-HDL, expressed as HDL inflammatory index (HII), and cytokines were measured. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the predictive ability of Dys-HDL for adverse outcomes (death, discharge to hospice, or nursing home). RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were included in the study. HII was not significantly different at baseline or 48 h between patients with adverse outcomes versus those without. However, there was a significant difference in change in HII over the first 48 h between those with adverse outcomes (+0.21, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.31) versus those without (-0.11, 95% CI -1 to 0.11) (P = 0.025). Logistic regression revealed increasing HII to be an independent predictor of adverse outcomes (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.1-25.1 P = 0.040). Of the 24 patents with cytokine measurements at both time points, significant inverse correlations between change in HII and change in GRO (rs = -0.52, P = 0.0088) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (rs = -0.61, P = 0.0014) concentrations over 48 h were observed. CONCLUSION: Increasing Dys-HDL concentrations in the first 48 h of sepsis are associated with an ongoing inflammatory response and adverse clinical outcomes. Early changes in HII may be a potential biomarker in ED patients admitted with sepsis.