Changes in Serum High-Molecular-Weight Adiponectin Levels in Critically Ill Children with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) on serum high-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMWA) levels.

Twelve children with SIRS were enrolled in this study at the intensive care unit (ICU). Twelve age and sex matched healthy subjects were selected as controls. Serum HMWA, interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were determined after 2 hours and 24 hours, and on the day of discharge which was on the average 9.4 days after ICU admission.

2 hours after admission to the ICU, the patients had significantly decreased serum HMWA levels compared with healthy controls (P < .001). 24 hours after the admission, the patients did not have any significant changes in their HMWA levels, however on the day of discharge, on average 9.4 days after hospital admission, a significant increase was observed (P < .05). After the treatment, there was a decrease in serum PCT, IL-6 and CRP levels. The only variable that was decreased 24 hours after the ICU admission was PCT (P < .05). A negative correlation was found between serum HMWA and PCT levels, and between HMWA and CRP (P < .05 and P < .01), however no correlation was found between HMWA and IL-6.

In SIRS we observed a marked reduction in serum HMWA concentrations and a profound increase in IL-6, PCT, and CRP levels. A significant relationship between serum HMWA and PCR and CRP levels was evident.