The present systematic review analyses the role of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) as an indirect biomarCker of endothelial dysfunction in sepsis or septic shock from articles published in Pubmed between 2010 and March 2022.
A systematic review of studies studying sFLT-1 monitoring in intensive care units in adults with sepsis or septic shock vs. controls for sepsis diagnosis and prognosis has been carried out (PROSPERO CRD42023412929 Registry).
The endothelial dysfunction of sepsis is one of the keys to the development of the disease. VEGF binds to sFlt-1 acting as a competitive inhibitor of VEGF signalling in endothelial cells and thus neutralizes its pro-inflammatory effects. Endothelial dysfunction is reflected in increased sFLT-1 levels. High values of sFLT-1 were used for the differential diagnosis of sepsis versus other inflammatory pathologies, septic shock versus other types of shock, were elevated over time, estimation of disease prognosis, correlation with sepsis severity, organ dysfunction, and mortality prediction.
It is evident that sepsis is based on endothelial dysfunction. sFLT-1 is one of the main biomarkers of microvascular alteration and is a predictive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.
We are assisting to an increase in survival rates among individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). Until now, renal involvement was a minority issue, but with the rise in life expectancy, we will likely see an increase in its prevalence. Our main objective was to assess renal function in CF and study risk factors associated with its deterioration.
A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted, including adults with CF. Clinical, respiratory function, microbiological, blood and urine analysis, and major chronic treatments received were collected.
Eighty nine patients with a mean age of 35 ± 12 years were analyzed. Mean serum creatinine levels were 0.8 ± 0.2 mg/dL. 10.6% had a glomerular filtration rate less than 90 ml/min/1.73 m2. No patient showed albuminuria. In multivariate model, only age was an independent risk factor for reduced glomerular filtration (OR 0.344, 95% CI 0.004−0.017, p = 0.002).
11% of CF adults show decreased glomerular filtration, with age being the sole independent risk factor. Vigilance for this uncommon condition is crucial.