Change in plasma elastin peptide and its significance in patients with septic shock

Objective To observe the changes of plasma elastin peptide (EP) level in septic shock patients, and to investigate the effects that EP engender on the hemodynamics during septic shock.Methods Blood samples for EP measurement by ELISA were collected from 18 septic shock patients, 36 non-septic patients and 18 healthy persons. Results The plasma EP level during shock persistence period in septic patients was significantly higher than that in non-septic shock and healthy patients, which was similar in the latter two groups. The plasma EP level during shock recovery period was significantly lower than that during shock persistence period in septic patients. Conclusion The plasma EP level during shock persistence period in septic shock patients was significantly elevated, it may be invalved in the hemodynamic changes during septic shock.