OBJECTIVETo explore the changes of CD(14)(+) monocyte human leucocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR) and their relationship with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in severe sepsis.

METHODSNinety-one patients with a definite diagnosis of severe sepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU) were included. CD(14)(+) monocyte HLA-DR levels were detected by flow cytometry on the first, 4th and 7th days of the study, and Marshall scores and prognosis on day 28 were evaluated.

RESULTSThirty-four patients died within 28 days following the onset with a mortality rate of 37.4%. Persistently lowered levels of HLA-DR were detected and significantly increased Marshall scores were found in the fatal cases at all the time points (P<0.001). In the surviving patients, the levels of HLA-DR were significantly increased (P<0.01) and Marshall scores were gradually decreased (P<0.001). During the observation period, the levels of HLA-DR decreased significantly as the number of dysfunctional organs and Marshall scores increased (P<0.001). The levels of HLA-DR were significantly increased in severe sepsis patients with 2-4 dysfunctional organs and Marshall score of 5-12 (P<0.05 or P<0.001). No changes in HLA-DR levels in severe sepsis patients with 5-6 dysfunctional organs and Marshall scores of 13-22. The levels of HLA-DR showed a significant inverse correlation to Marshall scores (r=-0.368, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONIn patients with severe sepsis, persistent low CD(14)(+) monocyte HLA-DR levels predicts high mortality. The levels of HLA-DR are significantly correlated to the severity of organ dysfunction.