Endothelial glycocalyx biomarkers in sepsis and trauma: associations with inflammation, organ failure and bolus fluid therapy.

Blood vessels are lined with a protective layer called the endothelial glycocalyx (EG). Widespread inflammation resulting from conditions such as sepsis or traumatic injury can lead to shedding of the EG. This may contribute to impaired perfusion and organ dysfunction in critically ill patients. This thesis found that EG biomarker concentrations increase during stabilisation of patients with sepsis, however temporal patterns differ between biomarkers, and differ in patients with trauma. These biomarker increases were associated with organ dysfunction, inflammation and fluids administered. Further work is needed to understand the sources of these EG biomarkers during critical illness.