Lipoproteins and CETP levels as risk factors for severe sepsis in hospitalized patients

P>Background The magnitude of lipoprotein level reduction during the acute-phase response may be associated with the severity and mortality of sepsis. However, it remains to be determined whether low lipoprotein levels can be considered a risk factor for developing sepsis. We aimed to investigate lipoprotein levels as risk factors for sepsis in hospitalized patients, and also describe sequential changes in lipoprotein and cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) levels during sepsis. Design This is a prospective cohort study and case-control analysis from selected hospitalized patients. Blood samples were collected at admission, and participants were monitored for severe sepsis. Total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels were compared between sepsis cases and controls. Cholesterol, apolipoprotein, phospholipid and CETP concentrations were monitored in the case group. Results Of 1719 enrolled patients, 51 developed severe sepsis and were paired with 71 controls by age, gender, presence of infection at admission and chronic disease. HDL cholesterol level at admission was a risk factor for severe sepsis (OR = 0 center dot 969; 95% CI: 0 center dot 944-0 center dot 995). Mean CETP levels diminished between hospital admission and day 3 of sepsis. The magnitude of this variation (Delta CETP) was more pronounced in non-survivors (0 center dot 78 +/- 1 center dot 08 mu g mL-1) than that in survivors (0 center dot 02 +/- 0 center dot 58 mu g mL-1, P = 0 center dot 01). Conclusions HDL cholesterol may have a protective effect against sepsis. Each 1 mg dL-1 increase in HDL decreased the odds of severe sepsis by 3% during hospitalization. The reduction of plasma CETP was associated with mortality.