Serum Activity of Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase Is a Potential Clinical Marker for Leptospirosis Pulmonary Hemorrhage
2009

Serum Activity of Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase as a Marker for Leptospirosis Pulmonary Hemorrhage

Sample size: 46 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Yang Junwei, Zhang Yixuan, Xu Jing, Geng Yan, Chen Xiaoying, Yang Hongliang, Wang Shengnian, Wang Hengan, Jiang Xucheng, Guo Xiaokui, Zhao Guoping

Primary Institution: Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China

Hypothesis

Is the serum activity of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) associated with pulmonary hemorrhage in leptospirosis?

Conclusion

The study suggests that elevated serum PAF-AH levels are associated with pulmonary hemorrhage in severe leptospirosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Elevated serum PAF-AH levels were observed in patients infected by L. interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae.
  • Mortality in the gerbil model was associated with the severity of pulmonary hemorrhage.
  • PAF-AH levels in serum increased significantly during the course of severe leptospirosis.

Takeaway

This study found that a certain enzyme in the blood can help doctors know if someone with leptospirosis might have serious bleeding in their lungs.

Methodology

The study used a Mongolian gerbil model to analyze serum PAF-AH levels and their correlation with pulmonary hemorrhage during leptospirosis infection.

Limitations

Limited clinical data and the need for further studies to confirm findings in human patients.

Participant Demographics

46 patients with confirmed leptospirosis, including 28 infected by L. interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004181

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