Genetic Variations in HMGB1 and Patient Outcomes in SIRS
Author Information
Author(s): Brian Kornblit, Lea Munthe-Fog, Hans O. Madsen, Jens Strøm, Lars Vindeløv, Peter Garred
Primary Institution: Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen
Hypothesis
Whether genetic variation in the human HMGB1 gene is associated with disease susceptibility in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is unknown.
Conclusion
Two polymorphisms in the HMGB1 gene were identified as significant risk factors for early and late mortality in patients with SIRS.
Supporting Evidence
- Homozygosity for the -1377delA variant was associated with a decreased overall 4-year survival.
- Carriage of the 982C>T variant was linked to a higher probability of early death due to infection.
- HMGB1 levels were undetectable in healthy controls, indicating a significant difference from SIRS patients.
Takeaway
This study looked at how changes in a specific gene might affect how sick people get when they have a serious infection. It found that some gene changes can make it more likely for patients to die.
Methodology
The HMGB1 gene was sequenced in 239 patients with SIRS, and serum HMGB1 levels were measured; outcomes were compared based on different HMGB1 genotypes.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of patients and the control group.
Limitations
The study had a relatively small sample size, which may limit the statistical power of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Patients were adults over 17 years old admitted to the ICU with SIRS; control group consisted of healthy Danish Caucasian blood donors.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Confidence Interval
1.13 to 2.87
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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