LAUSR

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to evaluate the place of angiotensin II and its receptors in the prognosis of septic patients. METHODS Patients with sepsis and septic shock were included in the study group. The control group consisted of patients who were followed up in the ICU and had no sepsis/septic shock. Plasma angiotensin II, angiotensin receptor-1 and 2 (AT-1, AT-2) levels were evaluated first and third days. RESULTS Angiotensin II levels were significantly lower in the septic shock and non-survivor. AT-1 levels were lower in the all septic patients on the first day compared to the control. While AT-1 levels on the third day decreased in the septic shock, it increased in the sepsis group, with time. AT-2 levels were significantly higher in the sepsis, and lower in the septic shock compared to others on the first day. Angiotensin II (95%, 82%) and AT-2 levels (100%, 87%) were observed to have high sensitivity and specificity in demonstrating the presence of shock in septic patients. Angiotensin II and AT-1/AT-2 ratios were observed to have high sensitivity and low specificity in the development of mortality. CONCLUSIONS In septic patients, angiotensin II, AT-2 and AT-1/AT-2 levels can predict probability of shock development and mortality, as a result prognosis.