Laboratory in Diagnosis and Monitoring of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome or Sepsis

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is a delocalized, dysregulated inflammatory response of high intensity to various stimuli. It leads to disorders of microcirculation, organ perfusion and finally to secondary organ dysfunction. When infection is also added, sepsis is a condition that affects not only the immune system but also other biological systems, such as the coagulation system and the autonomic nervous system. Laboratory analysis of blood gasses, electrolytes indicating water-electrolyte and acid-base balance; glucose and lactate related with metabolic status; complete blood count and indices appeared in the early phase systemic inflammation; coagulation tests and thromboelastographic examination; biomarkers of CRP, cytokines, procalcitonin and serum creatinine levels may be requested for diagnosis and followup of SIRS, sepsis. The aim of this review is to call attention to the variations during the interpretation of the results of conventional (routine) laboratory tests, and to discuss the importance of some novel tests in recognizing patients at high risk and so increasing the efficiency of the therapy.