Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 concentrations in critically ill patients

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Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 is involved in the processing of cytokines during sepsis. We studied 10 critically ill patients within 12 h of fulfilling the American Consensus Conference criteria for severe sepsis and compared the results with 12 critically ill non‐septic control patients and eight healthy subjects. Total matrix metalloproteinase‐9 concentrations were measured on days 1, 2 and 3. The median admission Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 19.5 (range 13–27) in the septic patients and 20.5 (range 7–28) in the non‐septic patients. Four patients from each group died within 28 days. Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 concentrations were elevated significantly in both groups of patients compared with healthy subjects (p = 0.0004) but there was no difference between patients with and without sepsis. Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 levels did not change with time, and there was no difference between survivors and those who died. We conclude that matrix metalloproteinase‐9 represents a non‐specific marker of systemic inflammation.