Preface

Introduction

Heino von Prondzynski, Member of the Executive Committee of
F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG and Head of the Diagnostics Division

Winner of the 2002 IFCC-Roche Diagnostics Award

"Apoptosis In Sepsis And Multiple Organ Dysfunction Snydrome"

S. Zeerleder, B. Zwart, W. A. Wuillemin, L. A. Aarden, A. B. J. Groeneveld,
C. Caliez, A. E. M. van Nieuwenhuijze; G. J. van Mierlo, A. J. M. Eerenberg,
B. L??mmle, and C. E Hack

Inflammation ??? Infection ??? Sepsis

Finalists

"Plasma Procalcitonin And C-Reactive Protein In Acute Septic Shock:
Clinical And Biological Correlates"

R. Claeys, S. Vinken, H. Spapen, K. ver Elst, L. Huyghens, F. K. Gorus

National Winners

"4G/5G Promoter Polymorphism In The Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1
Gene In Children With Systemic Meningococcaemia"

G. Geishofer, W. Zenz, B. Resch, S. Panzer, G. Endler, D. H??ring,
C. Mannhalter

Hypoxia ??? Ischaemia

Finalist

"Phospholipases A2 Levels And Distribution In Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Fluid Of Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS):
Application Of A Fluorimetric Method"

E. I. Kitsiouli, G. Nakos, M. E. Lekka

Blood Gases ??? Electrolytes ??? Trace Elements

National Winner

"Magnesium In The ICU"

A. Abraham, A. Bachwani

Cardiology ??? Haemodynamics ??? Stroke

Finalist

"Single-Point Troponin T Measurement On The Day Of Coronary Care
Unit Discharge After Myocardial Infarction Strongly Correlates With
Ejection Fraction And Infarct Size By Nuclear Imaging And With CK-MB
Release"

G. Bonetti, F. Pagani, R. Giubbini, C. Cuccia, M. Panteghini

National Winner

"Soluble Adhesion MoleculesIn Acute Stroke"

A. M. Simundic, V. Basic, E. Topic, V. Demarin, N. Vrkic, B. Kunovic,
M. Stefanovic, A. Begonja

Nephrology

National Winner

"Monitoring Of The Renal Functions During Continuous Renal
Replacement Therapy ??? The Application Of The Analysis Of Cystatin C
And Natriuretic Peptides"

M. Balik, A. Jabor, A. Hendl, M. Kol????, M. Pavlisov??, D. Brestan

Haematology ??? Haemostatis

National Winners

"Serum Levels Of Soluble Transferrin Receptors (sTfR) Correlate Better
With Severity Of Disease Than With Iron Stores In Patients With Malignant
Lymphomas"

J. Bjerner, L. M. Amlie, L. S. Rusten, E. Jakobsen

New Technology ??? Methods

Finalists

"A Rapid And Sensitive Immunoassay For Determination Of S-100 Protein
In A Point-Of-Care Setting"

S. Eriksson, L. Dean, K. Pettersson

National Winner

"A New Approach Of Endotoxin Testing By Using A Monoclonal Antibody
Against Endotoxin (WN1-222/5) And Flow Cytometry"

J. Nolde, F. E. Di Padova, H. Brade H., K. H. Staubach

Organizational Aspects

National Winner

"Improvement Of Critical Care Management In A Healthcare Area By
Implementing Point-Of-Care Testing In Primary Care. A Preliminary
Approach"

M. L. Hortas, I. P??rez-Montaut, M. Redondo, N. Montiel, R. Molina,
C. Gonz??lez

Miscellaneous

National Winners

"Studies On The Potential Effect Of Nitrite"

Y. Tian, C. Wang, S. Song

Index

About Roche and the Roche Diagnostics Division

This volume on scientific advances in critical care testing com piles a number of clinical and laboratory studies related to criti cally ill patients that involve new technology, therapy options, application or interpretation of new tests, patient management and cost benefits. There were a total of 340 applicants for this first International Federation of Clinical Chemistry-AVL Award, and from these, National Winners were selected in 26 member countries of the IFCC. This publication presents the full papers of the ten finalists among the National Winners selected for the international final held in London in July 1996. These ten were chosen by the Inter national Awards Committee of the IFCC. In addition, the editors have decided also to include their choice of the best abstracts from the National Winners, thus giving a broad overview of cur rent research being conducted in the field of critical care medi cine among IFCC members. In keeping with the title of this volume, all major fields of in tensive care medicine are represented, including inflammation, infection, stress, hypoxia, ischaemia, cardiology, haemodynamics, blood gases, electrolytes, trace -elements, nephrology, gastroenter ology and haematology. In addition, there is also a chapter on new technology in critical care testing and on miscellaneous top ics."