Serum concentration of hepatocyte growth factor predicts perioperative surgical stress in children.
OBJECTIVE
To find out whether preoperative serum concentrations of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) can indicate the general condition of sick children and can predict their postoperative inflammatory response.


METHODS
Non-randomised study.


METHODS
University hospital, Japan.


METHODS
41 children who required operation and 41 healthy controls.


METHODS
Samples of peripheral venous blood were obtained during the operation.


METHODS
Circulating concentrations of HGF, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP); neutrophil counts; and nutritional variables including serum cholinesterase, albumin, and body weight: ideal body weight ratio.


RESULTS
The mean serum concentration of HGF in the patients was significantly higher than in the normal controls. Preoperative HGF was related to the preoperative nutritional state, the postoperative IL-6 response, and the development of infective complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The serum HGF concentration may be a useful variable for evaluating general condition and predicting perioperative surgical stress in sick children.
Uchida
K
K
Department of Surgery II, Mie University Medical School, Tsu, Japan.
Miki
C
C
Urata
H
H
Kusunoki
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000032:analysis*; D007564:Japan; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011336:Probability; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods
D015415:Biomarkers; D015850:Interleukin-6; D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor