Neutrophils, Nitric Oxide, and Microvascular Permeability in Severe Sepsis

ICU patients with severe sepsis have increased Kf, a noninvasive index of microvascular water permeability. The magnitude of hyperpermeability did not correlate with NOx levels or one index of neutrophil activation (α4-integrin expression). Presence of peripheral edema in these patients was associated with increased Kf, and may represent a simple, clinical indicator of altered microvascular permeability in sepsis.