Decreased ADAMTS-13 (A disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 repeats) is associated with a poor prognosis in sepsis-induced organ failure*

Abstract

We observed low ADAMTS-13 activity and antigen in severe sepsis and in other conditions associated with organ dysfunction. ADAMTS-13 levels were significantly associated with differences in morbidity, mortality, and variables of inflammation and endothelial dysregulation only in severe sepsis patients. This suggests that ADAMTS-13 deficiency may have a pathophysiological relevance specific to severe sepsis.