Emergency Medicine
Shock
Experimental and clinical research activities grasp the understanding of the underlying mechanisms in Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and resulting Multiple Organ Failure (MOF), often leading to death.
Hypoperfusion associated with trauma and shock can initiate a cascade of events leading to SIRS and MOF. Therefore, research focuses mainly on cellular systems (neutrophils, endothelial cells, monocytes/macrophages), humoral (complement, coagulation, fibrinolysis) and mediator (cytokines, oxygen radicals, vasoactive molecules) cascades, oxygen saturation and bacterial translocation.
Sepsis
Research attempts to explain the fundamental pathological processes that underlie sepsis and septic shock; the cardiovascular system fails to perfuse tissues adequately and cells fail to take up oxygen from the blood.
One approach is the clarification of molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory reponse and organ failure occuring in sepsis. Particular attention is given to the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), transition metals, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, whose pathological changes take part in sepsis and eventually multiple organ failure.
Another approach is examining the function and integrity of cells and subcellular organelles in sepsis models, in order to find the starting point within cells leading to organ failure. Particular interest is focused on mitochondria and their function under septic conditions.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Methods
Further emphasis is placed on establishing new diagnostic methods, focusing on intenstine permeability changes, bacterial/non-bacterial complications, immunological monitoring and appropriate timepoints for surgical intervention.
Special emphasis is placed on sepsis monitoring by immunological tests routinely employed in the intensive care unit. Ultimately, immunological testing of plasma will be used for head trauma diagnostics.
Final emphasis is placed on development of new treatments/interventions, with focus on improving surgical techniques, cardiovascular stabilization, and testing and developing new reperfusion and oxygenation strategies and immune modulating regimens.
Various infusion compositions, vasoactive substances and antioxidants are tested.