I have been involved in the following research projects:

• 1: Platelet function in sepsis. Single centre study to assess platelet function in patients with severe sepsis. Comparison made with biomarkers of infection. Aim is to highlight importance of platelet function as a monitor for new and resolution of infection.


• 2: I have completed a large multi-centre retrospective study assessing the importance of the white cell count (WCC) on admission to ICU and outcome. We analysed 4165 patients. The wcc on admission was split into 4 categories, leucopenic, normal, leucemoid and an exaggerated leucemoid response. The mortality of patients with leucopenia on admission to the ICU was higher than those with normal or moderately raised WCC (37.5% vs 18.9% and 23.9% respectively). We found that a leucopenic response, as well as an exaggerated leucemoid response, is associated with an increased mortality.


• 3: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between MBL-2 exon 1 and promoter -221 polymorphisms, plasma levels of the encoded protein, and the incidence and outcome of severe sepsis and septic shock. One hundred and seventy four Caucasian adult patients with severe sepsis or septic shock were recruited in a prospective multi-centre study across eight intensive care units in the South of England, UK. Genotype and haplotype frequencies were compared between normal population controls and patients, and between survivors and non-survivors. Plasma levels of encoded protein were related to genotype and outcome.


• 4: A retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the intensive care unit with hypoalbuminaemia and the development of sepsis. To assess whether there is a link between degrees of hypoalbuminaemia and common hospital acquired infections.