Macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels correlate with an infection in trauma patients

BACKGROUND: The role of migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is best understood in septic shock and septic disease; however, the role of MIF in a secondary infection after trauma has not yet been completely studied. This study aimed to evaluate the role of MIF in trauma patients. METHODS: The patients in the study population were divided into two groups according to the results of their MIF levels. The initial MIF levels, trauma mechanism, revised trauma score, survival rate, length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU), level of leukocytes, and level of C-reactive protein (CRP) were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Overall, 116 patients were enrolled from August 1, 2014 to July 31, 2015. LOS in ICU in the elevated MIF group was 5.67 +/- 7.54 days compared with 2.09 +/- 2.26 days in the normal MIF group. Further, CRP level in the elevated MIF group was higher than that in the normal MIF group. CONCLUSION: In a place such as the department of emergency medicine, it is critical and important for emergency physicians to make a proper judgment and to prepare for the worst scenario. Therefore, the utilization of MIF level in trauma patients has a possibility for assisting emergency physicians.