Postsurgical Inflammation Research Articles

Multifunctional and Self-Healable Intelligent Hydrogels for Cancer Drug Delivery and Promoting Tissue Regeneration In Vivo.

Regenerative medicine seeks to assess how materials fundamentally affect cellular functions to improve retaining, restoring, and revitalizing damaged tissues and cancer therapy. As potential candidates in regenerative medicine, hydrogels have attracted much attention due to mimicking of native cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) in cell biology, tissue engineering, and drug screening over the past two decades. In addition, hydrogels with a high capacity for drug loading and sustained release profile are applicable in drug delivery systems. Recently, self-healing supramolecular hydrogels, as a novel class of biomaterials, are being used in preclinical trials with benefits such as biocompatibility, native tissue mimicry, and injectability via a reversible crosslink. Meanwhile, the localized therapeutics agent delivery is beneficial due to the ability to deliver more doses of therapeutic agents to the targeted site and the ability to overcome post-surgical complications, inflammation, and infections. These highly potential materials can help address the limitations of current drug delivery systems and the high clinical demand for customized drug release systems. To this aim, the current review presents the state-of-the-art progress of multifunctional and self-healable hydrogels for a broad range of applications in cancer therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.

Development\ufeff of fully automated anterior chamber cell analysis based on image software

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive method that can quickly and accurately examine the eye at the cellular level. Several studies have used OCT for analysis of anterior chamber cells. However, these studies have several limitations. This study was performed to supplement existing reports of automated analysis of anterior chamber cell images using spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT) and to compare this method with the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) grading system. We analyzed 2398 anterior segment SD-OCT images from 34 patients using code written in Python. Cell density, size, and eccentricity were measured automatically. Increases in SUN grade were associated with significant cell density increases at all stages (p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed in eccentricity in uveitis, post-surgical inflammation, and vitreous hemorrhage (p < 0.001). Anterior segment SD-OCT is reliable, fast, and accurate means of anterior chamber cell analysis. This method showed a strong correlation with the SUN grade system. Also, eccentricity could be helpful as a supplementary evaluation tool.

Effectiveness of two rehabilitation treatments in the modulation of inflammation during the acute phase in patients with knee prostheses and assessment of the role of the diet in determining post-surgical inflammation

Clinical trial numberNCT04580069. BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty is associated with an elevated inflammatory response both at a local and systemic level. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of lymphatic drainage and connective tissue techniques in modulating systemic inflammation. Another objective is to evaluate the existence, at baseline, of a correlation between the inflammation indices and the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Methods34 patients were recruited, and divided into three groups. The control group followed the normal rehabilitation protocol. The other two groups were subjected, in addition to the standard treatment, to manual lymphatic drainage treatment or connective tissue techniques. The outcomes were recorded in three stages: upon entering the hospital, 1 week after entry and at follow-up 21 days after surgery. ResultsThe results of the study showed that both methods, compared with the standard treatment only, positively influenced the final outcomes. In regard to the systemic inflammation, lymphatic drainage and connective techniques showed equal efficacy and similar timing in modulating ESR, while they differ in how they affect CRP. With regard to the local inflammation, the effectiveness of both methods was confirmed with some differences in the location. Finally, analysis of the correlation between inflammatory T0 indices and adherence to the Mediterranean diet showed that patients with higher adhesion index have on average lower PCR, EDO and EDU values. ConclusionsThe post-surgical inflammatory pattern can be positively modified by the rehabilitation methods analyzed, albeit with different methodologies and timing.The influence of the diet on inflammatory parameters, although less evident, seems to show encouraging results worth of further studies.

Effects of Anti-Inflammatory Nanofibers on Urethral Healing.

Protracted postsurgical inflammation leading to postoperative complications remains a persistent problem in urethral reconstruction. Nanofibers in the form of peptide amphiphiles expressing anti-inflammatory peptides (AIF-PA) have positively modulated local inflammatory responses. Urethroplasty is performed to repair 5mm ventral urethral defects with: uncoated small intestinal submucosa (SIS); SIS dip-coated with AIF-PA1 (anti-inflammatory treatment), or SIS dip-coated with AIF-PA6 (control) on 12-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats (n= 6/group/timepoint). Animals are euthanized at 14 and 28 d postsurgery. Hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's Trichrome, and immunohistochemistry with primary antibodies against myeloperoxidase (MPO; neutrophils), CD68, CD86, CD206 (macrophages), and proinflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-1β are performed. Complete urethral healing occurs in 3/6 uncoated SIS (50%), 2/6 SIS+AIF-PA6 (33.3%), and 5/6 SIS+AIF-PA1 (83.3%) animals at 14 d and all at 28 d. Application of AIF-PA1 to SIS substitution urethroplasty decreases MPO+ neutrophils, CD86+ M1 proinflammatory macrophages, TNFα, and IL-1β levels while concurrently increasing levels of CD206+ M2 proregenerative/anti-inflammatory macrophages at the anastomoses and the regenerated tissue at the wound bed (REGEN). AIF-PA1 treatment enhances the healing process, contributing to earlier, complete urethral healing, and increased angiogenesis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the specific mechanism of inflammatory response modulation on angiogenesis and overall urethral healing.

Evaluation of CCL21 role in post-knee injury inflammation and early cartilage degeneration.

The expression of some chemokines and chemokine receptors is induced during the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), but their involvement in the pathogenesis of the disease is unclear. The goal of this study was to test whether CCL21 and CXCL13 play a role in PTOA development. For this purpose, we evaluated the expression profiles of the chemokines Ccl21 and Cxcl13, matrix metalloproteinase enzymes Mmp3 and Mmp13, and inflammatory cell markers in response to partial medial meniscectomy and destabilization (MMD). We then assessed the effect of local administration of CCL21 neutralizing antibody on PTOA development and post-knee injury inflammation. The mRNA expression of both Ccl21 and Cxcl13 was induced early post-surgery, but only Ccl21 mRNA levels remained elevated 4 weeks post-surgery in rat MMD-operated knees compared to controls. This suggests that while both CXCL13 and CCL21 are involved in post-surgery inflammation, CCL21 is necessary for development of PTOA. A significant increase in the mRNA levels of Cd4, Cd8 and Cd20 was observed during the first 3 days post-surgery. Significantly, treatment with CCL21 antibody reduced post-surgical inflammation that was accompanied by a reduction in the expression of Mmp3 and Mmp13 and post-MMD cartilage degradation. Our findings are consistent with a role for CCL21 in mediating changes in early inflammation and subsequent cartilage degeneration in response to knee injury. Our results suggest that targeting CCL21 signaling pathways may yield new therapeutic approaches effective in delaying or preventing PTOA development following injury.

Dexmedetomidine Alleviates LPS-Induced Neuronal Dysfunction by Modulating the AKT/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 Pathway in Hippocampal Neurons.

ObjectiveDexmedetomidine, an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, mitigates cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after surgery with general anesthesia. However, the underlying mechanism by which dexmedetomidine reduces cognitive dysfunction remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuronal dysfunction in cultured hippocampal neurons.MethodsLPS, in the presence and absence of dexmedetomidine, was applied to cultured hippocampal neurons to mimic post-surgical inflammation. Neuronal morphology, including neurite outgrowth and synaptic transmission, was observed, and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents were recorded by electrophysiological patch-clamp.ResultsLPS significantly impaired neurite outgrowth in hippocampal neurons in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, which was reversed by dexmedetomidine treatment. Electrophysiological patch-clamp results showed that LPS induced synaptic transmission dysfunction, which was restored after dexmedetomidine addition. Furthermore, Western blotting assays showed that LPS suppressed the AKT/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 signaling pathway and dexmedetomidine countered the inhibitory effect of LPS by re-activating this pathway.ConclusionIn general, dexmedetomidine protected against the effects of LPS-induced hippocampal neuron damage, including neurite outgrowth and synaptic transmission. Overall, dexmedetomidine modulated the AKT/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 signaling pathway to alleviate LPS-induced neurological dysfunction.

Engineering multifunctional bactericidal nanofibers for abdominal hernia repair

The engineering of multifunctional surgical bactericidal nanofibers with inherent suitable mechanical and biological properties, through facile and cheap fabrication technology, is a great challenge. Moreover, hernia, which is when organ is pushed through an opening in the muscle or adjacent tissue due to damage of tissue structure or function, is a dire clinical challenge that currently needs surgery for recovery. Nevertheless, post-surgical hernia complications, like infection, fibrosis, tissue adhesions, scaffold rejection, inflammation, and recurrence still remain important clinical problems. Herein, through an integrated electrospinning, plasma treatment and direct surface modification strategy, multifunctional bactericidal nanofibers were engineered showing optimal properties for hernia repair. The nanofibers displayed good bactericidal activity, low inflammatory response, good biodegradation, as well as optimal collagen-, stress fiber- and blood vessel formation and associated tissue ingrowth in vivo. The disclosed engineering strategy serves as a prominent platform for the design of other multifunctional materials for various biomedical challenges.

Thermoresponsive GenisteinNLC-dexamethasone-moxifloxacin multi drug delivery system in lens capsule bag to prevent complications after cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is the most common intraocular procedure. To decrease postsurgical inflammation, prevent infection and reduce the incidence of secondary cataract, we built a temperature-sensitive drug delivery system carrying dexamethasone, moxifloxacin and genistein nanostructured lipid carrier (GenNLC) modified by mPEG-PLA based on F127/F68 as hydrogel. Characterizations and release profiles of the drug delivery system were studied. In vitro functions were detected by CCK-8 test, immunofluorescence, wound-healing assay, real time-PCR and western blotting. The size of GenNLCs was 39.47 ± 0.69 nm in average with surface charges of − 4.32 ± 0.84 mV. The hydrogel gelation temperature and time were 32 °C, 20 s with a viscosity, hardness, adhesiveness and stringiness of 6.135 Pa.s, 54.0 g, 22.0 g, and 3.24 mm, respectively. Transmittance of the gel-release medium was above 90% (93.44 ± 0.33% to 100%) at range of 430 nm to 800 nm. Moxifloxacin released completely within 10 days. Fifty percent of dexamethasone released at a constant rate in the first week, and then released sustainably with a tapering down rate until day 30. Genistein released slowly but persistently with a cumulative release of 63% at day 40. The thermoresponsive hydrogel inhibited the proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of SRA 01/04 cells, which were confirmed by testing CCK-8, wound-healing assay, western blot, real time-PCR (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence. These results support this intracameral thermoresponsive in situ multi-drug delivery system with programmed release amounts and release profiles to cut down the need of eye drops for preventing inflammation or infection and to reduce posterior capsular opacification following cataract surgery.

Elevated levels of prostaglandin E2 in the tears of patients with severe allergic conjunctivitis and primary cultured conjunctival cells are suppressed by ketotifen and dexamethasone

ObjectiveWe examined the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is the key prostaglandin involved in inflammatory disorders of the ocular surface. Tears and conjunctival fibroblasts were evaluated in order to...

Postsurgical lumbar facet joint syndrome: Therapeutic results of facet infiltration

IntroductionPostsurgical Lumbar facet joint syndrome (PLFJS) is a clinical entity characterized by acute or chronic lumbar pain which can irradiate to the lower extremities but never with a dermatomal pattern in postsurgical patients of lumbar surgery. The diagnosis and treatment are with a Diagnostic Facet Block (DFB). This study describes the outcome of patients undergoing DFB after lumbar surgery and compares the results with patients without surgery. MethodsAn analytic and longitudinal study with patients over 18 years old between January 2018 and January 2020. For the comparative analysis, we performed two groups: non-surgical lumbar facet joint syndrome (NSLFJS) and PLFJS. ResultsThe general prevalence of PLFJS in our population was 12.5%. The results after DBF showed a significant decrease in the Oswestry percentage and pain according to the Visual Analog Scale(VAS) for the NSLFJS and PLFJS groups between the 3 surgical stages (pre-DFB, post-DFB at 6 weeks and post-DFB at 6 months), but no significant differences between the 2 groups. DiscussionThe VAS and Oswestry reported a significant improvement in both groups of patients. The innervation of the lumbar facet joints causes pain, this is secondary to the pathological neural activity of facet arthritis that arises because of chronic postsurgical inflammation or chronic degenerative changes. ConclusionThe origin of the LFJS is the arthrosis of the facet, originated by postsurgical or degenerative changes.DFB is effectivefor decreasing pain of facet joint origin in patients with previous lumbar surgery.

Apolipoprotein E Genotype and the Relationship Between Chitinase 3–Like Protein 1 and Postoperative Delirium

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 does not confer increased risk of delirium in older surgical patients; however, ɛ4 status modifies the relationship of C-reactive protein (CRP) with delirium: increased risk for delirium in ɛ4 carriers with high CRP. We examine whether APOE genotype modifies the established association between inflammatory marker chitinase-3-like protein-1 (CHI3LI/YKL-40) and delirium in patients without dementia age≥70 undergoing major non-cardiac surgery. We performed APOE genotyping using PCR, considering APOE ɛ4 vs. non-ɛ4 carriers. Plasma YKL-40, measured on postoperative day 2 by ELISA, was examined using sample-based quartiles (Q1-Q4). Delirium status was determined with daily interviews rating the Confusion Assessment Method, augmented by a validated chart review. We used generalized linear models adjusted for age, sex, surgery type, and stratified by APOE ɛ4 status. Among the 557 patients, 19% were APOE ɛ4 carriers, and 24% developed postoperative delirium. The YKL-40-delirium relationship differed by APOE status. Among APOE non-ɛ4 carriers, we found a significant relationship between YKL-40 and delirium (relative risk [RR](95% confidence interval [CI] for YKL-40 Q4 vs. Q1: 2.6(1.4-4.9) and Q3 vs. Q1: 2.3(1.2-4.5); p-trend<.01). Among APOE ɛ4 carriers, YKL-40 was not significantly associated with delirium (RR(95% CI) for YKL-40 Q4 vs. Q1: 2.0(0.6-6.6) and Q3 vs. Q1:1.1(0.3-3.5); p-trend=0.37). APOE non-ɛ4 carriers may have increased risk of delirium conferred by post-surgical inflammation specific to the type 2 immune response (high YKL-40). These results differ from prior results with CRP, and raise the possibility that APOE genotype may interact at different points in the inflammatory pathway leading to delirium.

Effects of Intra-vitreal Injection of Bevacizumab as an Adjunct during Phacoemulsification in Diabetic Maculopathy

Purpose: To study the effects of Intra-vitreal injection of Bevacizumab as an adjunct during phacoemulsification in patients with diabetic retinopathy.&#x0D; Study Design: Quasi experimental study.&#x0D; Methods: Hundred diabetic patients who were scheduled to undergo phacoemulsification were included in the study. They were equally divided into two groups; Bevacizumab and control group. Complete ocular examination and macular thickness and volume were determined using an OPTOVUE-OCT machine. The patients in the Bevacizumab group were given intra-vitreal injection of 1.25 mg/0.05ml of Bevacizumab at the time of Phacoemulsification. A written ethical approval was obtained and the study was conducted according to principles of declaration of Helsinki.&#x0D; Results: The bevacizumab group manifested low value of CMT one month post-surgery as compared to the control group (262.2 ± 32.2 and 288.5 ± 54.1, respectively) with P = 0.01. The Total Macular volume, and Best-corrected visual acuity in the two groups showed no significant difference one month after surgery. Amongst the patients who developed postsurgical macular edema, four patients did not possess a positive history for diabetic retinopathy and 3 of them had Non Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. We found no significant relationship between the post-surgical macula edema with the presence of mild Non Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. (Fisher's test, P = 0.321).&#x0D; Conclusion: The ocular anti-VEGF therapy substantially reduces macular edema secondary to post-surgical inflammation in diabetic patients. It effectively reduces the central macular thickness although the results are not found to be statistically significant when compared with the control group.&#x0D; Key Words: Diabetes mellitus; diabetic macular edema; diabetic retinopathy: Bevacizumab.

Use of diode laser in soft tissue. Report of 3 cases.

There are various anatomical conditions or mucogingival alterations that can affect the normal functioning and the gingival aesthetics of teeth and dental implants. Although the treatments of these conditions have been traditionally performed with a scalpel, technological development has allowed that they can be now performed with lasers. There are different types of lasers, being the diode one of the most used due to its smaller size, portability, easy configuration, and lower cost. The laser has become more popular in soft tissue surgeries due to its multiple benefits: shorter operating time, control of bleeding and hemostasis, reduction in the amount of anesthesia, possibility of not requiring sutures, and minimization of post-surgical pain and inflammation. The purpose of this work is to present the resolution of three clinical cases which underwent labial frenectomy procedures, removal of gingival melanosis and resection of irritative fibroma using diode laser. To develop all the procedures, a 940 nm diode laser equipment (Biolase®, USA) was used with a power that varied between 2 and 2.5 W in continuous mode, using a 300 µm tip (E 3-4), which was activated before starting. After surgery, biostimulation was carried out to reduce postoperative pain and edema using the pain tip at 4 W for 30 seconds at a distance of 1 cm directly in the operated area in all cases. In all cases, the diode laser allowed a successful result. The procedure was safe, the technique was simple, and the clinical time was short. The postoperative period occurred with the absence of pain or discomfort, generating greater patient satisfaction. It should be noted that the technique depends on the skill of the professional who performs it.

Use of diode laser in soft tissue. Report of 3 cases

There are various anatomical conditions or mucogingival alterations that can affect the normal functioning and the gingival aesthetics of teeth and dental implants. Although the treatments of these conditions have been traditionally performed with a scalpel, technological development has allowed that they can be now performed with lasers. There are different types of lasers, being the diode one of the most used due to its smaller size, portability, easy configuration, and lower cost. The laser has become more popular in soft tissue surgeries due to its multiple benefits: shorter operating time, control of bleeding and hemostasis, reduction in the amount of anesthesia, possibility of not requiring sutures, and minimization of post-surgical pain and inflammation. The purpose of this work is to present the resolution of three clinical cases which underwent labial frenectomy procedures, removal of gingival melanosis and resection of irritative fibroma using diode laser. To develop all the procedures, a 940 nm diode laser equipment (Biolase®, USA) was used with a power that varied between 2 and 2.5 W in continuous mode, using a 300 µm tip (E 3-4), which was activated before starting. After surgery, biostimulation was carried out to reduce postoperative pain and edema using the pain tip at 4 W for 30 seconds at a distance of 1 cm directly in the operated area in all cases. In all cases, the diode laser allowed a successful result. The procedure was safe, the technique was simple, and the clinical time was short. The postoperative period occurred with the absence of pain or discomfort, generating greater patient satisfaction. It should be noted that the technique depends on the skill of the professional who performs it.

Post-surgical management of cataract: Light and dark in the 2020s

Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed elective surgery worldwide. Although considered a safe procedure, potentially sight-threatening adverse events are possible. Among these, post-surgical inflammation and infections are the most relevant. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, and topical antibiotics are the pillars for the treatment of inflammation and for the prevention of infections. However, uncertainties remain regarding the duration of both topical antibiotic prophylaxis and corticosteroid treatment. LEADER7, a recent international clinical study conducted with the new fixed combination of levofloxacin and dexamethasone eye drops in patients undergoing uncomplicated cataract surgery, found that 1-week topical antibiotic prophylaxis is just as effective as the 2-week course commonly used in clinical practice. The study also showed that treatment for 1 week with dexamethasone results in complete resolution of inflammatory signs and symptoms in over 85% of patients, for whom further prolongation of corticosteroid treatment is, therefore, not necessary. This new treatment strategy can represent a significant step forward to reduce the unjustified use of prophylactic antibiotics after cataract surgery, limiting the emergence of bacterial resistance, as well as representing an opportunity to optimize the use and safety of the corticosteroid treatment.

INFLUENCE OF NON-DRUG THERAPY ON REHABILITATION TIME AND SKEET SHOOTING AFTER RHINOSURGICAL INTERVENTIONS

Aim. The paper aims to study the effect of low-frequency ultrasonic cavitation on tissue regeneration and return to skeet shooting in athletes after rhinosurgical interventions. Materials and methods. 16 skeet shooters with eustachitis provoked by nasal septum deviation were treated in the department of otorhinolaryngology at Chelyabinsk city clinical hospital No 1 in the period from 2019 to 2020. Comprehensive postoperative treatment was combined with low-frequency ultrasonic cavitation therapy. Treatment was provided on a daily basis in accordance with clinical recommendations. Objective and subjective clinical and rhinological data about nasal mucous membranes were studied, as well as the effect of low-frequency ultrasonic cavitation on regeneration processes and auditory tube function recovery. Results. The use of low-frequency ultrasonic cavitation therapy in early postoperative period improves regeneration of operated cavities, removes tissue swelling, and restores ventilation function of the auditory tube. Conclusions. Short-term application of low-frequency ultrasonic irrigation of nasal cavities allows to improve tissue regeneration, restore tubal function, remove postsurgical alternative inflammation and swelling of nasal cavity mucosa, return to skeet shooting.

Periodontal dressings: A review

Periodontal surgery involves the manipulation of the tissues. To overcome the post-surgical swelling, inflammation and bleeding a form of protection is to be provided. Aforesaid protection is provided by the periodontal dressings that cover the traumatized post-surgical tissue from post-operative irritation, trauma, and salivary contamination, alleviates pain, reduces haemorrhage and facilitate better recovery. Periodontal dressings are broadly classified into three categories based on the constituents. The compositions of the dressings have taken many modifications to enhance the effects of materials. Disagreements adjoining the validation of the application and shortcomings of the frequently engaged periodontal dressings and their up-to-date status in clinical run-through are labelled in this widespread review. Keywords: Periodontal dressings, Eugenol dressings, Non-eugenol dressings, Newer periodontal dressings.

Correction to: Dexamethasone Intracanalicular Insert: A Review in Treating Post-Surgical Ocular Pain and Inflammation.

The article Dexamethasone Intracanalicular Insert: A Review in Treating Post-Surgical Ocular Pain and Inflammation, written by Arnold Lee and Hannah A. Blair, was originally published electronically in SpringerLink on 25 June 2020 without Open Access.

Dexamethasone Intracanalicular Insert: A Review in Treating Post-Surgical Ocular Pain and Inflammation.

Dextenza®, an intracanalicular insert that is placed into the lower punctal opening of the eye, gradually releases dexamethasone for up to 30 days to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with ophthalmic surgery. A significantly higher proportion of patients treated with the dexamethasone intracanalicular insert than with the placebo insert had no pain at day 8 (co-primary endpoint, 7 days post-operation) across three pivotal phase III trials, and the inflammation co-primary endpoint (absence of anterior chamber cells) at day 14 (13 days post-operation) was met in two of three trials. Overall, the dexamethasone intracanalicular insert was effective and generally well tolerated for the treatment of post-surgical ocular pain and inflammation following cataract surgery. As low patient adherence is an issue for topical ophthalmic anti-inflammatory medications, the convenience (ease of insertion, single application with no patient input and typically no removal required) of the dexamethasone intracanalicular insert makes it a promising emerging option for the treatment of ocular inflammation and pain following ophthalmic surgery.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s40265-020-01344-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Blood Levels of Free-Circulating Mitochondrial DNA in Septic Shock and Postsurgical Systemic Inflammation and Its Influence on Coagulation: A Secondary Analysis of a Prospective Observational Study

Major surgery is regularly associated with clinical signs of systemic inflammation, which potentially affects the rapid identification of sepsis. Therefore, this secondary analysis of an observational study aims to determine whether NADH dehydrogenase 1 (ND1) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) could be used as a potential biomarker for the discrimination between septic shock and postsurgical systemic inflammation. Overall, 80 patients were included (septic shock (n = 20), cardiac artery bypass grafting (CABG, n = 20), major abdominal surgery (MAS, n = 20), and matched controls (CTRL, n = 20)). Quantitative PCR was performed to measure ND1 mtDNA. Thromboelastography was used to analyze the coagulatory system. Free-circulating ND1 mtDNA levels were significantly higher in septic shock patients compared to patients suffering from post-surgical inflammation ({copies/µL}: CTRL: 1208 (668–2685); septic shock: 3823 (2170–7318); CABG: 1272 (417–2720); and MAS: 1356 (694–2845); CTRL vs. septic shock: p < 0.001; septic shock vs. CABG: p < 0.001; septic shock vs. MAS: p = 0.006; CABG vs. MAS: p = 0.01). ND1 mtDNA levels in CABG patients showed a strong positive correlation with fibrinogen (correlation coefficient [r]= 0.57, p < 0.001) and fibrinogen-dependent thromboelastographic assays (maximum clot firmness, EXTEM: r = 0.35, p = 0.01; INTEM: r = 0.31, p = 0.02; FIBTEM: r = 0.46, p < 0.001). In conclusion, plasma levels of free-circulating ND1 mtDNA were increased in septic shock patients and were discriminative between sepsis and surgery-induced inflammation. Furthermore, this study showed an association between ND1 mtDNA and a fibrinogen-dependent pro-coagulatory shift in cardiac surgical patients.