Cell-Free Plasma DNA as a Prognostic Marker in Intensive Treatment Unit Patients

: Recent evidence suggests that cell‐free plasma DNA has potential use as a prognostic marker in many clinical settings. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic role of cell‐free plasma DNA in the prediction of clinical outcome in intensive treatment unit (ITU) patients. Cell‐free plasma DNA was measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay for the β‐globin gene and SOFA score, APACHE II score, CRP concentrations, and clinical outcome (duration of stay, ventilation time, and mortality) were noted in 94 patients on admission to the ITU. The median plasma DNA concentration in ITU patients was 5493 GE/mL and this was significantly (P