QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians
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Increased levels of plasma nuclear and mitochondrial DNA have been reported in critically ill patients. We tested the hypothesis that plasma nuclear and mitochondrial DNA are substantially increased in acute bacterial meningitis and decrease after antimicrobial therapy, and that plasma nuclear and mitochondrial DNA levels can predict treatment outcomes. ⋯ Based on our results, the higher plasma DNA levels were associated with a poorer outcome. Therefore, we look forward to more prospective multicenter investigations specifically to confirm the predictive value of plasma DNA levels in outcome prediction.