The main content of this thesis is divided into two sections. In section I we studied the predictive values of different biomarkers for serious infections i.e. bloodstream infections. The first goal was to find a biomarker that could discriminate between non-infectious causes of inflammation and microbial infection. The second goal was to determine if one of those biomarkers could predict the invasiveness (bacteraemia) and severity (septic shock, mortality) of microbial infection. The third goal was to determine optimal cut-off values for the prediction of microbial infection.

In the section II we describe the safety and efficacy of different antifungal treatment strategies in critically ill patients. The goal was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of currently used antifungal agents and strategies. The second goal was, when possible, to give recommendations for possible changes in the current antifungal treatment strategies.

These two sections are followed by a commentary that summarizes and discusses the main findings.

A.B.J. Groeneveld (Johan) , B.J.A. Rijnders (Bart)
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Financial support by Astellas Pharma and Sysmex Europe for the publication of this thesis is gratefully acknowledged.
hdl.handle.net/1765/94636
Department of Intensive Care

van der Geest, P. (2016, December 20). Serious Infections in the Intensive Care Unit: diagnosis and management. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/94636