A novel assay of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) formation independently predicts DIC and identifies the rationale for anti-IL-8 therapies

Neutrophils are the first line of defence against bacterial infection and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is an important protective mechanism. However, NETs can also cause harm by promoting intravascular coagulation and multi-organ failure (MOF) in animal models. Although increasingly considered as important therapeutic targets, there is currently no robust and specific measure of NETs formation to inform clinical care and enable precision medicine in patients on the intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of this study is to establish a novel assay for measuring NETs and assess its clinical significance.