Endotheliopathy is associated with higher levels of cell-free DNA following major trauma: A prospective observational study.

Raised cfDNA levels are associated with markers of endotheliopathy following trauma, and are associated with mortality. This relationship is present within the first hour of injury, and a change in one biomarker level is reflected by similar changes in the others. These findings are in keeping with the hypothesis that circulating DNA and endothelial injury share a common pathway following trauma.