['Posttraumatic systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis and their subsequent complication, the multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), remain major complications following polytrauma. This prospective clinical study aimed at evaluating the association between these and plasma interleukin-18 (IL-18) and neopterin levels.', 'Inclusion in the series required an Injury Severity Score (ISS) >16, age 16-65 years, admission within 6 h of the accident and survival >48 h; 55 patients were enrolled. Over 14 days, plasma neopterin and IL-18 levels and the clinical course regarding MODS, SIRS and sepsis were recorded daily using the Marshall Score for MODS and the ACCP/SCCM criteria for SIRS and sepsis.', 'Neopterin and IL-18 plasma levels were increased in +MODS cases as compared with -MODS cases over almost the entire observation period. IL-18 concentrations over days 3-6 were significantly increased among participants with sepsis. These increases were all apparent 2-3 days before the clinical diagnosis of sepsis or MODS was made. In contrast, no significant differences in neopterin and IL-18 plasma levels were observed between participants with and without SIRS.'] Are elevated systemic IL-18 and neopterin levels associated with posttraumatic complications among patients with multiple injuries : a prospective cohort study?