Introduction
The objective of this study was to compare the number of rolling and adhered leukocytes in patients with severe sepsis/septic shock with non-infected controls. Microcirculatory flow alterations and endothelial cell dysfunction are elements of sepsis pathophysiology. Traditionally, microcirculatory emphasis has been on red blood cell vessel perfusion. However, assessment of interactions between white blood cells and endothelial cells may be another early diagnostic modality.