Novel Biomarker Combination Shows Promise in Predicting Sepsis Severity and Mortality
Researchers are exploring a combined biomarker panel-presepsin, human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), and the oxygenation index-as a potentially more accurate tool for diagnosing and predicting outcomes in sepsis patients. Current diagnostic methods frequently enough fall short in the critical early stages of the life-threatening condition, hindering timely intervention. This new approach aims to provide clinicians with a more comprehensive assessment of a patient’s condition, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies and reduced mortality rates.
Sepsis, a dysregulated host response to infection, affects millions globally each year and remains a leading cause of death in intensive care units. Existing biomarkers, like procalcitonin, have limitations in sensitivity and specificity. The combined panel leverages the distinct strengths of each marker-presepsin’s association with bacterial load, HE4’s indication of inflammation, and the oxygenation index’s reflection of lung function-to offer a more nuanced and reliable evaluation. this could be particularly impactful for patients with sepsis and lung infection, where early and accurate diagnosis is crucial.
Several studies have highlighted the individual diagnostic and prognostic value of presepsin. V,et al. (2021) in Cureus demonstrated presepsin’s potential as both a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in sepsis. Similarly, a bivariate meta-analysis by Tong X, et al. (2015) published in ther Clin Risk Manag supported presepsin as a diagnostic marker for sepsis.
HE4, while initially studied in the context of ovarian cancer[JamesNEetal[JamesNEetal[JamesNEetal[JamesNEetalFront Oncol. 2018], has emerged as a broader inflammatory marker. Žilovič D,et al. (2021) in Cancers (Basel) noted its potential in future cancer screening, while Nagy B, et al. (2016) in Chest identified HE4 as a novel serum inflammatory biomarker in cystic fibrosis. Zhang L, et al. (2020) in FASEB j further elucidated HE4’s role in promoting renal fibrosis through the NF-κB pathway, demonstrating its involvement in inflammatory processes beyond oncology.
Integrating these biomarkers with the oxygenation index-a measure of how well oxygen is transferred into the blood-provides a holistic view of sepsis severity. Ren Y, et al. (2022) in BMC Pulm Med utilized risk factor analysis and a nomogram to predict in-hospital mortality in ICU patients with sepsis and lung infection, highlighting the importance of considering multiple factors.Further research, such as the porcine model study by Zhou L, et al. (2022) in J Transl Med exploring clinical improvements in sepsis through extracorporeal centrifugal leukocyte apheresis, underscores the need for refined diagnostic tools to guide treatment decisions.
Jereb M, et al. (2019) in J Infect Dev Ctries found presepsin to be a useful diagnostic and prognostic marker of sepsis in daily clinical practice, reinforcing the clinical relevance of this biomarker. The combined panel aims to build upon these findings, offering a more robust and comprehensive approach to sepsis management.
