The Study of Novel Sepsis Biomarkers Presepsin, Interleukin-27, Hepcidin, Plasma Chitotriosidase in Intensive Care Unit Patients with Sepsis and Correlation with Serum Procalcitonin Levels.

Background: Sepsis remains a leading cause of mortality in intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide, necessitating improved diagnostic and prognostic tools. This study aimed to estimate the novel sepsis biomarkers, including presepsin, interleukin (IL)-27, hepcidin, and plasma chitotriosidase in ICU patients with sepsis, evaluating their potential for enhancing early diagnosis and monitoring.

Methods: This prospective study was conducted over 18 months at JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, India. The study included 73 ICU patients above 18 years diagnosed with bacterial sepsis based on Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and procalcitonin (PCT) levels. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with respective biomarker kits. Demographic data, clinical parameters, and laboratory values were recorded. Correlations between novel biomarkers and PCT were assessed using Pearson correlation analysis.

Results: The study population had a mean age of 55.7 years, with 60.3% male participants. Hypertension (56.16%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (49.32%) were the most common comorbidities. Abnormal presepsin levels were observed in 53.4% of participants, showing a strong positive correlation with PCT (r = 0.763, P < 0.001). Hepcidin levels were abnormal in 76.7% of participants, demonstrating a moderate positive correlation with PCT (r = 0.522, P < 0.001). Only 11.0% of participants had abnormal IL-27 levels, with a weak, nonsignificant correlation with PCT (r = 0.172, P = 0.540). All participants (100%) had abnormal chitotriosidase levels, showing a weak but significant positive correlation with PCT (r = 0.234, P = 0.047).

Conclusion: This study supports the potential of presepsin and hepcidin as novel biomarkers for sepsis in ICU patients. These markers showed strong correlations with PCT and high rates of abnormal levels in sepsis patients. IL-27 and chitotriosidase showed less promise in our study population. Integrating these novel biomarkers, particularly presepsin and hepcidin, into clinical practice could potentially improve early diagnosis and management of sepsis in critical care settings.