Presepsin as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Sepsis

Abstract

Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening condition with organ failure, caused by an inadequate response of the host to the infection. It is a public health and economic problem worldwide. Early and accurate diagnosis of sepsis and timely inclusion of appropriate therapy are important for the outcome of the treatment of patients with sepsis. Sepsis biomarkers may provide information to achieve an early diagnosis, and predict prognosis and therapeutic response. Today, the literature lists more than 250 different biomarkers related to sepsis. However, stronger clinical evidence of clinical usefulness has emerged only for a few biomarkers from many published studies and meta-analyses. Among them, presepsin (sCD14-ST) appears to be one of the most promising biomarkers of sepsis in daily clinical practice. This chapter highlights the utility of presepsin as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of sepsis both in adult and pediatric patients.