suPAR: The unspecific marker for disease presence, severity and prognosis

Investigation of biomarkers that can promptly predict unfavourable outcome of critically illness is an emerging necessity taking into consideration the need for early intervention, the shortage of available beds in intensive care units and the considerable cost of hospitalisation. The most promising biomarker is soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR). Three studies in large populations of critically ill patients and patients admitted to the emergency department have shown that concentrations >12 ng/mL can safely predict unfavourable outcome. This review presents a thorough analysis of the data from these studies.