Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026
Evaluation of a Reliable Biomarker in a Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Mouse Model of Sepsis
Published on: December 9, 2022
Role of biomarkers in pediatric sepsis: What evidence says?
Amit Agrawal1, Dalwinder Janjua2, Gaurav Jadon3
1Department of Pediatrics, Gandhi Medical College, Hamidia Hospital Campus, Bhopal 462001, Madhya Pradesh, India. agrawaldramit@yahoo.co.in.
Insights
Identifying the cause of sepsis in children is crucial. Biomarkers like C-reactive protein and procalcitonin show promise but no single marker can definitively diagnose all pediatric sepsis infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Clinical diagnostics
Background:
- Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized children.
- Effective treatment relies on distinguishing bacterial from non-bacterial infections to guide fluid resuscitation and antibiotic therapy.
- Current laboratory methods may not always identify the causative agent, necessitating improved diagnostic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the evidence for using biomarkers in diagnosing pediatric sepsis.
- To evaluate the role of various biomarkers in identifying infection types and guiding treatment.
- To assess the potential of biomarkers in monitoring sepsis progression and recovery.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar.
- Studies evaluating biomarkers such as C-reactive protein, ferritin, lactate, procalcitonin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were reviewed.
- Evidence regarding diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic guidance was critically analyzed.
Main Results:
- Various biomarkers demonstrate potential in identifying pediatric sepsis, with differing sensitivities.
- Biomarkers like C-reactive protein and procalcitonin are commonly investigated for sepsis diagnosis.
- No single biomarker has proven sufficient for identifying all types of infections in pediatric sepsis.
Conclusions:
- Biomarker assessment can aid in diagnosing and managing pediatric sepsis.
- Further robust studies are needed to compare the efficacy of different biomarkers.
- Optimizing biomarker use is essential for guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy and improving patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Sepsis is common in hospitalized pediatric patients, leading to increased morbidity, including multiple organ dysfunction and mortality. Fluid resuscitation and antibiotic administration are the primary protective mechanisms for sepsis. However, not all infections are bacterial, and unnecessary antibiotic use increases the risk of developing multidrug resistance; therefore, it is essential to distinguish bacterial from viral or other infections. Routine laboratory investigations cannot always identify the cause of diseases, but assessing different biomarker levels can help identify these infections and treat sepsis accordingly. This mini-review aims to critically analyze the available evidence supporting the use of biomarkers in pediatric sepsis. We have used the search engines PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to retrieve relevant information. We reviewed studies evaluating various biomarkers used for sepsis diagnoses, like C-reactive protein, ferritin, lactate, procalcitonin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, etc. Apart from the diagnosis, trials are being conducted to assess the role of these biomarkers in monitoring and guiding antibiotic therapy to promote early recovery. The sensitivity of each biological marker varied in different studies, and no single biomarker can identify all types of infections. More robust studies are necessary to compare the roles of various biomarkers in diagnosing and guiding the appropriate therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:24Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism