The evolving value of older biomarkers in the clinical diagnosis of pediatric sepsis

Abstract

Sepsis remains the leading cause of childhood mortality worldwide. The evolving definition of pediatric sepsis is extrapolated from adult studies. Although lacking formal validation in the pediatric population, this working definition has historically proven its clinical utility. Prompt identification of pediatric sepsis is challenging as clinical picture is often variable. Timely intervention is crucial for optimal outcome, thus biomarkers are utilized to aid in immediate, yet judicious, diagnosis of sepsis. Over time, their use in sepsis has expanded with discovery of newer biomarkers that include genomic bio-signatures. Despite recent scientific advances, there is no biomarker that can accurately diagnose sepsis. Furthermore, older biomarkers are readily available in most institutions while newer biomarkers are not. Hence, the latter's clinical value in pediatric sepsis remains theoretical. Albeit promising, scarce data on newer biomarkers have been extracted from research settings making their clinical value unclear. As interest in newer biomarkers continue to proliferate despite their ambiguous clinical use, the literature on older biomarkers in clinical settings continue to diminish. Thus, revisiting the evolving value of these earliest biomarkers in optimizing pediatric sepsis diagnosis is warranted. This review focuses on the four most readily available biomarkers to bedside clinicians in diagnosing pediatric sepsis. IMPACT: The definition of pediatric sepsis remains an extrapolation from adult studies. Older biomarkers that include C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, ferritin, and lactate are the most readily available biomarkers in most pediatric institutions to aid in the diagnosis of pediatric sepsis. Older biomarkers, although in varying levels of reliability, remain to be useful clinical adjuncts in the diagnosis of pediatric sepsis if used in the appropriate clinical context. C-reactive protein and procalcitonin are more sensitive and specific among these older biomarkers in diagnosing pediatric sepsis although evidence varies in different age groups and clinical scenarios.