Potential biomarkers used for risk estimation of pediatric sepsis-associated organ dysfunction and immune dysregulation

Pediatric sepsis is a serious issue globally and is a significant cause of illness and death among infants and children. Refractory septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome are the primary causes of mortality in children with sepsis. However, there is incomplete understanding of mechanistic insight of sepsis associated organ dysfunction. Biomarkers present during the body’s response to infection-related inflammation can be used for screening, diagnosis, risk stratification/prognostication, and/or guidance in treatment decision-making. Research on biomarkers in children with sepsis can provide information about the risk of poor outcomes and sepsis-related organ dysfunction. This review focuses on clinically used biomarkers associated with immune dysregulation and organ dysfunction in pediatric sepsis, which could be useful for developing precision medicine strategies in pediatric sepsis management in the future.

Sepsis is a complex syndrome with diverse clinical presentations, where organ dysfunction is a key factor in morbidity and mortality.