Work

Is calprotectin a reliable marker in surgical ICU settings? A clinical evaluation of its role in sepsis and mortality prediction

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Calprotectin, a neutrophil-derived protein, has emerged as a potential biomarker for inflammation and infection. This study evaluated the utility of serum calprotectin levels in diagnosing sepsis and predicting mortality in surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Methods This prospective observational study included 124 patients admitted to the surgical ICU at Uşak Training and Research Hospital between 2022 and 2024. Data on demographics, serum calprotectin, CRP, PCT, lactate levels, and clinical scores (SOFA, APACHE II) were collected. ROC analysis was used for predictive accuracy; Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients assessed associations. Results No significant associations were found between serum calprotectin and SOFA/APACHE II scores, CRP, or lactate. However, calprotectin correlated positively with PCT in sepsis (r = 0.428, p = 0.002) negatively in postoperative subgroups (r = −0.48, p < 0.001). Calprotectin showed poor prognostic accuracy (AUC = 0.472). Mortality was significantly associated with high CRP and severity scores, but not with calprotectin levels. Conclusion Calprotectin alone lacks sufficient diagnostic or prognostic power for sepsis in surgical ICU patients. It may serve as a complementary marker alongside PCT in specific subgroups.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1619825

Authors: Ebru Aladağ, Muhammed Emin Zora, Yücel Gültekin, Soycan Mızrak

Institutions: Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat Üniversitesi, Usak University, Adnan Menderes University

Language: English

Topic: Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801