Sepsis and Fibroblast Growth Factor 21: A New Acute Phase Reactant?

Abstract

Objective:This study aimed to compare the levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF 21) in patients with acute metabolic decompensation, sepsis and non-infectious inflammatory status using infection parameters and scoring systems.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study included 46 patients with sepsis and 29 patients with non-infectious inflammatory conditions in the case group. A total of 39 healthy volunteers were included in the control group. C-reactive protein, procalcitonin (PCT), sedimentation and FGF 21 levels were measured in all patients. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II and sequential organ failure assessment scores were also calculated.Results:FGF 21 levels in the patients in the case group were significantly higher than those in the patients in the control group (p˂0.001). A weak positive correlation was found between the FGF 21 and PCT levels (r=0.292, p=0.011). It was estimated that FGF 21 levels of 492.4 pg/mL and higher could predict the diagnosis of sepsis and non-infectious inflammatory status with 82.4% sensitivity and 80% specificity.Conclusion:FGF 21 can be considered an acute phase reactant in cases of infection, rising like PCT but not increasing in every acute condition.

Keywords

• fibroblast growth factor 21
• sepsis
• mortality