Cell Free DNA and Procalcitonin as Early Markers of Complications in ICU Patients with Multiple Trauma and Major Surgery

Background: Cell free DNA (cfDNA) was recently suggested as a new marker of sepsis and poor outcome in ICU patients. Procalcitonin has also been the focus of attention as an early marker for systemic inflammation and sepsis. Methods: cfDNA, procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and lactate levels were measured in 30 ICU patients with multiple trauma or after major surgery on the first day of admission and on 5th and 7th days for PCT, CRP, and lactate. cfDNA was measured by real-time PCR, PCT by ELISA, CRP immunoturbidimetrically, and lactate spectrophotometrically. SOFA score and Injury Severity Score (ISS) for trauma patients were calculated. Results: Significantly higher levels of cfDNA were observed in non-survivor patients in comparison to survivors and in patients with sepsis in comparison to those without sepsis (p = 0.002 and p = 0.02, respectively). The ROC curve was calculated for cfDNA as a predictor of outcome, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.847 (95% CI: 0.669 - 0.952), at a cutoff value of 15500 ng/juL, sensitivity = 83.3%, specificity = 77.8% (p < 0.0001). As a prognostic marker of sepsis, the AUC for cfDNA was 0.788 (95% CI: 0.601 - 0.915), sensitivity = 56.25%, specificity = 100% (p = 0.0007). Day 5 PCT levels significantly correlated with SOFA scores on day 5, ISS on admission (p < 0.001 and p = 0.028, respectively), and a significant elevation of its levels was observed in non-survivor patients compared to survivors (p = 0.001). As a predictor of sepsis, PCT showed a sensitivity of 81.3%, specificity of 100% on day 5, (AUC: 0.987, 95% CI: 0.955 - 1.00); at a cutoff value of 202.90 pg/mL (p = 0.001). As a predictor of outcome, PCT on day 5 showed a sensitivity of 94.0% and a specificity of 78.0% at a cutoff value of 194.40 pg/mL (p = 0.001). Day 1 CRP correlated with ISS on admission, and on day 5 it correlated with SOFA score 5, while lactate correlated with length of stay on days 1, 5, and 7, and its levels were significantly higher in non-survivors on days 5 and 7. Conclusions: cfDNA is a good predictor of patient outcome in ICU and to a lesser extent as a marker of sepsis. PCT is another promising marker that can complement cfDNA to reach better patient management. Other markers can help in less severe cases.