Surface TREM-1 as a Prognostic Biomarker in Pediatric Sepsis

Objectives To investigate the association between the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) levels and prognosis in septic children. Methods Patients admitted to pediatric intensive care units (PICU) of three tertiary centers were included in this prospective observational study. Serum samples were taken at admission from patients who were hospitalized with sepsis. Results Of the 87 patients included, 34 (39.1%) had severe sepsis and 53 (60.9%) had septic shock. The median age was 2 y (2 mo to 16 y). TREM-1 values were found to be significantly higher in septic shock patients 129 pg/ml (min 9.85- max 494.90) compared to severe sepsis 105 pg/ml (min 8.21- max 289.17) (p = 0.048). Despite higher TREM-1 levels been measured in non-survivors compared to survivors, it was not statistically significant [168.98 pg/ml (min 9.85- max 494.90) vs. 110.79 pg/ml (min 8.21- max 408.90), (p = 0.075)]. Conclusions Admission TREM-1 levels were higher in septic shock compared to severe sepsis patients. There was no association between mortality and TREM-1 levels in sepsis. TREM-1 measurements should be used carefully in pediatric sepsis prognosis.