Monocyte distribution width as a biomarker of sepsis in the intensive care unit: A pilot study

Background Monocyte distribution width has been recently proposed as a sepsis biomarker in the emergency department. The aim of this study was to assess the role of monocyte distribution width as a diagnostic biomarker of sepsis in the intensive care unit. Methods In this prospective observational study, we included all consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit of the University Hospital "P. Giaccone" of Palermo. Patients were classified into three groups according to Sepsis-3 criteria: (1) patients without sepsis; (2) patients developing sepsis during their hospital stay; (3) patients admitted with sepsis. Monocyte distribution width was measured at admission (groups 1, 2, 3) and daily until the developing of sepsis (group 2) or the end of hospitalization (group 1). Results Monocyte distribution width was significantly higher in group 3 than group 1 and group 2 (30.9 [25.6-36.0] vs. 20.3 [18.3-23.6] and 21.4 [19.4-25.2]). Among patients belonging to group 2, monocyte distribution width values, measured at the day when sepsis was clinically diagnosed, were significantly higher than those found at admission: 29.4 (26.7-36.0) vs. 21.4 (19.4-25.2), P = 0.001. Conclusion Monocyte distribution width could represent a reliable biomarker of sepsis in the intensive care unit.