A retrospective cohort study analyzed the dynamic changes of several inflammatory biomarkers to predict mortality in 64 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients diagnosed with sepsis.

The study, which collected clinical and laboratory data on days 1 and 5, revealed that the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Procalcitonin (PCT) levels were significantly higher in patients who ultimately did not survive (non-survivors) compared to survivors (p<0.05). Interestingly, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels did not show a significant difference between the two groups. These findings suggest that NLR and PCT are more sensitive indicators of severe, uncontrolled sepsis inflammation than CRP. The research further demonstrated the prognostic value of monitoring the clearance of these markers over time. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that the lack of clearance (or continued elevation) of both NLR and PCT on day 5 was independently associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality (p<0.05). The study concludes that NLR and PCT serve as useful, dynamic biomarkers for predicting mortality in septic ICU patients. Monitoring the change in these biomarkers from initial presentation to day 5 can provide clinicians with crucial information to guide timely and aggressive therapeutic adjustments.

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