Background: Utility of biomarkers in early prediction of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in suspected cases of sepsis presenting to the Emergency Department (ED).

 Aim and Objectives: To correlate the biomarker values (Pro-calcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), NT-pro BNP and Neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) with multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) score and to evaluate their role in early prediction of MODS in suspected sepsis patients presenting to ED.

Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted on 65 patients with suspected sepsis. Patients of 18-65 years presented in the ED with triage complaints of fever, respiratory, urinary and abdominal infections, who were sepsis screen positive on arrival and admitted, were enrolled in the study. They were categorized into two groups: Group 1 (MODS score Positive at 48 or 72 hours) and Group 2 (MOD score Negative). Biomarker values in both the groups and its correlation with MOD score was analyzed.

Results: At 48 hours, 40 (61.5%) patients were MODS positive with PCT (Sensitivity 100%, OR-12.6, CI-0.6-255.04, p=0.098), CRP (Sensitivity 100%, OR-27.0, CI-1.44-504.0, p=0.027), NTpro BNP (Sensitivity 82.5%, OR-7.07, CI-2.55-22.16, p=0.0008) and NGAL (Sensitivity 77.5%, OR-82.9, CI-9.7-698.16, p=0.0001) with PPV of NGAL (96.88%) and NT-pro BNP (76.74%) and 100% NPV for PCT and CRP.

Conclusion: This study established a good correlation of NT-pro BNP and NGAL with positive MODS score suggestive of and highly predictive of developing MODS in suspected cases of sepsis. The normal value of PCT and CRP on arrival in patients with suspected sepsis rules out MODS even at 72 hours during their hospital stay.