Editing Sepsis (section)

=== Biomarkers ===
Biomarkers can help with diagnosis because they can point to the presence or severity of sepsis, although their exact role in the management of sepsis remains undefined.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Pierrakos C, Vincent JL | title = Sepsis biomarkers: a review | journal = Critical Care | volume = 14 | issue = 1 | pages = R15 | date = 2010 | pmid = 20144219 | pmc = 2875530 | doi = 10.1186/cc8872 | doi-access = free }}</ref> A 2013 [[review]] concluded moderate-quality evidence exists to support the use of the [[procalcitonin]] level as a method to distinguish sepsis from non-infectious causes of SIRS.<ref name="Wacker2013"/> The same review found the [[Sensitivity and specificity|sensitivity]] of the test to be 77% and the specificity to be 79%. The authors suggested that procalcitonin may serve as a helpful diagnostic marker for sepsis, but cautioned that its level alone does not definitively make the diagnosis.<ref name="Wacker2013"/> More current literature recommends utilizing the PCT to direct antibiotic therapy for improved antibiotic stewardship and better patient outcomes.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Valencia L | title = PCT testing in sepsis protocols | journal = Frontiers in Analytical Science|  date = July 2023 | volume = 3 | doi = 10.3389/frans.2023.1229003 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

A 2012 systematic review found that [[SuPAR|soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor]] (SuPAR) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and does not accurately diagnose sepsis.<ref name="Backes2012"/> This same review concluded, however, that SuPAR has prognostic value, as higher SuPAR levels are associated with an increased rate of death in those with sepsis.<ref name="Backes2012"/> Serial measurement of lactate levels (approximately every 4 to 6 hours) may guide treatment and is associated with lower mortality in sepsis.<ref name="Gauer et al" />