Biomarkers in Sepsis

A biomarker is a characteristic by which a (patho) physiologic process can be identified. Biomarkers can be of diagnostic value (to discriminate infection from noninfectious conditions or to determine the causative pathogen), of prognostic value (to assign risk profiles and predict outcome), and in the future may be of theranostic value (to aid in the selection and monitoring of therapy). Systems biology provides a promising tool for the discovery of novel biomarkers. Biomarkers can be the key to personalized targeted treatment in the future clinical management of sepsis.