The diagnostic and prognostic significance of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor in systemic inflammatory response syndrome

Objectives: This study was intended to investigate the value of suPAR, C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) in the determination and prognosis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) patients. Methods: The study was performed among patients with at least two SIRS criteria. PCT, CRP and suPAR were analyzed from the blood specimens taken. Results: Eighty-five patients were enrolled in the SIRS group (44 bacteremia, 20 urinary tract infection, 12 pneumonia and 9 non-infection), and 53 individuals in the control group. A significant correlation was determined between suPAR, PCT and CRP values in both groups (P<0.0001). A suPAR cutoff value of 2.8 ng/mL was associated with an NPV of 87% and PPV of 91%, with 92% sensitivity and 85% specificity. A relatively high suPAR level that might predict fatality was also determined in fatal cases (P=0.001). Conclusion: suPAR possesses high sensitivity and specificity levels in terms of differential diagnosis, and high suPAR levels can predict fatality. (C) 2011 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.