C-Reactive Protein and Hemogram Parameters for the Non-Sepsis Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Sepsis: What Do They Mean?

<div><p>Objectives</p><p>Sepsis is one of the most common reasons of increased mortality and morbidity in the intensive care unit. The changes in CRP levels and hemogram parameters and their combinations may help to distinguish sepsis from non-sepsis SIRS. The aim of this study is to investigate the CRP and hemogram parameters as an indicator of sepsis.</p><p>Methods</p><p>A total of 2777 patients admitted to the ICU of two centers between 2006–2013 were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were diagnosed as SIRS (-), non-sepsis SIRS and sepsis. The patients who were under 18 years old, re-admitted, diagnosed with hematological disease, on corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy, SIRS (-), culture negative, undocumented laboratory values and outcomes were excluded. 1257 patients were divided into 2 groups as non-sepsis SIRS and sepsis. The patients’ demographic data, CRP levels, hemogram parameters, length of ICU stay and mortality were recorded.</p><p>Results</p><p>1257 patients were categorized as non-sepsis SIRS (816, 64.9%) and sepsis (441, 35.1%). In the multivariate analysis, the likelihood of sepsis was increased 3.2 (2.2–4.6), 1.7 (1.2–2.4), 1.6 (1.2–2.1), 2.3 (1.4–3.8), 1.5 (1.1–2.1) times by the APACHE II≥13, SOFA score≥4, CRP≥4.0, Lym_C<0.45 and PLT_C<150 respectively (p<0.001 p = 0.007 p = 0.004 p<0.001 p = 0.027). The likelihood of sepsis was increased 18.1 (8.4–38.7) times by the combination of CRP≥4.0, lym_C<0.45 and PLT_C<150 (P<0.001).</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>While WBC_C, Neu_C, Neu%, NLCR and Eo_C are far from being the indicators to distinguish sepsis from non-sepsis SIRS, the combinations of CRP, Lym_C and PLT_C can be used to determine the likelihood of sepsis.</p></div

Comparison of survivor and non-survivor patients.

<p>Abbreviations: APACHE II, Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation; CRP, c-reactive protein; Eo_C, eosinophil count; PLT_C, platelet count; SOFA, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment.</p

Combinations of CRP and hemogram parameters for likelihood of sepsis.

<p>Abbreviations: CRP, c-reactive protein; Eo_C, eosinophil count; PLT_C, platelet count. ^#, p<0.001.</p

Study flowchart.

<p>Abbreviations: APACHE II, Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation; SIRS, systemic inflammatory response syndrome; SOFA, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment.</p