Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. In this context, biomarkers could be considered indicators of either infection or dysregulated host response or response to treatment and/or aid clinicians in prognosticating patient risk.

A recently published narrative review provides current data on the clinical utility of pathogen-specific and host-response biomarkers, offers guidance on optimising their use, and proposes the need for future research. In this podcast, Dr Povoa, one of the leaders of this review, details these findings.

Original paper: How to use biomarkers of infection or sepsis at the bedside: guide to clinicians

Speakers

Pedro PÓVOA.  NOVA Medical School, New University of Lisbon (PT).

Laura BORGSTEDT. Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (DE). NEXT Committe member, ESICM.