Could Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Receptor (Supar) Be Used as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Abstract

BackgroundSoluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a biomarker that is increasingly used for evaluation of systemic inflammation. This study was performed to investigate whether suPAR may possess a diagnostic value in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). MethodsThis clinical study was performed in the anesthesia intensive care units (ICUs) of our university. In addition to descriptive data, WBC, serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and suPAR prior to and after development of VAP were noted and compared in 31 patients (22 men, 9 women) diagnosed with VAP (Study Group) and 19 patients without VAP (Control Group) in ICU (14 men, 5 women). ResultsThe suPAR (P=0.023), CRP (P=0.037), WBCs (P=0.024) in patients with VAP were significantly higher than patients without VAP. There was no remarkable difference in terms of WBCs (P=0.052) and suPAR levels (P=0.616) between groups on the first day of connection to mechanical ventilator. The suPAR and CRP levels in patients with VAP were significantly higher than prior to development of VAP (P=0.001 for both). Area under curve value after diagnosis of pneumonia was found 0.248 (P=0.002). ConclusionTo conclude, our results suggest that suPAR can be a useful diagnostic biomarker in patients with VAP. However, clinical trials on larger series are warranted to explore the clinical significance more accurately.