Sepsis Breakthrough Offers Hope Amidst Rising Antibiotic Resistance Crisis
Researchers from Uppsala University have made a significant breakthrough in the treatment of sepsis. Their research shows that the biomarker human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL), especially in its dimeric form, may be a better way to tell how well antibiotics are working in people with this very serious condition. Published in PLOS ONE, the study findings add to earlier research from 2019 that suggested HNL Dimer might be useful as a quick biomarker for checking how well antibiotics are working in bacterial infections like sepsis.
Sepsis represents a critical and severe reaction to bacterial infections, necessitating prompt and effective antibiotic intervention. The high mortality rate of the condition significantly burdens healthcare systems. Healthcare professionals frequently administer broad-spectrum antibiotics as a swift response to combat infections. Antibiotic resistance, a major global health threat, has significantly increased due to the overuse of antibiotics. In 2019, antibiotic resistance was responsible for approximately 1.27 million direct deaths, while sepsis complications contributed to an additional 13.66 million fatalities, as reported by the World Economic Forum and relevant health data.
Dr. Per Venge, MD, a professor in Clinical Chemistry at Uppsala University, recently assessed the effectiveness of HNL Dimer in monitoring treatment progress among 277 intensive care unit (ICU) patients diagnosed with sepsis. We collected blood samples from patients at the onset of their treatment and then again over the next three days. In the lab, researchers compared the levels of HNL Dimer to common biomarkers like procalcitonin, heparin-binding protein, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Biomarkers, often heightened in the presence of bacterial infections, serve a crucial role in evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. However, they generally necessitate a timeframe of 4-5 days to accurately indicate the response to therapy.
Dr. Venge highlighted a significant challenge regarding biomarkers, stating, “The problem, however, with these biomarkers is that it often takes 4–5 days of successful treatment before any reduction in blood levels is seen.” The reduction of HNL dimer levels occurs rapidly, frequently within a day following effective antibiotic treatment. Measuring HNL Dimer in the blood of patients could lead to significant time savings, potentially reducing the wait for antibiotic treatment results by 3 to 4 days.
The HNL Dimer assay, a joint initiative by Uppsala University and the Diagnostics Development company, promises to provide clinicians with a more efficient and timely approach to evaluate antibiotic effectiveness in patients suffering from sepsis. Sepsis remains a significant contributor to healthcare expenses and fatalities. This research highlights the potential of HNL Dimer as an essential resource in treatment management and the fight against antibiotic resistance in critical care settings.
