Sepsis and Fibroblast Growth Factor 21: A New Acute Phase Reactant?

Objective: This study aimed to compare the levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF 21) in patients with acute metabolic decompensation, sepsis and non-infectious inflammatory status using infection parameters and scoring systems. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 46 patients with sepsis and 29 patients with non-infectious inflammatory conditions in the case group. A total of 39 healthy volunteers were included in the control group. C-reactive protein, procalcitonin (PCT), sedimentation and FGF 21 levels were measured in all patients. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II and sequential organ failure assessment scores were also calculated. Results: FGF 21 levels in the patients in the case group were significantly higher than those in the patients in the control group (p ˂ 0.001). A weak positive correlation was found between the FGF 21 and PCT levels (r = 0.292, p = 0.011). It was estimated that FGF 21 levels of 492.4 pg/mL and higher could predict the diagnosis of sepsis and non-infectious inflammatory status with 82.4% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Conclusion: FGF 21 can be considered an acute phase reactant in cases of infection, rising like PCT but not increasing in every acute condition.