Publication:

Heparin-binding protein as a new biomarker for acute kidney injury related to sepsis

Background In emergency settings, physicians frequently encounter critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). This severe organ dysfunction leads to high morbidity and mortality, even post-discharge. To determine the association between Heparin-binding protein (HBP) and sepsis-associated AKI, facilitating early AKI prediction and intervention.

Methods A cross-sectional prospective observational comparative study was conducted at K.P.S PG Institute of Medicine, Kanpur, from June 2023 to July 2024. Patients aged 18 years and older, suspected of sepsis, were enrolled and investigated for sepsis and AKI, along with serum heparin-binding protein.

Results Baseline HBP levels were 5.222 (SD 3.046) in the non-AKI group and 11.979 (SD 5.972) in the AKI group. An optimum HBP cut-off >8.28 was determined. HBP levels progressively increased with AKI severity: Stage I (7.392), Stage II (10.842), and Stage III (19.623). The findings were statistically significant (F=51.854, p<0.001).

Conclusion Sepsis-associated AKI patients had elevated HBP levels. The baseline cut-off of 8.28 aids in AKI detection.