Protein carbonyl concentration as a biomarker for development and mortality in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury

The objective of the present study was to evaluate protein carbonyl concentration as a predictor of AKI development in patients with septic shock and of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and mortality in patients with SAKI. This was a prospective observational study of 175 consecutive patients over the age of 18 years with septic shock upon Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. After exclusion of 46 patients (27 due to AKI at ICU admission), a total of 129 patients were enrolled in the study. Demographic information and blood samples were taken within the first 24 h of the patient's admission to determine serum protein carbonyl concentrations. Among the patients who developed SAKI, the development of AKI was evaluated, along with mortality and need for RRT. The mean age of the patients was 63.3 ± 15.7 years, 47% were male and 51.2% developed SAKI during ICU stay. In addition, protein carbonyl concentration was shown to be associated with SAKI. Among 66 patients with SAKI, 77% died during the ICU stay. Protein carbonyl concentration was not associated with RRT in patients with SAKI. However, the ROC curve analysis revealed that higher levels of protein carbonyl were associated with mortality in these patients. In logistic regression models, protein carbonyl level was associated with SAKI development (OR: 1.416; 95% CI: 1.247-1.609; P<0.001) and mortality when adjusted by age, gender, and APACHE II score (OR: 1.357; 95% CI: 1.147-1.605; P<0.001). In conclusion, protein carbonyl concentration is predictive of AKI development and mortality in patients with SAKI, with excellent reliability.