Presepsin as a predictive biomarker of severity in covid-19: A systematic review

Background: The aim of this review is to evaluate the global scientific literature on the utility of plasma presepsin (PSP) as a prognostic biomarker in a homogenous group of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive cases. Data retrieval: A systematic review utilizing Medline (PubMed interface), LitCovid NLM, World Health Organization (WHO)–global literature on coronavirus disease, and EBSCO CINAHL Plus was undertaken. The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) group guidelines. The quality of individual evidence and possible risk of bias were assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. A narrative syntheses-based conclusion was compiled. Results: A total of three articles passed through the predefined screening criteria and were included in the review. Methodological quality was evaluated to be acceptable. The aggregate study population was summed up to be 167 COVID-19 positive cases, who had undergone analysis of plasma PSP levels for the prediction of severity and mortality. Based on different PSP cutoffs utilized, a statistically significant association between PSP and COVID-19 severity was reported. Conclusion: PSP appears as a promising prognostic biomarker of COVID-19 progression. As data are scarce on its utility, large cross-sectional studies are needed.