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Research Snapshot Theater: Precision Medicine in Sepsis, Adult and Pediatric

Meta-Analysis of Association Between Inflammatory Biomarkers and Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy

Sunday, March 22, 2026
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Central Time
Location: Connections Central - RST 18

  • Jiyun Hu, N/A

    CHN

    Disclosure(s): No relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose.

  • SX

    Shucai Xie, N/A

    Doctor
    Xiangya Hospital Central South University

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • YL

    Ya Liao, N/A

    Doctor
    Xiangya Hospital Central South University

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • TC

    Tao Chen, N/A

    Doctor
    Xiangya Hospital Central South University

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • QW

    Qianyi Wang, N/A

    Doctor
    Xiangya Hospital Central South University

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • ZQ

    Zhaoxin Qian, n/a

    MD, PhD
    Xiangya Hospital Central South University

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • LZ

    Lina Zhang, n/a

    professor
    Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China (People's Republic)

    Disclosure information not submitted.

Introduction: Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE), manifesting as acute brain dysfunction during sepsis, is associated with significant cognitive impairment, neurological sequelae, and increased mortality. Early and accurate SAE diagnosis is critical for timely therapeutic intervention and optimized patient management. Serum inflammatory biomarkers represent promising tools for SAE detection and longitudinal monitoring. This meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic utility of key serum inflammatory biomarkers in SAE.


Methods: Following PROSPERO registration (CRD42023408312) and adherence to PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CQVIP, WFSD) were systematically searched for studies investigating serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) for SAE diagnosis and mortality risk stratification. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using QUADAS-2. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for biomarkers reported in ≥2 studies. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I² statistic.


Results: Fouty-seven studies were included in our meta-analysis. The levels of serum inflammatory biomarkers were significantly higher in patients with SAE as compared to septic patients with no-encephalopathy (NE): IL-6 [SMD 1.98 (95% CI 1.55–2.42), P < 0.0001]; CRP [SMD 0.60 (95% CI 0.30–0.91), P < 0.0001]; PCT [SMD 1.47 (95% CI 0.62–2.33), P = 0.0001]. In addition, the significantly lower serum inflammatory biomarkers levels were noted in septic patients with survivors as compared to non-survivors: IL-6 [SMD -1.67 (95% CI -2. 62– -0.72), P =0.001]; CRP [SMD -0.86 (95% CI -1.36– -037), P =0.001]; PCT [SMD -0.72 (95% CI -1.36– -0.08), P =0.027].


Conclusions: Elevated serum levels of IL-6, CRP, and PCT are associated with SAE development and increased mortality risk in sepsis. These biomarkers demonstrate significant potential as blood-based tools for SAE detection and longitudinal monitoring.