Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the potential of interleukin-34 (IL-34) as a novel biomarker for predicting mortality in sepsis patients, with a specific focus on those with sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI). METHODS: This prospective cohort study enrolled 115 sepsis patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The patients were divided into survival and non-survival groups, as well as ALI and non-ALI subgroups. Serum levels of IL-34, in conjunction with other established biomarkers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and lactate, were measured and analyzed. Statistical analyses, including receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression models, were used to determine the prognostic significance of IL-34. RESULTS: Serum IL-34 levels were significantly elevated in sepsis patients compared to healthy controls, and they were also higher in non-survival group compared to survival group (p < 0.05). Additionally, IL-34 levels exhibited a positive correlation with sepsis severity, as indicated by APACHE II and SOFA scores. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariate COX regression analysis revealed that IL-34 is an independent risk factor for death within 28 days of sepsis. The serum IL-34 level in the ALI group was significantly higher than that in the non-ALI group, particularly in severe cases (p < 0.05). However, the prognostic value of IL-34 in sepsis-induced ALI requires further investigation. CONCLUSION: IL-34 shows promise as an independent prognostic factor in sepsis patients and may enhance risk stratification, especially in those with sepsis-induced ALI.