Serum heparin-binding protein as a potential biomarker in acute respiratory distress syndrome

Background Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a clinical disorder caused by alveolar injury associated with inflammatory cell activation and release of inflammatory biomarkers; including heparin-binding protein (HBP). This study is a prospective observational study conducted on 40 patients and 10 healthy controls, to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic role of HBP in ARDS. Serum samples were collected on days 1 and 5 (HBP1 and 5). Results HBP1 was significantly higher in patients than controls ( P =0.001). Moreover, HBP5 was significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors ( P =0.006). A significant relation was found between HBP1 and the extent of Lung injury ( P =0.001). Both of measurements showed a significant negative linear correlation with the PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio ( r =−0.3, P =0.04) ( r =−0.6, P =<0,001), respectively. A cut-off value of greater than or equal to 16.2 ng/ml was diagnostic on day 1 with a sensitivity of 97.5% and a specificity of 100%, and a cut-off value of greater than or equal to 52 ng/ml on day 5 was found to be a predictor of mortality with a sensitivity 89.7% and a specificity 72.7%. Conclusion HBP has a diagnostic role in ARDS and can be used as a predictor of mortality during the disease course.