Delirium is a prevalent condition in critical care settings, yet it has historically been challenging to quantify or measure at a biological level. This article presents groundbreaking insights into biomarkers that hold great promise for the future of identifying and diagnosing delirium effectively.
Here is a simplified summary from the full article.
Delirium is a common and serious issue in critical care. Although its causes are not fully known, serum biomarkers offer promise for improving diagnosis and understanding. This review examines 28 studies on 54 biomarkers linked to delirium in critically ill adults, organizing them by pathways like brain injury, immune response, and hormone imbalance. Key findings show that S100β* and neurofilament light chain (NfL*) have strong links to delirium, while inflammatory markers like IL-6* and CRP* have inconsistent results. Hormonal biomarkers are promising, but neurotransmitter-related biomarkers show variable results. Limitations include inconsistent assessments, poor timing in evaluations, and the diverse nature of ICU populations. The approach of using integrated biomarker profiling could help advance precision medicine. Future research should focus on standardized methods and long-term studies. Currently, serum biomarkers for ICU delirium are nearing clinical use but need more validation to reach their full potential. Biomarkers like S100β and neurofilament light chain are crucial for understanding ICU delirium, especially related to brain damage. Despite challenges like inconsistent methods and lack of replication, it’s important to focus on understanding the mechanisms and conducting thorough studies to ensure these biomarkers can effectively aid in diagnosing and managing delirium in clinical settings.
*S100β is a calcium-binding protein primarily expressed by astrocytes in the brain, which serves as a key biomarker for central nervous system (CNS) damage and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. Elevated S100β levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are associated with the severity of brain injuries like head trauma and stroke, and can also indicate cognitive decline, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and even cancer-related neurological issues
*NfL is a valuable biomarker for assessing neuronal damage. Its measurement can provide valuable information for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing neurodegenerative diseases. However, it’s crucial to interpret NfL levels in conjunction with other clinical and diagnostic findings.
*IL-6 is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine that is produced in response to infections, injuries, and autoimmune diseases. It stimulates the production of other inflammatory mediators, such as fever, pain, and swelling.
*C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. It is a marker of acute phase response, indicating an ongoing inflammatory process in the body.
Names, dates, and personal identifying details have been changed throughout this website to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). **
Code Team Pearls 
Leave a comment