The Role of Serum Beta-Trace Protein in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Sepsis Patients in the Emergency Department

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of serum beta-trace protein (BTP) levels in patients diagnosed with sepsis in the emergency department. Materials and Methods: This prospective, single-center, observational clinical study was conducted in the emergency department and intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital. A total of 104 sepsis patients and 48 healthy adult volunteers who presented to the emergency department between April 2015 and October 2015 were included. Blood samples were collected on days 1 and 3, and BTP levels were measured using the ELISA method. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0. Results: BTP levels were significantly higher in sepsis patients compared to the control group (p=0.013). However, no significant difference was observed between day 1 and day 3 BTP levels (p=0.119). When categorized by sepsis severity, BTP levels did not correlate with disease severity (p>0.05). Additionally, no significant association was found between BTP levels and mortality (p=0.651). Conclusion: BTP may serve as a potential biomarker for sepsis diagnosis, but it is not a reliable indicator of disease severity or prognosis. Further large-scale studies are needed.