Presepsin Diagnostic Performance in Severe Burn Sepsis

This study enrolls approximately 270 adult patients with severe burns covering at least 20% of total body surface area to evaluate how well the blood biomarker presepsin diagnoses sepsis early in this high-risk population. Sepsis-a life-threatening condition caused by an exaggerated immune response to infection-is particularly urgent to detect promptly in burn patients. Participants will undergo blood tests for presepsin at predefined time points, and these results will be compared to C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) levels, Sepsis-3 clinical criteria, and blood culture findings. The primary goal is to measure presepsin's sensitivity and specificity for sepsis detection, thereby determining its diagnostic accuracy. Findings from this study may enable faster sepsis treatment in severe burn patients and improve clinical outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged ≥ 18 years admitted to Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital Burn ICU with total body surface area (TBSA) ≥ 20 % * Clinical suspicion of sepsis prompting blood culture and biomarker sampling * Ability to understand the study and provide written informed consent (or via legally authorized representative) Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to undergo research blood draw due to emergent surgery or major trauma at sampling time * Chronic immunosuppressive conditions (e.g., long-term high-dose steroids, organ transplant, congenital immunodeficiency) * Pregnant women or those with significant psychiatric conditions precluding consent * Any other medical or safety concerns deemed inappropriate by the investigator