Lower Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels During Critical Illness Are Associated with Subsequent Dialysis Requirement

Background and Objectives: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), best known for its role in cognitive function, is an anti-inflammatory protein proposed as a potential therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker in sepsis. However, studies investigating circulating BDNF levels in patients with sepsis have yielded conflicting results, reporting both increased and decreased concentrations. Comorbid conditions, particularly liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and kidney failure, may contribute to these discrepancies. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between plasma BDNF levels and these comorbidities in patients with sepsis. Materials and Methods: Plasma BDNF concentrations were measured in 250 critically ill patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis, or septic shock and 40 healthy controls. Among these patients, 56 had liver cirrhosis, 44 had pancreatitis, and 94 required dialysis.