Abstract
Background Previous studies have suggested a strong genetic effect on sepsis pathogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the role of miRNA-146-a expression in pediatric sepsis. Methods The study included 55 pediatric sepsis patients and 60 control children of the same age and sex. Serum miRNA-146-a expression was measured using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and procalcitonin levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The outcome of the pediatric sepsis group was determined at 28 days of follow up. Results The results obtained revealed that serum miRNA-146-a levels were significantly decreased in sepsis group compared to the control group. Serum level of miRNA-146a correlated with sepsis severity, with the pediatric septic shock group having the lowest level, followed by the severe sepsis and sepsis groups. The miRNA-146-a level could indicate sepsis (area under curve = 0.803). Serum miRNA-146-a expression was negatively associated with C-reactive protein, pro-calcitonin, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Patients with miRNA-146-a at a level lower than 0.4 had an increased mortality rate. Conclusions miRNA-146-a is of significant diagnostic and prognostic value in pediatric sepsis and could be used for planning therapeutic strategies.