The diagnostic value of apolipoprotein E in pediatric patients with invasive bacterial infections

ObjectiveTo evaluate the potential diagnostic value of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) measurements in pediatric patients with invasive bacterial infections.Design and methodA total of 185 pediatric patients were enrolled in this study, including 94 patients with confirmable infections and 91 patients without confirmable infections. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ApoE levels were measured by immunoturbidimetry. The diagnostic values of ApoE were evaluated by the receiver operating curve (ROC) method.ResultsApoE levels in CSF were significantly increased in patients with bacterial meningitis, and serum ApoE was markedly elevated in patients with sepsis or with bacterial meningitis compared with patients with other infections and uninfected children. The optimal ApoE cutoff value for CSF was > 1.7 mg/L with 85% sensitivity and 100% specificity and was > 42 mg/L in serum with 80% sensitivity and 93% specificity.ConclusionApoE detection provided a novel diagnostic marker for invasive bacterial infections in pediatric patients.

► We evaluate the potential diagnostic value of ApoE in pediatric bacterial infection.
► We measure ApoE in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum by immunoturbidimetry.
► ApoE level in CSF was significantly increased in patient with bacterial meningitis.
► Serum ApoE was markedly elevated in patient with sepsis or bacterial meningitis.
► ApoE detection provided a novel diagnostic marker for pediatric bacterial infection.