Citrullinated Histone H3 and Procalcitonin as Biomarkers for Diagnosing and Predicting Outcomes in Septic Shock - Report - MDSpire

Citrullinated Histone H3 and Procalcitonin as Biomarkers for Diagnosing and Predicting Outcomes in Septic Shock

  • By

  • Nadia Mostafa Mohamed

  • Iman Hussein Shehata

  • Amr Hosny Hamza

  • Nermeen M. A. Abdallah

  • March 2, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Citrullinated Histone H3 and Procalcitonin as Biomarkers for Diagnosing and Predicting Outcomes in Septic Shock

Overview

This study investigates the serum levels of citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) and procalcitonin (PCT) in patients with septic and non-septic shock. Elevated CitH3 levels are associated with the severity of septic shock, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for diagnosis and outcome prediction.

Background

Sepsis is a critical condition that can lead to septic shock, characterized by severe inflammation and organ failure. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce mortality rates associated with sepsis. Identifying reliable biomarkers like CitH3 and PCT can aid in the timely management of septic patients.

Data Highlights

{'table': {'Septic Shock': {'CitH3 Levels': 'Provide specific numerical range', 'PCT Levels': 'Provide specific numerical range'}, 'Non-Septic Shock': {'CitH3 Levels': 'Provide specific numerical range', 'PCT Levels': 'Provide specific numerical range'}, 'Healthy Controls': {'CitH3 Levels': 'Provide specific numerical range', 'PCT Levels': 'Provide specific numerical range'}}}

Key Findings

  • Citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) is a specific marker for sepsis severity.
  • CitH3 levels correlate with organ dysfunction and mortality in septic patients.
  • Procalcitonin (PCT) is useful for differentiating bacterial infections from sterile inflammation.
  • Both CitH3 and PCT can guide treatment decisions in septic shock management.
  • Elevated CitH3 may indicate severe cellular injury even in non-infectious shock.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider measuring CitH3 and PCT levels in patients suspected of septic shock to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies. Early identification of septic shock through these biomarkers can facilitate timely interventions and potentially improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Citrullinated histone H3 and procalcitonin are promising biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting outcomes in septic shock. Their integration into clinical practice may improve the management of sepsis and reduce associated mortality.

References

  1. Infection, 2020 -- Citrullinated histone H3 levels in serum distinguish between septic and non-septic shock patients and are associated with the severity of the condition
  2. Infection, 2026 -- High procalcitonin in Gram-negative urosepsis: indicator of immune modulation rather than poor outcome
  3. Infection, 2011 -- Pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (pro-ANP) concentrations in individuals with severe sepsis and septic shock: implications for diagnosis and prognosis
  4. Critical Care, 2025 -- Predictive enrichment using biomarkers in studies of critically-ill patients with sepsis: a systematic review
  5. Surviving Sepsis Campaign, 2026 -- International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock
  6. ADAPT-Sepsis Randomized Clinical Trial, 2025 -- Biomarker-Guided Antibiotic Duration for Hospitalized Patients With Suspected Sepsis
  7. PMC, 2023 -- A citrullinated histone H3 monoclonal antibody for immune modulation in sepsis
  8. Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock 2026 | SCCM
  9. Biomarker-Guided Antibiotic Duration for Hospitalized Patients With Suspected Sepsis: The ADAPT-Sepsis Randomized Clinical Trial - PubMed
  10. A citrullinated histone H3 monoclonal antibody for immune modulation in sepsis - PMC

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