DNA Viremia Is Associated with Hyperferritinemia in Pediatric Sepsis

Objective To evaluate the relationship between detection of DNA viruses, ferritin, and outcomes in children with severe sepsis. Study design We enrolled 75 pediatric patients with severe sepsis admitted to a tertiary care children's hospital. Plasma ferritin was measured within 48 hours of diagnosis and subsequently twice weekly. Herpes simplex type 1, human herpesvirus 6, Epstein−Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and adenovirus DNAemia were assessed by polymerase chain reaction. Results The incidence of DNAemia was increased significantly in patients with ferritin ≥1000 ng/mL (78% vs 28%; P P P P Conclusions Viral DNAemia was associated with hyperferritinemia and adverse outcome in pediatric severe sepsis. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether hyperferritinemia may be used to identify patients at risk of occult DNAemia.