RESUMEN
The ability to detect early metabolic changes in patients who have an increased mortality risk in the intensive care units (ICUs) could increase the likelihood of predicting recovery patterns and assist in disease management. Markers that can predict the disease progression of patients in the ICU might also be beneficial for improving their medical profile. Although biomarkers have been used in the ICU more frequently in recent years, the clinical use of most of them is limited. A wide range of biological processes are influenced by microRNAs (miRNAs) that modulate the translation and stability of specific mRNAs. Studies suggest that miRNAs may serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker in ICUs by profiling miRNA dysregulation in patient samples. To improve the predictive value of biomarkers for ICU patients, researchers have proposed both investigating miRNAs as novel biomarkers and combining them with other clinical biomarkers. Herein, we discuss recent approaches to the diagnosis and prognosis of patients admitted to an ICU, highlighting the use of miRNAs as novel and robust biomarkers for this purpose. In addition, we discuss emerging approaches to biomarker development and ways to improve the quality of biomarkers so that patients in ICU get the best outcomes possible.