Fig. 5

Univariate meta-regression analysis by several possible causes of heterogeneities. PCT, procalcitonin; P-SEP, presepsin. To correct for multiple comparisons with 10 relevant covariates, we considered a p value of < 0.05 as statistical significance. The sensitivity of heterogeneity among included studies might be attributable to several factors, such as risk of bias, publication years, and prevalence of infection