Heparin-binding protein as a biomarker of severe sepsis in the pediatric intensive care unit: A multicenter, prospective study

•Heparin-binding protein could be a promising biomarker that distinguish severe sepsis from sepsis in the pediatric intensive care unit.•The combination of heparin-binding protein with procalcitonin and lactate could significantly improve the diagnostic value for severe sepsis.•Heparin-binding protein levels are related to the severity of the disease among children with sepsis.•The dynamic changes of heparin-binding protein at 72 h after enrollment could predict in-hospital mortality among children with sepsis in the pediatric intensive care unit.