BACKGROUND:Heatstroke has become a common emergency event in hospitals.Procalcitonin(PCT)is used as a biomarker of infection in the emergency department(ED),but its role in rhabdomyolysis(RM)following exertional heats...BACKGROUND:Heatstroke has become a common emergency event in hospitals.Procalcitonin(PCT)is used as a biomarker of infection in the emergency department(ED),but its role in rhabdomyolysis(RM)following exertional heatstroke(EHS)remains unclear.METHODS:A retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with EHS from the intensive care unit(ICU).We collected RM biomarkers,inflammation markers,critical disease scores at admission,24 h,48 h,and discharge,and 90-day mortality.Correlation analysis,linear regression and curve fi tting were used to identify the relationship between PCT and RM.RESULTS:A total of 162 patients were recruited and divided into RM(n=56)and non-RM(n=106)groups.PCT was positively correlated with myoglobin(Mb),acute hepatic injury,disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC),Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score,and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II(APACHE II)score,with correlation coefficients of 0.214,0.237,0.285,0.454,and 0.368,respectively(all P<0.05).Interestingly,the results of curve fi tting revealed a nonlinear relationship between PCT and RM,and a two-piecewise linear regression model showed that PCT was related to RM with an odds ratio of 1.3 and a cut-off of<4.6 ng/mL.Survival analysis revealed that RM was associated with higher mortality compared to non-RM cases(P=0.0093).CONCLUSION:High serum PCT concentrations are associated with RM after EHS in critically ill patients.Elevated PCT concentrations should be interpreted cautiously in patients with EHS in the ED.展开更多
Objective Despite the recent advances in diagnosis and treatment,sepsis continues to lead to high morbidity and mortality.Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to save lives.However,most biomarkers can on...Objective Despite the recent advances in diagnosis and treatment,sepsis continues to lead to high morbidity and mortality.Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to save lives.However,most biomarkers can only help to diagnose sepsis,but cannot predict the development of septic shock in high-risk patients.The present study determined whether the combined measurement of procalcitonin(PCT),thromboelastography(TEG)and platelet(PLT)count can predict the development of septic shock.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 175 septic patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit between January 2017 and February 2021.These patients were divided into two groups:73 patients who developed septic shock were assigned to the septic shock group,while the remaining 102 patients were assigned to the sepsis group.Then,the demographic,clinical and laboratory data were recorded,and the predictive values of PCT,TEG and PLT count for the development of septic shock were analyzed.Results Compared to the sepsis group,the septic shock group had statistically lower PLT count and TEG measurements in the R value,K value,αangle,maximum amplitude,and coagulation index,but had longer prothrombin time(DT),longer activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT),and higher PCT levels.Furthermore,the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score was higher in the septic shock group.The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PCT,TEG and PLT count were associated with the development of septic shock.The area under the curve analysis revealed that the combined measurement of PCT,TEG and PLT count can be used to predict the development of septic shock with higher accuracy,when compared to individual measurements.Conclusion The combined measurement of PCT,TEG and PLT count is a novel approach to predict the development of septic shock in high-risk patients.展开更多
BACKGROUND:The aim of the study was to investigate the procalcitonin-to-cortisol ratio(P/C ratio)as a prognostic predictor among septic patients with abdominal source.METHODS:We retrospectively enrolled 132 post-surge...BACKGROUND:The aim of the study was to investigate the procalcitonin-to-cortisol ratio(P/C ratio)as a prognostic predictor among septic patients with abdominal source.METHODS:We retrospectively enrolled 132 post-surgery patients between 18 and 90 years old with sepsis of the abdominal source.On the second day of sepsis onset,cortisol,procalcitonin(PCT),Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE)II score,Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score,C-response protein(CRP),and other baseline characteristics were collected.In addition,the length of ICU stay,length of mechanical ventilation(MV)days,length of shock days,and 28-day mortality were also recorded.Univariate analysis was performed to screen potential risk factors.Stratified analysis was used to identify the interaction among the risk factors.Multivariate analysis was also utilized to demonstrate the relationship between the risk factors and mortality.The receiver operator characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the risk factors.A restricted cubic spline(RCS)demonstrated the association between survival outcome and the P/C ratio variation.RESULTS:A total of twenty-nine patients died,and 103 patients survived within 28 d.There were significant differences in cortisol,PCT,P/C ratio,interleukin(IL)-6,SOFA,and APACHE II scores between the survival and non-survival groups.No significant interaction was observed in the stratified analysis.Logistic regression analysis revealed that P/C ratio(P=0.033)was significantly related to 28-day mortality.Based on ROC curves,P/C ratio(AUC=0.919)had a higher AUC value than cortisol or PCT.RCS analysis depicted a positive relationship between survival possibility and P/C ratio decrement.CONCLUSION:P/C ratio might be a potential prognostic predictor in septic patients with abdominal sources.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the association of procalcitonin(PCT)with ulcerative colitis(UC)activity.METHODS:Serum PCT levels,C-reactive protein(CRP)levels,the erythrocyte sedimentation rate,and the white blood cell count were...AIM:To investigate the association of procalcitonin(PCT)with ulcerative colitis(UC)activity.METHODS:Serum PCT levels,C-reactive protein(CRP)levels,the erythrocyte sedimentation rate,and the white blood cell count were analyzed in 18 patients with UC and 11 healthy volunteers.Serum PCT levels were analyzed by an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.Severity assessments were based on Truelove and Witts’severity index.Correlation of serum PCT and CRP levels with UC activity was examined.Moreover,we assessed serum PCT and CRP levels in patients with a Mayo endoscopic subscore.RESULTS:Serum PCT levels in severe UC patients(n=7)(0.096±0.034 ng/mL)were significantly higher than in mild-to-moderate UC patients(n=11)(0.033±0.012 ng/mL)and healthy volunteers(n=11)(0.035±0.005 ng/mL)(P=0.0005 and P<0.0001,respectively).In addition,there was no difference in serum PCT levels between mild-to-moderate UC patients and healthy volunteers.Interestingly,patients with a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 3 points displayed significantly increased levels of serum PCT(0.075±0.043 ng/mL)compared with patients with a subscore of 2 points(0.03±0.011 ng/mL)(P=0.0302).Moreover,CRP levels in patients with severe UC or a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 3 points were not significantly higher than in patients with mild-to-moderate UC or a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 3 points.CONCLUSION:Serum PCT levels were significantly correlated with UC activity.展开更多
The measurement of procalcitonin has recently become a mainstay for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of severe bacterial infections, especially those sustained by Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, the aim of ...The measurement of procalcitonin has recently become a mainstay for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of severe bacterial infections, especially those sustained by Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, the aim of this article is to provide a narrative overview on the potential role of procalcitonin measurement in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD). According to the available scientific literature, the clinical significance of procalcitonin for diagnosing IBD or monitoring disease activity remains elusive, and its association with disease severity is confined to a limited number of case-control studies, with low sample size. Nevertheless, literature data also suggests that a supranormal procalcitonin serum concentration(i.e., > 0.5 ng/m L) may reflect the presence of a number of infective complications in IBD, especially bacterial enterocolitis, bacterial gastroenteritis, intraabdominal abscess, postsurgical infection and sepsis. Rather than for diagnosing or assessing disease activity, the measurement of this biomarker may hence retain practical clinical significance for early prediction, timely diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of many IBDassociated infections and complications.展开更多
Intestinal ischemia is common after emergency gastrointestinal or cardiovascular surgery.At present,there are no diagnostic tools for the early diagnosis of intestinal ischemia.In the last decade,procalcitonin(PCT)has...Intestinal ischemia is common after emergency gastrointestinal or cardiovascular surgery.At present,there are no diagnostic tools for the early diagnosis of intestinal ischemia.In the last decade,procalcitonin(PCT)has been suggested as a marker of this condition.Here,we review the use of PCT as a diagnostic tool for intestinal ischemia.Two reviewers independently searched the Pub Med and EMBASE databases for articles on intestinal ischemia and PCT.They then considered(1)the criteria applicable to preclinical and clinicaldata;and(2)PCT’s predictive value in the diagnosis of intestinal ischemia.Article quality was rated according to the STAndards for Reporting of Diagnostic accuracy.Between 1993 and 2014,seven studies(including two preclinical studies and five clinical studies)dealt with the use of PCT to diagnose intestinal ischemia.Procalcitonin’s sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value ranged between 72%and 100%;68%and 91%;27%and 90%and 81%and 100%,respectively.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranged from 0.77 to 0.92.In view of the preclinical and clinical data,we consider that PCT can be used in daily practice as a tool for diagnosing intestinal ischemia.展开更多
We have read with interest the recently published article entitled "Clinical significance of serum procalcitonin in patients with ulcerative colitis" by Koido et al. They aimed to investigate the association...We have read with interest the recently published article entitled "Clinical significance of serum procalcitonin in patients with ulcerative colitis" by Koido et al. They aimed to investigate the association of procalcitonin with ulcerative colitis(UC) activity. They concluded that elevated procalcitonin levels were significantly correlated with UC activity. We would like to thank the authors for their comprehensive contribution.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage(HICH)is a common clinical cerebrovascular disease and one of the most serious complications of hypertension.Early warning of the occurrence of infection during treatment and...BACKGROUND Hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage(HICH)is a common clinical cerebrovascular disease and one of the most serious complications of hypertension.Early warning of the occurrence of infection during treatment and timely anti-infective treatment are of great significance for the early prevention and treatment of postoperative infection in patients with HICH.Changes in the levels of inflammatory mediators,which are closely related to the occurrence and development of postoperative infection,and procalcitonin(PCT),which is a sensitive indicator for diagnosing bacterial infections,are widely used in clinical practice.AIM To explore the application value of inflammatory mediator profiles and PCT in predicting postoperative infection in patients with HICH.METHODS A total of 271 patients who underwent HICH surgery at our hospital between March 2019 and March 2021 were selected and divided into the infection(n=80)and non-infection(n=191)groups according to whether postoperative infection occurred.The postoperative infection status and etiological characteristics of the infective pathogens in the infection group were analyzed.Changes in inflammatory mediator profile indices and PCT levels were compared between the two groups,pre-and postoperatively.RESULTS A total of 109 strains of pathogenic bacteria were detected in the infection group,including 67 strains(61.47%)of gram-negative bacteria,32 strains(29.36%)of gram-positive bacteria,and 10 strains(9.17%)of fungi.The main infection site of the patients in the infection group was the respiratory system(63.75%).Preoperative interleukin(IL)-4,IL-6,IL-10,tumor necrosis factor-α,interferon-γ,and PCT levels were higher in the infection group than in the non-infection group(P<0.05),and there were no significant differences in the IL-2 Levels between the two groups(P>0.05).The inflammatory mediator profile indices and PCT levels were higher in the two groups of patients on the first postoperative day than preoperatively(P<0.05),and were higher than those in the non-infection group(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative IL-6 and PCT levels correlated with postoperative infection(P<0.05).Operating characteristic curve analysis results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)values of preoperative IL-6 and PCT levels in predicting postoperative infection in patients with HICH were 0.755 and 0.824,respectively.The AUC value of joint detection was 0.866,which was significantly higher than that of the single index(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Preoperative IL-6 and PCT levels are correlated with postoperative infection in patients with HICH.Their detection is clinically significant for early identification of patients at high risk for postoperative infection.展开更多
BACKGROUND Patients with hematological diseases are immunosuppressed due to various factors,including the disease itself and treatments,such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy,and are susceptible to infection.Infection...BACKGROUND Patients with hematological diseases are immunosuppressed due to various factors,including the disease itself and treatments,such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy,and are susceptible to infection.Infections in these patients often progress rapidly to sepsis,which is life-threatening.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the neutrophil CD64(nCD64)index,compared to procalcitonin(PCT)and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),for the identification of early sepsis in patients with hematological diseases.METHODS This was a prospective analysis of patients with hematological diseases treated at the Fuxing Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University,between March 2014 and December 2018.The nCD64 index was quantified by flow cytometry and the Leuko64 assay software.The factors which may affect the nCD64 index levels were compared between patients with different infection statuses(local infection,sepsis,and no infection),and the control group and the nCD64 index levels were compared among the groups.The diagnostic efficacy of the nCD64 index,PCT,and hs-CRP for early sepsis was evaluated among patients with hematological diseases.RESULTS A total of 207 patients with hematological diseases(non-infected group,n=50;locally infected group,n=67;sepsis group,n=90)and 26 healthy volunteers were analyzed.According to the absolute neutrophil count(ANC),patients with hematological diseases without infection were divided into the normal ANC,ANC reduced,and ANC deficiency groups.There was no statistically significant difference in the nCD64 index between these three groups(P=0.586).However,there was a difference in the nCD64 index among the non-infected(0.74±0.26),locally infected(1.47±1.10),and sepsis(2.62±1.60)groups(P<0.001).The area under the diagnosis curve of the nCD64 index,evaluated as the difference between the sepsis and locally infected group,0.777,which was higher than for PCT(0.735)and hs-CRP(0.670).The positive and negative likelihood ratios were also better for the nCD64 index than either PCT and hs-CRP.CONCLUSION Our results indicate the usefulness of the nCD64 index as an inflammatory marker of early sepsis in hematological patients.展开更多
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a complication in as many as 28% of patients who receive mechanical ventilation. Studies have consistently shown that a delay in diagnosis and treatment increases the mortality...Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a complication in as many as 28% of patients who receive mechanical ventilation. Studies have consistently shown that a delay in diagnosis and treatment increases the mortality risk. The aim of this work was to clarify the role of the serum procalcitonin (PCT) in the diagnosis and the prognosis of ventilator associated pneumonia. Methods: Forty two VAP patients, 20 non VAP-ICU (on mechanical ventilation) admitted patients and 20 healthy control subjects of similar age and sex were included in the study. PCT levels in serum samples were measured in all subjects. Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference (p value 0.001) between VAP patients on one side and non VAP-ICU patients and healthy control subjects on the other side regarding the mean values of PCT. Also, the mean values of PCT were statistically significantly higher (p 0.001) among died VAP group than the survivor VAP group. There was a statistically positive correlation (p = 0.449), CRIP (R = 0.403) and SOFA (R = 0.437)) and initial PCT serum levels. Conclusions: This study found that the increased PCT serum level is an important diagnostic tool for VAP and the PCT serum levels can predict the outcome of VAP patients. We recommend other larger studies to augment our findings.展开更多
<span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Background:</span></b><span style="font-family:""><span s...<span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Background:</span></b><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Sepsis has a poor prognosis for critically ill patients, even with </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">intensive management. Early diagnosis of sepsis and detection of patients</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> with worsening prognosis are important for immediate intervention to improve the clinical outcome.</span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Objective:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> To investigate serum presepsin (PS) and procalcitonin (PCT) as early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for sepsis in critically ill patients. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methods:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 60 critically ill patients with sepsis were subdivided into three groups of sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">according to Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHEII)</span> <span style="font-family:Verdana;">and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) scores. Patients</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> were compared with 20 age and sex matched controls. Serum PS and PCT were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Serum PS and PCT levels were significantly increased in septic patients than controls, and their increase was positively correlated with progression of sepsis severity till reached the highest levels in septic shock. Receiver operating </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">characteristic (ROC) curve for predicting sepsis revealed that PS has the</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> highest area under curve (AUC) (0.967) with 97.5% sensitivity, 85% specificity and cut-off of >635.5</span></span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">pg/mL, followed by PCT that has AUC (0.946), 97.5% sensitivity, 95% specificity and cut-off of >319.7</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">pg/mL. C-reactive protein (CRP) showed the lowest AUC (0.902) with 75% sensitivity, 100% specificity and cut-off of >7 mg/L. ROC curve for predicting septic shock showed that PS has the highest AUC (0.969) with 90% sensitivity, 97.5% specificity and cut-off of >5500.6 pg/mL, followed by CRP that has AUC (0.945), 90% sensitivity, 87.5% specificity and cut-off of >63 mg/L. PCT showed the lowest AUC (0.889) with 90% sensitivity, 97.5% specificity and cut-off of >822.1 pg/mL. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusions:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Serum PS and PCT were promising biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis in critically ill patients, but PS was superior to PCT.</span></span>展开更多
Introduction: With rising global antibiotic resistance, stewardship programs aimed at controlling multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens have begun to gain acceptance. These programs stress appropriate antibiotic select...Introduction: With rising global antibiotic resistance, stewardship programs aimed at controlling multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens have begun to gain acceptance. These programs stress appropriate antibiotic selection, dosage and duration. A growing literature suggests serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels may be useful in guiding antibiotic duration and de-escalation. This report sought to evaluate the evidence-based data available from prospective randomized controlled trials (RCT) on the role of PCT in guiding reductions in antibiotic duration in adult sepsis patients. Methods: A comprehensive search of all published prospective RCT(s) on the use of PCT as a tool for guiding antibiotic therapy in adult sepsis patients was conducted using PubMed, Medline Plus and Google Scholar (2007-2013). Keywords searched included, “procalcitonin”, “sepsis-therapy”, “sepsis biomarker”, “antibiotic duration”, “drug de-escalation”, and “antimicrobial stewardship”. Results:?Four RCT(s) involving 826 adult sepsis patients have evaluated the role of serum PCT levels to guide criteria for cessation of antibiotic therapy based either on specific PCT levels or PCT kinetics. Bouadma?et al.?(N = 621) stopped antibiotics when the PCT concentration was <80% of the peak PCT value, or the absolute PCT concentration was <0.5 μg/L. The PCT arm showed a 2.7-day reduction in antibiotics. Schroeder?et al.?(N = 27) discontinued antibiotics if clinical signs of infection improved and the PCT value decreased to <1 ng/mL or to <35% of the initial value within three days. The PCT arm had a 1.7-day reduction in antibiotics. Hochreiter?et al.?(N = 110) ceased antibiotics when the PCT decreased to <1 ng/mL, or to 25% - 35% of the initial value over three days if the value was >1 ng/mL. The PCT arm showed a 2-day reduction in antibiotics. Finally, Nobre?et al.?(N = 68) stopped antibiotics when PCT levels decreased by 90% or more from the initial value, but not prior to Day 3 (if baseline PCT measured <1 μg/L) or Day 5 (if baseline PCT measured ≥1 μg/L). The PCT arm showed a 4-day reduction in antibiotics. Overall, reduction of PCT levels to 10% - 35% of the initial concentration, to <80% of the peak PCT value, or to an absolute PCT value of <1 μg/L warranted antibiotic discontinuation 1.7 to 4 days earlier. No study reported a significant difference in mortality between the PCT arm and the control arm (p< 0.05). Conclusions: PCT-guided early cessation of antibiotic therapy in adult sepsis patients is associated with a significant decrease in antibiotic days, with no effect on overall mortality. Measurement of serum PCT levels may have a role in antimicrobial stewardship programs aimed at limiting antibiotic therapy duration, decreasing the selective pressure on drug-resistant bacterial strains and reducing hospital costs.展开更多
Introduction: We still rely on clinical diagnosis for initiating empirical antibiotic therapy and await blood culture for confirmation of infection, species identification and drug sensitivity. Differential blood cell...Introduction: We still rely on clinical diagnosis for initiating empirical antibiotic therapy and await blood culture for confirmation of infection, species identification and drug sensitivity. Differential blood cell count (WBC and neutrophils) and recording of toxic granules in the neutrophils are established methods for indirect diagnosis of infection though they are not used in the diagnosis of sepsis per se. Serum Procalcitonin is considered as a good biomarker in the management of sepsis. Materials and Methods: Whole blood and serum were used for laboratory analysis. We have combined the detection of toxic granules in the peripheral blood smear and serum PCT levels for diagnosis and monitoring the recovery of a patient with septic shock. A 63 year old laminectomy patient was transferred 2 days after the surgery to our hospital with several co-morbidities and complications. He was in septic shock and was put on Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, with ionotropic support and IV fluids via nasogastric feeding and administration of Activated Protein C. Blood culture and daily measurements of serum Procalcitonin, differential blood cells count, and observation of toxic granules in neutrophils were done. Results: The blood culture showed infection due to K. pneumoniae resistant to carbapenems. WBC and Neutrophil counts were quite variable and showed incoherent response to treatment. Serum PCT was 24.57 ng/mL on the next day of admission and it peaked at 30.2 ng/mL on day 3. Its level started decreasing from the 4th day. Toxic granules disappeared when serum PCT levels reached < 1 ng/mL. The patient responded well to treatment and he was discharged on the 16th day upon request. Conclusion: This case is presented as an example of managing sepsis with a combination of a conventional hematology marker and a modern biomarker. Resource poor hospitals with inadequate microbiology services, may evaluate and use these two biomarkers not only for the total management of sepsis but also to reduce the cost of critical care.展开更多
Objective To compare and analyze serum levels of procalcitonin (PCT) of children with viral and bacterial infection and probe into the importance of determining the level of serum PCT in the diagnosis of bacterial inf...Objective To compare and analyze serum levels of procalcitonin (PCT) of children with viral and bacterial infection and probe into the importance of determining the level of serum PCT in the diagnosis of bacterial infection in order to provide evidences of the clinical use of antibiotics. Methods A total of 85 cases of children with an average age of 8.9 years (10 months-12 years) were enrolled in this study, 53 cases were with viral infection and 32 cases with bacterial infection. We determined serum levels of PCT by semi-quantitative solid phase immunoassay, and the serum levels of PCT were divided into four grades as<0.5μg/L,≥ 0.5μg/L,≥2.0μg/L and≥10μg/L forχ2 test and Ridit analysis. Results The serum level of PCT of the group with bacterial infection were signiifcantly higher than that of the group with viral infection (P<0.001). The sensitivity of diagnosis of bacterial infection in children with determination of serum levels of PCT was 87.50%while the speciifcity was 92.13%, and positive predictive value was 73.68%while negative predictive value was 91.49%, and positive likelihood ratio was 4.65 while negative likelihood ratio was 0.15, and the diagnostic accuracy was 83.53%. Conclusions Serum PCT is a bacterial sensitive marker of bacterial infection in children, and the determination of the level of serum PCT is helpful for the diagnosis of bacterial infection, which can also be a basis for the use of antibiotics.展开更多
Objective: Analyze the expression and clinical significance of procalcitonin (PCT) C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBCC) and prealbumin (PAA) in severe pneumonia by grouping contrast study. Methods: ...Objective: Analyze the expression and clinical significance of procalcitonin (PCT) C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBCC) and prealbumin (PAA) in severe pneumonia by grouping contrast study. Methods: A total of 161 cases of pneumonia were treated in a hospital from January 2017 to June 2017 as the research objects. According to the standard of severe pneumonia, 104 cases were divided into mild pneumonia group and 57 cases were divided into severe disease group. 60 healthy persons who came to our hospital for physical examination at the same time were taken as the control group.The general data of the three groups and the level of PCT, CRP, WBC, PA were compared and analyzed. Results: The age and male ratio of severe group were higher than those of control group and mild group;compared with control group, the expression of PCT, CRP, WBC in the two pneumonia group were significantly higher, while the expression of PA was significantly lower;however, the expression of PCT, CRP, WBC in severe group were significantly higher than that in mild group, while the expression of PA in severe group was significantly lower than that in mild group. PCT has higher sensitivity, specificity and accuracy among the four indexes and it has important diagnostic value. Conclusion: PCT has higher specificity, accuracy and sensitivity in the early diagnosis of severe pneumonia, and it can be used as an important index in the early diagnosis of severe pneumonia.But the combined detection of the three indexes of PCT, CRP and WBC is helpful for diagnosing severe pneumonia more accurately.展开更多
Aim: Management of febrile neutropenia is challenged by lacking microbiological and clinical documentation of infection. Procalcitonin is emerging as a new promising biomarker of infection. We aimed to undertake a sys...Aim: Management of febrile neutropenia is challenged by lacking microbiological and clinical documentation of infection. Procalcitonin is emerging as a new promising biomarker of infection. We aimed to undertake a systematic review evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin as a marker of infection in febrile neutropenia. Methods: We performed a systematic re- view of the literature using the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library including a search of the grey literature (e.g. unpublished data, web sides of relevant societies). The methodological quality was assessed using predefined criteria. The relevant data were extracted and analyzed by two authors. Results: The literature search yielded a total of 193 studies of which nine were eligible for inclusion. There was a great variation in the quality of the methodological design. A notable heterogeneity exists regarding the studied populations and the definition of the reference standards. Among the nine included studies the sensitivity ranged from 42% to 72% and the specificity ranged from 64% - 89% at a cut off value ranging from 0.5 - 0.8 ng/ml. The studied endpoint was either microbiologically or clinically documented infection. Four studies found procalcitonin superior to Creactive protein in discriminating infection from the various other causes of fever. Conclusion: Procalcitonin appears to be a promising biomarker and might add new diagnostic information in the management of febrile neutropenia.展开更多
BACKGROUND:To analyze early changes in white blood cells(WBCs),C-reactive protein(CRP)and procalcitonin(PCT)in children with multiple trauma,before secondary inflammation develops.METHODS:This single-center retrospect...BACKGROUND:To analyze early changes in white blood cells(WBCs),C-reactive protein(CRP)and procalcitonin(PCT)in children with multiple trauma,before secondary inflammation develops.METHODS:This single-center retrospective study collected data from patients with blunt traumatic injury admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit(PICU).According to the prognostic outcome of 28 d after admission to the PICU,patients were divided into survival group(n=141)and non-survival group(n=36).Characteristics between the two groups were compared.Receiver operation characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the capacity of different biomarkers as predictors of mortality.RESULTS:The percentages of children with elevated WBC,CRP,and PCT levels were 81.36%,31.07%,and 95.48%,respectively.Patients in the non-survival group presented a statistically significantly higher injury severity score(ISS)than those in the survival group:37.17±16.11 vs.22.23±11.24(t=6.47,P<0.01).WBCs were also higher in non-survival group than in the survival group([18.70±8.42]×109/L vs.[15.89±6.98]×109/L,t=2.065,P=0.040).There was no significant difference between the survival and non-survival groups in PCT or CRP.The areas under the ROC curves of PCT,WBC and ISS for predicting 28-day mortality were 0.548(P=0.376),0.607(P=0.047)and 0.799(P<0.01),respectively.CONCLUSIONS:Secondary to multiple trauma,PCT levels increased in more patients,even if their WBC and CRP levels remained unchanged.However,early rising WBC and ISS were superior to PCT at predicting the mortality of multiple trauma patients in the PICU.展开更多
BACKGROUND Serum procalcitonin(PCT)is widely used to diagnose bacterial infection and sepsis.However,PCT may be elevated in some neoplasms.It is important to distinguish infection from no infection in such neoplasms.T...BACKGROUND Serum procalcitonin(PCT)is widely used to diagnose bacterial infection and sepsis.However,PCT may be elevated in some neoplasms.It is important to distinguish infection from no infection in such neoplasms.The relationship between hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and PCT is unknown.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old male was admitted due to a hepatic lesion of unknown origin.The patient had an elevated PCT level.Infectious diseases were excluded after appropriate examination.He then underwent exploratory laparotomy and a left lateral hepatectomy was performed.The patient recovered with an uneventful postoperative course and PCT level decreased gradually and was normal on day 16.HCC was diagnosed by histopathology and no evidence of infection was observed.Furthermore,immunohistochemical analyses revealed that tumor cells were positive for PCT.CONCLUSION HCC cells can secrete PCT in the absence of infection and PCT may be used as a marker to monitor the efficacy of tumor therapy.展开更多
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82072143,81873943,82360903)Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen(SZSM20162011)+3 种基金Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission(JCYJ20190806163603504)Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital Clinical Research Fund of Guangdong Province High-level Hospital Construction Project(20203357014,2023xgyj3357001,2023yjlcyj022)Guizhou Science and Technology Planning Project(Guizhou Science and Technology Cooperation Support[2021]General 413)and PhD Start-up Fund(GYZYYFY-BS-2023[09]).
文摘BACKGROUND:Heatstroke has become a common emergency event in hospitals.Procalcitonin(PCT)is used as a biomarker of infection in the emergency department(ED),but its role in rhabdomyolysis(RM)following exertional heatstroke(EHS)remains unclear.METHODS:A retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with EHS from the intensive care unit(ICU).We collected RM biomarkers,inflammation markers,critical disease scores at admission,24 h,48 h,and discharge,and 90-day mortality.Correlation analysis,linear regression and curve fi tting were used to identify the relationship between PCT and RM.RESULTS:A total of 162 patients were recruited and divided into RM(n=56)and non-RM(n=106)groups.PCT was positively correlated with myoglobin(Mb),acute hepatic injury,disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC),Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score,and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II(APACHE II)score,with correlation coefficients of 0.214,0.237,0.285,0.454,and 0.368,respectively(all P<0.05).Interestingly,the results of curve fi tting revealed a nonlinear relationship between PCT and RM,and a two-piecewise linear regression model showed that PCT was related to RM with an odds ratio of 1.3 and a cut-off of<4.6 ng/mL.Survival analysis revealed that RM was associated with higher mortality compared to non-RM cases(P=0.0093).CONCLUSION:High serum PCT concentrations are associated with RM after EHS in critically ill patients.Elevated PCT concentrations should be interpreted cautiously in patients with EHS in the ED.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81903086)the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(No.ZR2019QH014).
文摘Objective Despite the recent advances in diagnosis and treatment,sepsis continues to lead to high morbidity and mortality.Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to save lives.However,most biomarkers can only help to diagnose sepsis,but cannot predict the development of septic shock in high-risk patients.The present study determined whether the combined measurement of procalcitonin(PCT),thromboelastography(TEG)and platelet(PLT)count can predict the development of septic shock.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 175 septic patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit between January 2017 and February 2021.These patients were divided into two groups:73 patients who developed septic shock were assigned to the septic shock group,while the remaining 102 patients were assigned to the sepsis group.Then,the demographic,clinical and laboratory data were recorded,and the predictive values of PCT,TEG and PLT count for the development of septic shock were analyzed.Results Compared to the sepsis group,the septic shock group had statistically lower PLT count and TEG measurements in the R value,K value,αangle,maximum amplitude,and coagulation index,but had longer prothrombin time(DT),longer activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT),and higher PCT levels.Furthermore,the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score was higher in the septic shock group.The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PCT,TEG and PLT count were associated with the development of septic shock.The area under the curve analysis revealed that the combined measurement of PCT,TEG and PLT count can be used to predict the development of septic shock with higher accuracy,when compared to individual measurements.Conclusion The combined measurement of PCT,TEG and PLT count is a novel approach to predict the development of septic shock in high-risk patients.
文摘BACKGROUND:The aim of the study was to investigate the procalcitonin-to-cortisol ratio(P/C ratio)as a prognostic predictor among septic patients with abdominal source.METHODS:We retrospectively enrolled 132 post-surgery patients between 18 and 90 years old with sepsis of the abdominal source.On the second day of sepsis onset,cortisol,procalcitonin(PCT),Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE)II score,Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score,C-response protein(CRP),and other baseline characteristics were collected.In addition,the length of ICU stay,length of mechanical ventilation(MV)days,length of shock days,and 28-day mortality were also recorded.Univariate analysis was performed to screen potential risk factors.Stratified analysis was used to identify the interaction among the risk factors.Multivariate analysis was also utilized to demonstrate the relationship between the risk factors and mortality.The receiver operator characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the risk factors.A restricted cubic spline(RCS)demonstrated the association between survival outcome and the P/C ratio variation.RESULTS:A total of twenty-nine patients died,and 103 patients survived within 28 d.There were significant differences in cortisol,PCT,P/C ratio,interleukin(IL)-6,SOFA,and APACHE II scores between the survival and non-survival groups.No significant interaction was observed in the stratified analysis.Logistic regression analysis revealed that P/C ratio(P=0.033)was significantly related to 28-day mortality.Based on ROC curves,P/C ratio(AUC=0.919)had a higher AUC value than cortisol or PCT.RCS analysis depicted a positive relationship between survival possibility and P/C ratio decrement.CONCLUSION:P/C ratio might be a potential prognostic predictor in septic patients with abdominal sources.
基金Supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C) from the Ministry of EducationCulture+2 种基金SportsScience and Technology of JapanNo.23501289
文摘AIM:To investigate the association of procalcitonin(PCT)with ulcerative colitis(UC)activity.METHODS:Serum PCT levels,C-reactive protein(CRP)levels,the erythrocyte sedimentation rate,and the white blood cell count were analyzed in 18 patients with UC and 11 healthy volunteers.Serum PCT levels were analyzed by an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.Severity assessments were based on Truelove and Witts’severity index.Correlation of serum PCT and CRP levels with UC activity was examined.Moreover,we assessed serum PCT and CRP levels in patients with a Mayo endoscopic subscore.RESULTS:Serum PCT levels in severe UC patients(n=7)(0.096±0.034 ng/mL)were significantly higher than in mild-to-moderate UC patients(n=11)(0.033±0.012 ng/mL)and healthy volunteers(n=11)(0.035±0.005 ng/mL)(P=0.0005 and P<0.0001,respectively).In addition,there was no difference in serum PCT levels between mild-to-moderate UC patients and healthy volunteers.Interestingly,patients with a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 3 points displayed significantly increased levels of serum PCT(0.075±0.043 ng/mL)compared with patients with a subscore of 2 points(0.03±0.011 ng/mL)(P=0.0302).Moreover,CRP levels in patients with severe UC or a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 3 points were not significantly higher than in patients with mild-to-moderate UC or a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 3 points.CONCLUSION:Serum PCT levels were significantly correlated with UC activity.
文摘The measurement of procalcitonin has recently become a mainstay for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of severe bacterial infections, especially those sustained by Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, the aim of this article is to provide a narrative overview on the potential role of procalcitonin measurement in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD). According to the available scientific literature, the clinical significance of procalcitonin for diagnosing IBD or monitoring disease activity remains elusive, and its association with disease severity is confined to a limited number of case-control studies, with low sample size. Nevertheless, literature data also suggests that a supranormal procalcitonin serum concentration(i.e., > 0.5 ng/m L) may reflect the presence of a number of infective complications in IBD, especially bacterial enterocolitis, bacterial gastroenteritis, intraabdominal abscess, postsurgical infection and sepsis. Rather than for diagnosing or assessing disease activity, the measurement of this biomarker may hence retain practical clinical significance for early prediction, timely diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of many IBDassociated infections and complications.
文摘Intestinal ischemia is common after emergency gastrointestinal or cardiovascular surgery.At present,there are no diagnostic tools for the early diagnosis of intestinal ischemia.In the last decade,procalcitonin(PCT)has been suggested as a marker of this condition.Here,we review the use of PCT as a diagnostic tool for intestinal ischemia.Two reviewers independently searched the Pub Med and EMBASE databases for articles on intestinal ischemia and PCT.They then considered(1)the criteria applicable to preclinical and clinicaldata;and(2)PCT’s predictive value in the diagnosis of intestinal ischemia.Article quality was rated according to the STAndards for Reporting of Diagnostic accuracy.Between 1993 and 2014,seven studies(including two preclinical studies and five clinical studies)dealt with the use of PCT to diagnose intestinal ischemia.Procalcitonin’s sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value ranged between 72%and 100%;68%and 91%;27%and 90%and 81%and 100%,respectively.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranged from 0.77 to 0.92.In view of the preclinical and clinical data,we consider that PCT can be used in daily practice as a tool for diagnosing intestinal ischemia.
文摘We have read with interest the recently published article entitled "Clinical significance of serum procalcitonin in patients with ulcerative colitis" by Koido et al. They aimed to investigate the association of procalcitonin with ulcerative colitis(UC) activity. They concluded that elevated procalcitonin levels were significantly correlated with UC activity. We would like to thank the authors for their comprehensive contribution.
文摘BACKGROUND Hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage(HICH)is a common clinical cerebrovascular disease and one of the most serious complications of hypertension.Early warning of the occurrence of infection during treatment and timely anti-infective treatment are of great significance for the early prevention and treatment of postoperative infection in patients with HICH.Changes in the levels of inflammatory mediators,which are closely related to the occurrence and development of postoperative infection,and procalcitonin(PCT),which is a sensitive indicator for diagnosing bacterial infections,are widely used in clinical practice.AIM To explore the application value of inflammatory mediator profiles and PCT in predicting postoperative infection in patients with HICH.METHODS A total of 271 patients who underwent HICH surgery at our hospital between March 2019 and March 2021 were selected and divided into the infection(n=80)and non-infection(n=191)groups according to whether postoperative infection occurred.The postoperative infection status and etiological characteristics of the infective pathogens in the infection group were analyzed.Changes in inflammatory mediator profile indices and PCT levels were compared between the two groups,pre-and postoperatively.RESULTS A total of 109 strains of pathogenic bacteria were detected in the infection group,including 67 strains(61.47%)of gram-negative bacteria,32 strains(29.36%)of gram-positive bacteria,and 10 strains(9.17%)of fungi.The main infection site of the patients in the infection group was the respiratory system(63.75%).Preoperative interleukin(IL)-4,IL-6,IL-10,tumor necrosis factor-α,interferon-γ,and PCT levels were higher in the infection group than in the non-infection group(P<0.05),and there were no significant differences in the IL-2 Levels between the two groups(P>0.05).The inflammatory mediator profile indices and PCT levels were higher in the two groups of patients on the first postoperative day than preoperatively(P<0.05),and were higher than those in the non-infection group(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative IL-6 and PCT levels correlated with postoperative infection(P<0.05).Operating characteristic curve analysis results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)values of preoperative IL-6 and PCT levels in predicting postoperative infection in patients with HICH were 0.755 and 0.824,respectively.The AUC value of joint detection was 0.866,which was significantly higher than that of the single index(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Preoperative IL-6 and PCT levels are correlated with postoperative infection in patients with HICH.Their detection is clinically significant for early identification of patients at high risk for postoperative infection.
基金Supported by Xicheng District Outstanding Talent Project (2018-2019,Shang YX)Beijing Xicheng District Health Commission Young Science and Technology Talent (Science and Technology New Star) Training Project,No.xwkx2020-24
文摘BACKGROUND Patients with hematological diseases are immunosuppressed due to various factors,including the disease itself and treatments,such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy,and are susceptible to infection.Infections in these patients often progress rapidly to sepsis,which is life-threatening.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the neutrophil CD64(nCD64)index,compared to procalcitonin(PCT)and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),for the identification of early sepsis in patients with hematological diseases.METHODS This was a prospective analysis of patients with hematological diseases treated at the Fuxing Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University,between March 2014 and December 2018.The nCD64 index was quantified by flow cytometry and the Leuko64 assay software.The factors which may affect the nCD64 index levels were compared between patients with different infection statuses(local infection,sepsis,and no infection),and the control group and the nCD64 index levels were compared among the groups.The diagnostic efficacy of the nCD64 index,PCT,and hs-CRP for early sepsis was evaluated among patients with hematological diseases.RESULTS A total of 207 patients with hematological diseases(non-infected group,n=50;locally infected group,n=67;sepsis group,n=90)and 26 healthy volunteers were analyzed.According to the absolute neutrophil count(ANC),patients with hematological diseases without infection were divided into the normal ANC,ANC reduced,and ANC deficiency groups.There was no statistically significant difference in the nCD64 index between these three groups(P=0.586).However,there was a difference in the nCD64 index among the non-infected(0.74±0.26),locally infected(1.47±1.10),and sepsis(2.62±1.60)groups(P<0.001).The area under the diagnosis curve of the nCD64 index,evaluated as the difference between the sepsis and locally infected group,0.777,which was higher than for PCT(0.735)and hs-CRP(0.670).The positive and negative likelihood ratios were also better for the nCD64 index than either PCT and hs-CRP.CONCLUSION Our results indicate the usefulness of the nCD64 index as an inflammatory marker of early sepsis in hematological patients.
文摘Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a complication in as many as 28% of patients who receive mechanical ventilation. Studies have consistently shown that a delay in diagnosis and treatment increases the mortality risk. The aim of this work was to clarify the role of the serum procalcitonin (PCT) in the diagnosis and the prognosis of ventilator associated pneumonia. Methods: Forty two VAP patients, 20 non VAP-ICU (on mechanical ventilation) admitted patients and 20 healthy control subjects of similar age and sex were included in the study. PCT levels in serum samples were measured in all subjects. Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference (p value 0.001) between VAP patients on one side and non VAP-ICU patients and healthy control subjects on the other side regarding the mean values of PCT. Also, the mean values of PCT were statistically significantly higher (p 0.001) among died VAP group than the survivor VAP group. There was a statistically positive correlation (p = 0.449), CRIP (R = 0.403) and SOFA (R = 0.437)) and initial PCT serum levels. Conclusions: This study found that the increased PCT serum level is an important diagnostic tool for VAP and the PCT serum levels can predict the outcome of VAP patients. We recommend other larger studies to augment our findings.
文摘<span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Background:</span></b><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Sepsis has a poor prognosis for critically ill patients, even with </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">intensive management. Early diagnosis of sepsis and detection of patients</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> with worsening prognosis are important for immediate intervention to improve the clinical outcome.</span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Objective:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> To investigate serum presepsin (PS) and procalcitonin (PCT) as early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for sepsis in critically ill patients. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methods:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 60 critically ill patients with sepsis were subdivided into three groups of sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">according to Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHEII)</span> <span style="font-family:Verdana;">and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) scores. Patients</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> were compared with 20 age and sex matched controls. Serum PS and PCT were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Serum PS and PCT levels were significantly increased in septic patients than controls, and their increase was positively correlated with progression of sepsis severity till reached the highest levels in septic shock. Receiver operating </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">characteristic (ROC) curve for predicting sepsis revealed that PS has the</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> highest area under curve (AUC) (0.967) with 97.5% sensitivity, 85% specificity and cut-off of >635.5</span></span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">pg/mL, followed by PCT that has AUC (0.946), 97.5% sensitivity, 95% specificity and cut-off of >319.7</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">pg/mL. C-reactive protein (CRP) showed the lowest AUC (0.902) with 75% sensitivity, 100% specificity and cut-off of >7 mg/L. ROC curve for predicting septic shock showed that PS has the highest AUC (0.969) with 90% sensitivity, 97.5% specificity and cut-off of >5500.6 pg/mL, followed by CRP that has AUC (0.945), 90% sensitivity, 87.5% specificity and cut-off of >63 mg/L. PCT showed the lowest AUC (0.889) with 90% sensitivity, 97.5% specificity and cut-off of >822.1 pg/mL. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusions:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Serum PS and PCT were promising biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis in critically ill patients, but PS was superior to PCT.</span></span>
文摘Introduction: With rising global antibiotic resistance, stewardship programs aimed at controlling multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens have begun to gain acceptance. These programs stress appropriate antibiotic selection, dosage and duration. A growing literature suggests serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels may be useful in guiding antibiotic duration and de-escalation. This report sought to evaluate the evidence-based data available from prospective randomized controlled trials (RCT) on the role of PCT in guiding reductions in antibiotic duration in adult sepsis patients. Methods: A comprehensive search of all published prospective RCT(s) on the use of PCT as a tool for guiding antibiotic therapy in adult sepsis patients was conducted using PubMed, Medline Plus and Google Scholar (2007-2013). Keywords searched included, “procalcitonin”, “sepsis-therapy”, “sepsis biomarker”, “antibiotic duration”, “drug de-escalation”, and “antimicrobial stewardship”. Results:?Four RCT(s) involving 826 adult sepsis patients have evaluated the role of serum PCT levels to guide criteria for cessation of antibiotic therapy based either on specific PCT levels or PCT kinetics. Bouadma?et al.?(N = 621) stopped antibiotics when the PCT concentration was <80% of the peak PCT value, or the absolute PCT concentration was <0.5 μg/L. The PCT arm showed a 2.7-day reduction in antibiotics. Schroeder?et al.?(N = 27) discontinued antibiotics if clinical signs of infection improved and the PCT value decreased to <1 ng/mL or to <35% of the initial value within three days. The PCT arm had a 1.7-day reduction in antibiotics. Hochreiter?et al.?(N = 110) ceased antibiotics when the PCT decreased to <1 ng/mL, or to 25% - 35% of the initial value over three days if the value was >1 ng/mL. The PCT arm showed a 2-day reduction in antibiotics. Finally, Nobre?et al.?(N = 68) stopped antibiotics when PCT levels decreased by 90% or more from the initial value, but not prior to Day 3 (if baseline PCT measured <1 μg/L) or Day 5 (if baseline PCT measured ≥1 μg/L). The PCT arm showed a 4-day reduction in antibiotics. Overall, reduction of PCT levels to 10% - 35% of the initial concentration, to <80% of the peak PCT value, or to an absolute PCT value of <1 μg/L warranted antibiotic discontinuation 1.7 to 4 days earlier. No study reported a significant difference in mortality between the PCT arm and the control arm (p< 0.05). Conclusions: PCT-guided early cessation of antibiotic therapy in adult sepsis patients is associated with a significant decrease in antibiotic days, with no effect on overall mortality. Measurement of serum PCT levels may have a role in antimicrobial stewardship programs aimed at limiting antibiotic therapy duration, decreasing the selective pressure on drug-resistant bacterial strains and reducing hospital costs.
文摘Introduction: We still rely on clinical diagnosis for initiating empirical antibiotic therapy and await blood culture for confirmation of infection, species identification and drug sensitivity. Differential blood cell count (WBC and neutrophils) and recording of toxic granules in the neutrophils are established methods for indirect diagnosis of infection though they are not used in the diagnosis of sepsis per se. Serum Procalcitonin is considered as a good biomarker in the management of sepsis. Materials and Methods: Whole blood and serum were used for laboratory analysis. We have combined the detection of toxic granules in the peripheral blood smear and serum PCT levels for diagnosis and monitoring the recovery of a patient with septic shock. A 63 year old laminectomy patient was transferred 2 days after the surgery to our hospital with several co-morbidities and complications. He was in septic shock and was put on Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, with ionotropic support and IV fluids via nasogastric feeding and administration of Activated Protein C. Blood culture and daily measurements of serum Procalcitonin, differential blood cells count, and observation of toxic granules in neutrophils were done. Results: The blood culture showed infection due to K. pneumoniae resistant to carbapenems. WBC and Neutrophil counts were quite variable and showed incoherent response to treatment. Serum PCT was 24.57 ng/mL on the next day of admission and it peaked at 30.2 ng/mL on day 3. Its level started decreasing from the 4th day. Toxic granules disappeared when serum PCT levels reached < 1 ng/mL. The patient responded well to treatment and he was discharged on the 16th day upon request. Conclusion: This case is presented as an example of managing sepsis with a combination of a conventional hematology marker and a modern biomarker. Resource poor hospitals with inadequate microbiology services, may evaluate and use these two biomarkers not only for the total management of sepsis but also to reduce the cost of critical care.
文摘Objective To compare and analyze serum levels of procalcitonin (PCT) of children with viral and bacterial infection and probe into the importance of determining the level of serum PCT in the diagnosis of bacterial infection in order to provide evidences of the clinical use of antibiotics. Methods A total of 85 cases of children with an average age of 8.9 years (10 months-12 years) were enrolled in this study, 53 cases were with viral infection and 32 cases with bacterial infection. We determined serum levels of PCT by semi-quantitative solid phase immunoassay, and the serum levels of PCT were divided into four grades as<0.5μg/L,≥ 0.5μg/L,≥2.0μg/L and≥10μg/L forχ2 test and Ridit analysis. Results The serum level of PCT of the group with bacterial infection were signiifcantly higher than that of the group with viral infection (P<0.001). The sensitivity of diagnosis of bacterial infection in children with determination of serum levels of PCT was 87.50%while the speciifcity was 92.13%, and positive predictive value was 73.68%while negative predictive value was 91.49%, and positive likelihood ratio was 4.65 while negative likelihood ratio was 0.15, and the diagnostic accuracy was 83.53%. Conclusions Serum PCT is a bacterial sensitive marker of bacterial infection in children, and the determination of the level of serum PCT is helpful for the diagnosis of bacterial infection, which can also be a basis for the use of antibiotics.
文摘Objective: Analyze the expression and clinical significance of procalcitonin (PCT) C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBCC) and prealbumin (PAA) in severe pneumonia by grouping contrast study. Methods: A total of 161 cases of pneumonia were treated in a hospital from January 2017 to June 2017 as the research objects. According to the standard of severe pneumonia, 104 cases were divided into mild pneumonia group and 57 cases were divided into severe disease group. 60 healthy persons who came to our hospital for physical examination at the same time were taken as the control group.The general data of the three groups and the level of PCT, CRP, WBC, PA were compared and analyzed. Results: The age and male ratio of severe group were higher than those of control group and mild group;compared with control group, the expression of PCT, CRP, WBC in the two pneumonia group were significantly higher, while the expression of PA was significantly lower;however, the expression of PCT, CRP, WBC in severe group were significantly higher than that in mild group, while the expression of PA in severe group was significantly lower than that in mild group. PCT has higher sensitivity, specificity and accuracy among the four indexes and it has important diagnostic value. Conclusion: PCT has higher specificity, accuracy and sensitivity in the early diagnosis of severe pneumonia, and it can be used as an important index in the early diagnosis of severe pneumonia.But the combined detection of the three indexes of PCT, CRP and WBC is helpful for diagnosing severe pneumonia more accurately.
文摘Aim: Management of febrile neutropenia is challenged by lacking microbiological and clinical documentation of infection. Procalcitonin is emerging as a new promising biomarker of infection. We aimed to undertake a systematic review evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin as a marker of infection in febrile neutropenia. Methods: We performed a systematic re- view of the literature using the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library including a search of the grey literature (e.g. unpublished data, web sides of relevant societies). The methodological quality was assessed using predefined criteria. The relevant data were extracted and analyzed by two authors. Results: The literature search yielded a total of 193 studies of which nine were eligible for inclusion. There was a great variation in the quality of the methodological design. A notable heterogeneity exists regarding the studied populations and the definition of the reference standards. Among the nine included studies the sensitivity ranged from 42% to 72% and the specificity ranged from 64% - 89% at a cut off value ranging from 0.5 - 0.8 ng/ml. The studied endpoint was either microbiologically or clinically documented infection. Four studies found procalcitonin superior to Creactive protein in discriminating infection from the various other causes of fever. Conclusion: Procalcitonin appears to be a promising biomarker and might add new diagnostic information in the management of febrile neutropenia.
基金This work is supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81270726)Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province(20170541023)National Natural Science Foundation of China(81771621).
文摘BACKGROUND:To analyze early changes in white blood cells(WBCs),C-reactive protein(CRP)and procalcitonin(PCT)in children with multiple trauma,before secondary inflammation develops.METHODS:This single-center retrospective study collected data from patients with blunt traumatic injury admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit(PICU).According to the prognostic outcome of 28 d after admission to the PICU,patients were divided into survival group(n=141)and non-survival group(n=36).Characteristics between the two groups were compared.Receiver operation characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the capacity of different biomarkers as predictors of mortality.RESULTS:The percentages of children with elevated WBC,CRP,and PCT levels were 81.36%,31.07%,and 95.48%,respectively.Patients in the non-survival group presented a statistically significantly higher injury severity score(ISS)than those in the survival group:37.17±16.11 vs.22.23±11.24(t=6.47,P<0.01).WBCs were also higher in non-survival group than in the survival group([18.70±8.42]×109/L vs.[15.89±6.98]×109/L,t=2.065,P=0.040).There was no significant difference between the survival and non-survival groups in PCT or CRP.The areas under the ROC curves of PCT,WBC and ISS for predicting 28-day mortality were 0.548(P=0.376),0.607(P=0.047)and 0.799(P<0.01),respectively.CONCLUSIONS:Secondary to multiple trauma,PCT levels increased in more patients,even if their WBC and CRP levels remained unchanged.However,early rising WBC and ISS were superior to PCT at predicting the mortality of multiple trauma patients in the PICU.
基金Supported by Decision Consultation and Management Innovation Project of Shapingba District,Chongqing,China,No.Jcd2021013。
文摘BACKGROUND Serum procalcitonin(PCT)is widely used to diagnose bacterial infection and sepsis.However,PCT may be elevated in some neoplasms.It is important to distinguish infection from no infection in such neoplasms.The relationship between hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and PCT is unknown.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old male was admitted due to a hepatic lesion of unknown origin.The patient had an elevated PCT level.Infectious diseases were excluded after appropriate examination.He then underwent exploratory laparotomy and a left lateral hepatectomy was performed.The patient recovered with an uneventful postoperative course and PCT level decreased gradually and was normal on day 16.HCC was diagnosed by histopathology and no evidence of infection was observed.Furthermore,immunohistochemical analyses revealed that tumor cells were positive for PCT.CONCLUSION HCC cells can secrete PCT in the absence of infection and PCT may be used as a marker to monitor the efficacy of tumor therapy.
