Objective: To correlate Procalcitonin (PCT) levels with infectious etiologies in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)/ sepsis.
Introduction: Sepsis is defined as SIRS in the presence of an underlying infectious process, and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality particularly when initial therapy is delayed. PCT is currently the most studied infection biomarker and its blood levels seem to mirror the severity of illness and outcome. PCT may help in discriminating bacterial from other infections and canbe of importance in guiding antimicrobial therapy.
Methods: Total numbers of 200 cases of SIRS/ sepsis admitted in medical ICUs were included in the study. PCT levels and cultures/serology were done. Correlations of PCT values with culture results were analyzed. Infective foci and clinical diagnosis were also compared in moderate SIRS, severe sepsis and septic shock.
Results: Out of total 200 cases, 182 had PCT value ≥0.5 ng/ml whereas 18 had PCT value of <0.5 ng/ml. Infective foci were seen in 74.7% (136/182) of patients with PCT levels of ≥0.5ng/ml.
Conclusion: PCT as a biological marker appears to have a significant value inidentifying or ruling out an infection. PCT may be of value in distinguishing Gramnegative from Gram positive and fungal infections.
Impact Factor
2022: 6.012
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