Abstract

VELANDIA ESCOBAR, Julio Alberto et al. Procalcitonin values in patients diagnosed with bacterial sepsis at an Intensive Care Unit . Infect. [online]. 2014, vol.18, n.3, pp.86-92. ISSN 0123-9392.

Background: Bacteriological diagnosis of severe sepsis and septic shock in intensive care units is complex and time consuming; as an alternative, biomarkers of inflammation are being explored. Objective: To assess the performance of serum levels of procalcitonin (PCT) in patients admitted and diagnosed with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and afterwards had positive bacterial cultures to several microorganisms. Materials and methods: Observational, prospective cohort longitudinal study. A total of 98 patients were enrolled by sequential random sampling; all met at least two SIRS diagnostic criteria. All patients underwent daily measurements of PCT levels and microbiological cultures. We recorded additional variables such as age, sex, and outcome at discharge. Results: The mean age was 62.6 years (SD = 17.5), with 67.3% males (n = 66). The organisms most frequently found were: E. coli, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, P. aeruginosa and Klebsiella spp. PCT levels above 0.5 ng/mL and at least two diagnoses meeting SIRS criteria were recorded in 85% of patients at the time of admission. On the third day, 96% registered high levels of PCT. PCT mean levels were higher in patients infected with S. aureus and in those who died within 5 days. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of sex or age. Conclusions: PCT is a useful and reliable diagnostic biomarker in cases of sepsis and septic shock. The sequential measurement of serum PCT levels may help determine the prognosis.

Keywords : Procalcitonin; Septic shock; Sepsis; Intensive care.

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