How is procalcitonin related to sepsis?
In order to prove the presence of bacterial infection, serum biomarkers like procalcitonin (PCT) are considered useful. Biochemically, PCT is the prohormone of the hormone calcitonin, released into the circulation in response to bacterial infection. PCT is the best-studied sepsis biomarker for clinical use.
Is procalcitonin elevated in sepsis?
A Finnish observational study identified PCT concentrations being higher in more severe cases of already advanced sepsis. Moreover, it was shown that a substantial decrease in PCT concentration was more relevant for survival prediction compared to absolute values (46).
Why is procalcitonin a marker for sepsis?
PCT is identified as part of the complex pro-inflammatory response of the innate immune system. PCT is widely reported as a useful biochemical marker to differentiate sepsis from other non-infectious causes. Serum PCT levels are elevated in patients with bacterial infections.
What level of procalcitonin indicates sepsis?
Plasma levels of PCT in healthy individuals are quite low (<0.1 ng/mL) [15]. To exclude sepsis and systemic inflammation, a concentration of ≤0.2 ng/mL is a useful reference range. As a cut-off for the diagnosis of sepsis, plasma levels of ≥0.5 ng/mL are interpreted as abnormal and suggest sepsis.
What is the role of procalcitonin?
Procalcitonin (PCT) is widely considered as a highly sensitive biomarker of bacterial infection, offering general and emergency surgeons a key tool in the management of surgical infections.
What is a high level of procalcitonin?
If your results show a high procalcitonin level, it’s likely you have a serious bacterial infection such as sepsis or meningitis. The higher the level, the more severe your infection may be.
What is procalcitonin normal range?
The reference value for procalcitonin in adults is less than 0.1 ng/mL. Levels greater than 0.25 ng/mL can indicate the presence of an infection.
What is the normal range for procalcitonin?
Is procalcitonin elevated in viral infections?
Background: Procalcitonin (PCT) concentration increases in bacterial infections but remains low in viral infections and inflammatory diseases. The change is rapid and the molecule is stable, making it a potentially useful marker for distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections.
Why procalcitonin test is done?
A procalcitonin test may be used to help: Diagnose sepsis and other bacterial infections, such as meningitis. Diagnose kidney infections in children with urinary tract infections. Determine the severity of a sepsis infection.
What causes elevated procalcitonin levels?
Factors which may cause a raised PCT apart from a bacterial infection include recent major surgery,14 severe trauma,15 severe burns16 and prolonged cardiogenic shock.