Ann Lab Med.  2014 Jul;34(4):263-273. 10.3343/alm.2014.34.4.263.

Update on Procalcitonin Measurements

• Meisner M

• KMID: 1791933
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2014.34.4.263

Abstract

Procalcitonin (PCT) is used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock. At the same time, PCT has also been used to guide antibiotic therapy. This review outlines the main indications for PCT measurement and points out possible pitfalls. The classic indications for PCT measurement are: (i) confirmation or exclusion of diagnosis of sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock, (ii) severity assessment and follow up of systemic inflammation mainly induced by microbial infection, and (iii) individual, patient adapted guide of antibiotic therapy and focus treatment. Using serially monitored PCT levels, the duration and need of antibiotic therapy can be better adapted to the individual requirements of the patient. This individualized approach has been evaluated in various studies, and it is recommended to be a part of an antibiotic stewardship program.

Keyword

Procalcitonin; Anti-bacterial agents; Critical illness; Intensive care units; Sepsis

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
Bacterial Infections/complications/drug therapy
Biological Markers/*analysis
Calcitonin/*analysis
Humans
Protein Precursors/*analysis
Sepsis/complications/diagnosis
Severity of Illness Index
Shock, Septic/complications/diagnosis
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Biological Markers
Calcitonin
Protein Precursors

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Example of an algorithm for an individual guide of antibiotic therapy according to Bouadma et al. [3].

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