Comparison of procalcitonin values of patients in intensive care unit with systemic and localized bacterial infections

Abstract

Introduction: Intensive care unit (ICU) hospital infections are a global problem concerning the whole world. Sensitivity and specificity of parameters such as CRP (C-reactive protein), erythrocyte sedimentation rate and WBC (white blood cell), which are among the classical markers of systemic inflammation, were reported to have limited benefit in patients with these types of bacterial infections. PCT (procalcitonin) has been a focus of interest as a specific and early marker in systemic inflammation, sepsis and infections especially in recent years. In this study, we aimed to evaluate potential usability of PCT in distinction of systemic and localized bacterial infections in patients who are followed up in ICU and to compare CRP, WBC and MPV (mean platelet volume) values in patients with systemic and localized bacterial infections. Materials and methods: Totally 52 patients who were followed in Adult ICU of our hospital were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of patients with growth in blood culture and systemic bacterial infection clinic. Group 2 consisted of patients with growth in phlegm, tracheal aspirate, wound and urine culture without growth in blood culture. Age, gender, growth region and growing microorganisms, simultaneously checked CRP, PCT, WBC, MPV values were recorded in follow- up form. Results: The study showed that PCT value was significantly high in systemic infections, while other parameters did not show a significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore, Acinetobacter baumannii was found to be the most common agent. Conclusion: Our study suggests that PCT value has a more valuable potential than other standard infection parameters in distinction of systemic infection and localized bacterial infection in patients who are followed in ICU. However, we believe that more comprehensive studies with a larger sampling can guide the clinicians for early diagnosis and treatment.