Authors
N Boussekey, O Leroy, H Georges, P Devos, T d’Escrivan, B Guery
Publication date
2005/8
Journal
Infection
Volume
33
Pages
257-263
Publisher
Urban & Vogel
Description
Abstract
Background:
Measurement of procalcitonin (PCT) has been studied for several years in infectious diseases. Some studies have focused on community–acquired pneumonia (CAP) but only one was conducted in critically ill patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU).
Patients and Methods:
To determine the diagnostic and prognostic role of PCT in patients admitted in an intensive care unit for severe CAP, 110 patients hospitalized in our unit were prospectively studied. Within 48 hours following ICU admission, PCT serum level was measured with a quantitative method above a threshold value of 0.5 ng/ml.
Results:
Initially focusing on the diagnostic value of PCT, 20% of the patients had a serum PCT level < 0.5 ng/ml, 30% between 0.5 ng/ml and 2 ng/ml, and 50% ≥ 2 ng/ml. Serum PCT level was higher in …
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N Boussekey, O Leroy, H Georges, P Devos… - Infection, 2005