Procalcitonin as a Prognostic Factor in Intensive Care Unit Admissions for Sepsis and Septic Shock

Abstract

Background: Each year, sepsis causes millions of deaths globally and is the most common cause of death in
hospitalized people. A variety of studies has investigated whether a Procalcitonin-guided protocol can optimize
the therapeutic approach in patients with sepsis or septic shock.
Objective: To evaluate Procalcitonin as a prognostic one of the marker of sepsis in patients admitted to the
emergency room or intensive care unit.
Patient and Methods: A cross sectional observational study conducted in anesthesia and intensive care
department. It included 100 adult patient enrolled in this study within inclusion criteria for sepsis and septic shock
and admitted to intensive care. Diagnosis of sepsis was taken in patient suspected or proved infection. Blood
sample collected form all patient at admission from peripheral blood to measure procalcitonin level. Follow up
continued until outcome is determined as discharged well, morbidity occurred, or death documented.
Results: The higher source of infection was due to wound infection (23%). About 55 of studied patient have GCS
between 13 - 15. Mean procalcitonin level at admission was significantly high in patients with mortality or
morbidity than that in patients who discharged well with a cutoff point of PCT level at admission was 17.0 µg/L.
Conclusion: Procalcitonin can be used as prognostic factor in-patient with sepsis with other markers. Lower PCT
level where significantly associated with good prognosis.