Open AccessProcalcitonin (PCT), contemporary indicator of infection and inflammation
Author(s) -
Violetta Dymicka-Piekarska,
Alicja Wasiluk
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
postępy higieny i medycyny doświadczalnej
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.275
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1732-2693
pISSN - 0032-5449
DOI - 10.5604/17322693.1158796
Subject(s) - procalcitonin , sepsis , inflammation , medicine , antibiotics , population , antibiotic therapy , intensive care medicine , immunology , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , environmental health
Procalcitonin is a protein synthesized during sepsis and inflammation. In these states, its production is stimulated by inflammatory mediators and bacterial toxins. Routine determination of PCT concentration is useful in the rapid detection and monitoring of bacterial and fungal infections. The article presents the latest meta-analysis and clinical reports on the use of the PCT and comparison of its diagnostic sensitivity and specificity with other indicators of inflammation and infection in both neonates and in the adult population. Synthesis, properties and metabolism of PCT and the available methods and conditions of the determination are discussed. Presented data indicate a high sensitivity and specificity of PCT determinations, especially in bacterial infection and, what is very important, short duration of the assay and the use of a small sample volume. Assess the dynamics of changes in the concentrations of PCT can provide information not only about the course of infection but also facilitates the decision to introduce and then to discontinue antibiotic therapy.