LEVELS OF PROCALCITONIN IN THE PATIENTS OF SEPSIS

Abstract

Sepsis, a life-threatening complication of an infection, resulting from release of cytokines in the bloodstream to fight an infection, ultimately triggering inflammation throughout the body. This can cause a cascade of changes that damage multiple organ systems, leading them to fail, sometimes even resulting in death.Crucial steps for a successful treatment and positive outcomes, are an early diagnosis and differentiation from non-infectious causes. PCT is biomarker that has diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic significance. The study was undertaken to identify whether serum pro-calcitonin can act as a superior marker in septicemia. Material Method-This is prospective case control-pilot study.Total 60 subjects were included, Case group comprised of 30 IPD patients of sepsis, whereas 30 heathy individuals were included in control group. Levels of PCT, CRP levels and neutrophil count were analyzed in both the groups .PCT levels were analyzed by electrochemiluminescence method using commercially available kit & CRP levels by Nephelometry method respectively. Neutrophil counts were done on Sysmex five-part cell counter. Result- The levels of Neutrophils (%), PCT (ng/ml) and CRP (mg/L) were significantly high is study group with mean of 79.94 ± 16.9, 7.27 ± 18.6 and 64.2±49.9 respectively in study group with p value <0.001.CRP and PCT are similarly significant markers with co-relation coefficient of 0.518. Conclusion-Procalcitonin can be used as an inflammatory marker for sepsis with added significance of diagnostic as well as a prognostic marker.