Comparison of Trends of Procalcitonin and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients of Sepsis in Intensive Care Unit.

Background: This study examines the trends of procalcitonin (PCT), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores in intensive care unit (ICU) sepsis patients from different infection sources. Elevations in PCT and NLR reflect infection severity and predict sepsis prognosis. Combining them may enhance diagnostic accuracy and prognostic capabilities, despite variations in cut-off values. The study emphasizes the significance of these biomarkers in improving sepsis management and patient outcomes.

Materials and methods: This was a prospective observation study of ICU sepsis patients from different infection sources. Procalcitonin and NLR levels were measured on days 0, 2, and 4 of admission. Sequential organ failure assessment scores on these days were also analyzed. The cut-off values were obtained for predicting the prognosis of sepsis ICU patients.

Results: The study included 100 sepsis patients with an equal distribution of males and females and a mean age of 72 years. Procalcitonin showed a significant decrease over time, while NLR initially increased before decreasing on day 4, and SOFA scores showed no significant changes. Deceased patients had significantly higher PCT and SOFA scores on days 2 and 4. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed promising predictive results for PCT on day 4 and SOFA scores on days 2 and 4.

Conclusion: Understanding the trends of PCT and NLR concerning the infection source can provide deeper insights into their diagnostic and prognostic capabilities. This comparative analysis of PCT, NLR, and SOFA score trends contributes to the improvement of patient outcomes through accurate assessment of sepsis severity and progression, early diagnosis, and timely intervention.

How to cite this article: Jayara A, Mascarenhas J, Gandhi B, Nimbolkar J. Comparison of Trends of Procalcitonin and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients of Sepsis in Intensive Care Unit. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(10):942-951.