Prognostic Value of Serum Biomarkers in Secondary Peritonitis - A Literature Review

"Background: Infection and sepsis represent major complications after abdominal surgery for secondary peritonitis. Finding new tools that can help identify patients at risk for developing postoperative complications is of the utmost importance for clinicians. We tried to evaluate the use of different biomarkers in evaluating the postoperative prognosis of patients with secondary peritonitis. Methods: We searched the available literature on the usefulness of serum biomarkers in evaluating prognosis in patients with secondary peritonitis. Results: Elevated postoperative lactate levels and high procalcitonin (PCT) levels were associated with negative outcomes. C-reactive protein values increase rapidly in response to the surgical insult but have no value in assessing the overall prognosis. Conclusion: Procalcitonin (PCT) is superior to other biomarkers in predicting severe septic complications and overall mortality in patients with secondary peritonitis. "