Diagnostic role of procalcitonin serum level in hepatitis C virus-infected patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Abstract

ObjectiveWe aimed at the evaluation of the role of quantification of serum procalcitonin (PCT) in the detection of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in hepatitis C-related cirrhosis before and after initiation of antibiotic therapy.BackgroundSBP is a lethal consequence of advanced cirrhosis. The outcome is heavily affected by early detection and treatment. PCT has been evaluated during acute bacterial infections and sepsis.Patients and methodsWe included 60 patients with ascites due to hepatitis C-related cirrhosis, who were divided in two groups: group 1 included 40 naïve patients with SBP, and group 2 included 20 patients with sterile ascites as a control. After history taking and clinical examination, full blood count, liver test profile, and renal functions were done. Moreover, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels were measured. Serum PCT was measured by immunoassay. Diagnostic ascitic sample analysis was done for the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) count, albumin levels, and ascetic fluid culture.ResultsSerum PCT was significantly elevated in group 1 before treatment than after treatment, as well as when compared with group 2. There was no statistically significant correlation between the change in the C-reactive protein level and that of the serum PCT before and after treatment in group 1. There is no significant correlation between increases in the serum PCT and the results of bacterial growth of ascetic fluid culture group before and after treatment.ConclusionPCT levels in the serum appear to provide a good diagnostic certainty in the diagnosis of SBP in cirrhotic patients at a cutoff value of 0.17 ng/ml for patients with either culture-positive or negative SBP.