Evaluating the value of dynamic procalcitonin and presepsin measurements for patients with severe sepsis

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study comparatively evaluated the value of dynamic procalcitonin (PCT) and presepsin measurements in assessing therapeutic efficacy and prognosis for patients with severe sepsis. MethodsPatients with severe sepsis (n=109) were enrolled and divided into survival and non-survival groups based on 90-day survival. PCT and presepsin levels were evaluated on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 12. Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) was calculated. ResultsPCT from day 5 onward was weakly to moderately positively correlated with SOFA, whereas presepsin from day 3 onward was positively correlated. From day 5 onward, the clearance ratio (CR) of PCT was weakly to moderately negatively correlated with SOFA, while the CR of presepsin was strongly negatively correlated as early as day 3. PCT levels had no statistical difference between survival and non-survival groups. Within 12days, PCT levels in both survival and non-survival groups decreased synchronously. Comparatively, presepsin levels in the survival group decreased persistently, while they rose gradually in the non-survival group. CRs of PCT in the survival group were higher than those in the non-survival group on days 3, 5, 7, and 12. However, CRs of PCT rose synchronously in both groups. Comparatively, CRs of presepsin in the survival group rose persistently, while they decreased gradually in the non-survival group. ConclusionsDynamic monitoring of presepsin and PCT demonstrated that both presepsin and CR of presepsin are continuous and better markers than are PCT and CR of PCT for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of patients with severe sepsis.