Serum Procalcitonin Levels Research Articles

Clinical effects of anweiyang capsule and Pinellia decoction for eradication of Helicobacter pylori and healing of peptic ulcers

Peptic ulcers are a prevalent and often chronic condition within the digestive system, frequently prone to recurrence. This study aims to evaluate the clinical effects of Anweiyang capsule combined with Pinellia Heart-Draining Decoction on Helicobacter pylori eradication, ulcer healing rates, and improvement of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndromes in patients with peptic ulcers. A total of 100 patients were randomly assigned to an observation group (n = 50), receiving the herbal combination, and a control group (n = 50), receiving standard Western medical treatment. The total effective rate was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the observation group (96%) compared to the control group (80%). After 4 weeks of treatment, serum procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels decreased, while prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels increased in both groups; however, the observation group exhibited better results (P < 0.05). The observation group achieved a H. pylori eradication rate of 94% and an ulcer healing rate of 82%, compared to 64% and 56% in the control group, respectively. Improvement in TCM syndrome scores was more significant in the observation group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the incidence of adverse reactions was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the observation group (4%) compared to the control group (18%). In conclusion, Anweiyang capsule combined with Pinellia Heart-Draining Decoction significantly enhances the eradication rate of H. pylori and the ulcer healing rate without substantially increasing the risk of adverse reactions, demonstrating its safety and reliability for patients.

Prognostic role of serum procalcitonin in neonatal sepsis at a tertiary care hospital.

Objective: To analyze the prognostic role of serum procalcitonin in neonatal sepsis at a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Pediatric, Dr. Ziauddin University Hospital, Kemari, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: October 2023 to March 2024. Methods: Neonates of both genders aged between 1 to 28 days having confirmed neonatal sepsis were included. At baseline, demographic characteristics were noted and necessary laboratory investigations were performed. At baseline, serum procalcitonin levels were evaluated in all neonates. The prognostic value of baseline PCT was assessed by comparing its association with the mortality. Other outcome variables like need for non-invasive ventilation, mechanical ventilation, need for inotropics, and acute kidney injury were also documented. Results: In a total of 131 neonates, 76 (58.0%) were male. The median age was 2.00 days (IQR=1-7 days). The median baseline procalcitonin level was 3.17 ng/ml (IQR=0.55 to 10.34 ng/ml). Need for non-invasive ventilation, and mechanical ventilation was noted in 93 (71.0%), and 19 (14.5%) neonates, respectively. Need for inotropics was documented in 23 (17.6%) neonates. The median duration of NICU stay was 3.00 (2.00-5.00 days). Among neonates who died, procalcitonin levels were significantly higher than those who survived (p=0.015). Mortality was found to have significant association with need for mechanical ventilation (p&lt;0.001), and need for inotropics (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: High serum procalcitonin was found to be a significant predictor of mortality in neonatal sepsis. Mortality was significantly associated with need for mechanical ventilation, and need for inotropics.

Assessment of Urinary Tract Infection and Estimation of Procalcitonin Serum Level Among Iraqi Children

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) considered as a serious public health issue, especially in children, which can be caused by a variety of organisms, especially gram-negative bacteria. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a precursor of the calcitonin hormone, which normally released in the thyroid gland, and this biomarker has become more effective in diagnosing bacterial infections in the last decade. Moreover, to establish the utility of procalcitonin for predicting urinary tract infections in children. The current study included two groups of patients of approximately sixty cases from patients with urinary tract infection (UTI), besides, sixty cases from healthy individuals. Samples were collected from Al Imamain Al-Kadhimain Medical City in Baghdad. The result showed a highly significant difference in procalcitonin levels in UTI patients compared to the control group. The results of this investigation support the use of PCT as an indicator for the diagnosis of UTI children.

Procalcitonin serum level in patients with pemphigus vulgaris: can it be used as an inflammatory biomarker?

Procalcitonin (PCT) is a peptide precursor of calcitonin, considered as an infection marker in many settings. Recently, a few studies reported its rise in some inflammatory processes such as still's disease, anaphylactic shock and Kawasaki disease. To investigate the serum level of PCT in patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and examine the relationship between serum level of PCT and the severity of disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 patients with PV, visited at a tertiary care hospital from August 2021 to May 2023. After recording the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, PCT level as well as CRP and ESR levels were measured and analyzed. The median ESR, CRP and procalcitonin serum level for the patients was 6.40mm/hr, 11.00mg/dL and 0.025 ng/ml, respectively. Considering the mean serum PCT level of normal population which is reported as < 0.1 ng/ml, its level among our patients was in a normal range. A significant and positive correlation was observed between procalcitonin and ESR, as well as CRP. In opposite to PCT, CRP and ESR levels showed a significant and positive correlation with disease severity (P values: 0.002 and < 0.001, respectively). Our findings suggest that PCT might not be useful as a biomarker of inflammatory milieu or prognostic factor in patients with PV without any infection.

Diagnostic value of ultrasound for community-acquired pneumonia in children and its correlation with serum PCT level and PCIS.

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasound for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children. Clinical information of children diagnosed with CAP and a control group of healthy children was collected, and lung ultrasound detection was performed. The lung ultrasound score (LUS) was assessed, and venous blood samples were collected. Serum indexes, including white blood cell count, were analyzed using an automatic immunoassay analyzer, while serum procalcitonin (PCT) level was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The pediatric critical illness score (PCIS) was also performed for all subjects. White blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, and respiratory index were significantly higher in the CAP group than those in the control group, while the oxygenation index was markedly lower. Ultrasound detection results showed that the CAP group exhibited significantly higher detection rates of pleural effusion, interstitial lung changes, lung consolidation, B-lines, air bronchogram signs, and reduced or absent lung sliding signs compared with the control group. In addition, the LUS and PCT levels were markedly higher in the CAP group, while the PCIS was notably lower. Further analysis exhibited that the LUS in the CAP group was significantly positively correlated with PCT levels and negatively correlated with PCIS. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the area under the curve of LUS for diagnosing children with lung infection was 0.841. LUS is closely related to serum PCT level and PCIS. Lung ultrasound detection demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity, indicating its valuable clinical diagnostic utility for CAP in children.

Evaluation of Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor in COVID-19 Patients

Background/Objectives: This retrospective study analyzed soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) plasma levels alongside routine inflammatory markers, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte count ratio, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT), and D-dimers in COVID-19 patients hospitalized during the Omicron wave of the pandemic. Methods: We measured plasma suPAR levels using a suPARnostic® Quick Triage kit. We divided COVID-19 patients into two groups based on the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria. The logistic regression analysis tested the predictive value of the biomarkers. Results: We evaluated 160 consecutive COVID-19 patients hospitalized between January and August 2022. The cohort exhibited a high incidence of comorbidities, with an in-hospital mortality rate of 5.6%. Upon admission, the median suPAR plasma levels were not significantly different between patients with mild COVID-19 (n = 110) and those with moderate/severe disease (n = 50), with 7.25 ng/mL and 7.55 ng/mL, respectively. We observed significant differences (p &lt; 0.01) between the groups for CRP and IL-6 levels that were higher in moderate/severe disease than in mild infection. Additionally, suPAR plasma levels were above the normal range (0–2.00 ng/mL) in all patients, with a significant positive correlation identified between suPAR levels and serum IL-6, PCT, and creatinine levels. Conclusions: These findings indicate that COVID-19 during the Omicron wave is strongly associated with elevated suPAR levels; however, these levels do not directly correlate with the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INFORMATIVENESS OF THE LAL TEST AND PROCALCITONIN IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF INFECTIOUS COMPLICATIONS IN ACUTE ALCOHOLIC PANCREATITIS

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas, characterized by acute, intense abdominal pain. AP accounts for 20-30% of hospitalizations due to abdominal symptoms. The incidence of AP is increasing globally by 2-5% annually, ranging from 3.4 to 73.4 cases per 100,000 people. A critical concern in AAP is the potential development of infectious complications, which may require surgical intervention and increase mortality rates. Effective management and monitoring of these complications are essential. Research Justification. The diagnosis of AAP in clinical practice commonly relies on serum levels of α-amylase, lipase, C-reactive protein, and leukocyte counts. However, these markers have limitations and do not fully reflect the level of intoxication. The accuracy of C-reactive protein as a marker is not well established and is used mainly as a prognostic indicator. Serum α-amylase levels tend to decrease sharply after the fifth day of illness, regardless of the patient's condition. Lipase levels in diabetic patients can exceed reference values even without pathology, necessitating adjustments for AAP diagnosis. These criteria are most effective during the enzymatic phase of AAP (days 1-5). To predict the course of AAP and assess the adequacy of therapy, as well as to determine the need for surgical intervention, serum procalcitonin levels are commonly used. However, some studies question the diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin, particularly regarding its correlation with organ failure, infectious complications, and patient mortality. Materials and Methods: This study involved 55 AAP patients, 51 men (92.7%) and 4 women (7.3%), with an average age of 49.49±9.87 years. Patients were categorized based on the severity of their condition: moderate (39 patients, 70.9%) and severe (16 patients, 29.1%). The control group consisted of 10 healthy individuals (9 men, 90.0%; 1 woman, 10.0%; average age 45.22±7.55 years). AAP was classified according to the Atlanta classification of acute pancreatitis. The study included patients with moderate to severe AAP who were hospitalized within 48 hours of symptom onset. All patients received treatment according to clinical guidelines, including intensive fluid therapy with Ringer's lactate. The Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) test and procalcitonin levels were measured on days 5, 8, 11, and 14 of hospitalization. For suspected infected necrosis, patients underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) on day 14, with fine-needle aspiration biopsy or surgical intervention if necessary. Results. On day 5, LAL test values in the moderate and severe AAP groups were within reference ranges, and procalcitonin levels did not exceed 0.5 ng/ml. By day 14, a significant increase in LAL test values was noted in both groups, with a corresponding rise in procalcitonin levels. The ROC analysis for LAL test values on day 14 in the moderate AAP group showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.966, with 92.86% sensitivity and 96% specificity. For procalcitonin, the AUC was 0.723, with 71.43% sensitivity and 92% specificity. Conclusion. The LAL test is a sensitive and specific marker for detecting endotoxemia and monitoring the progression of AAP, particularly in predicting the development of infectious complications. The study demonstrates that LAL test values significantly correlate with the severity of AAP and may provide better diagnostic accuracy than procalcitonin, especially in the later stages of the disease.

An Observational Study on Clinical Benefits of CytoSorb in Patients with Severe Sepsis

Background and Aim: Sepsis is a well-recognized healthcare issue worldwide. Despite research, the ability to positively influence outcome remains limited. Newer evidences have pointed that using adsorption of cytokines is beneficial during endotoxemia and sepsis. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the clinical benefits of CytoSorb usage in patients with severe sepsis admitted in intensive care units (ICU). Study Design: Prospective, observational, comparative study. Material and Methods: Forty patients with sepsis admitted to ICU were included. The CytoSorb group included 20 patients who received CytoSorb therapy in addition to Standard-care (SOC) and 20 patients in SOC group who received SOC alone as per routine ICU protocols. Clinical and laboratory parameters were analyzed pre/post-treatment in both groups and compared. Results: CytoSorb and SOC groups were comparable at baseline. There was significant reduction in serum creatinine (2.59±2.0 vs. 2.89±1.2, mg/dl; P=0.042), serum lactate (3.26±1.1 vs. 3.27±0.9, mmol/lit; P&lt;0.001), serum procalcitonin (2.75±2.4 vs. 3.39±3.5, ng/ml; P&lt;0.001), serum CRP (90.2±57.4 vs. 175.6±100.9, mg/dl; P&lt;0.001) and serum IL6 (1769.7±4444.1 vs. 256.8±392.4, pg/ml; P=0.03) levels in CytoSorb compared to SOC. There was significant improvement in mean arterial pressure (MAP) (65.75±1.8 vs. 62.75±2.8, mmHg; P&lt;0.001) and reduction in norepinephrine dose (6.47±2.7 vs.10.65±3.6, mcg/min; P&lt;0.001) in CytoSorb group reflecting better hemodynamic stability. The post-treatment increase in SOFA score was lesser in CytoSorb group (11.85±2.9) than SOC group (12.3±2.3), but was not significant (P=0.135). Conclusion: CytoSorb therapy along with SOC was associated with significant improvements in hemodynamic stability, MAP and Norepinephrine requirements than SOC alone in severe sepsis.

Application of serum SAA, CRP, PCT, WBC and N% in the diagnosis of neonatal septicemia

To explore the application value of SAA (serum amyloid A), CRP (C reactive protein), PCT (procalcitonin), WBC (white blood cell) and N% (neutrophil %) in the diagnosis of neonatal septicemia. This study was a retrospective study. 173 children with clinically diagnosed septicemia and 66 children with definitely diagnosed septicemia admitted to the Department of Neonatology, the Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China,from January 2022 to January 2024 were selected as the case group, and 148 children with neonatal jaundice who were hospitalized during the same period were selected as the control group. Fasting venous blood was collected within 24 hours after the children's admission to detect the levels of serum WBC, N%, SAA, CRP and PCT. One-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to compare the general data and inflammatory index levels of the three groups of children. The correlation analysis between SAA and other inflammatory indicators was conducted using Spearman correlation analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the diagnostic efficacy of different inflammatory indicators for patients with definitely diagnosed septicemia and those with clinically diagnosed septicemia, and for those with clinically diagnosed septicemia and those without infection. The results showed that the levels of WBC [(16.88±5.64)×109/L], N% [70.00 (63.00, 75.00)], PCT [2.22 (1.20, 5.55) mg/L], CRP [3.00 (0.50, 10.30) mg/L], SAA [19.70 (10.82, 49.90) mg/L] in the clinically diagnosed septicemia group and WBC [(16.10±7.48)×109/L], N% [73.50 (61.50, 80.93)], PCT [5.35 (0.69, 20.07) mg/L], CRP [15.52 (4.98, 30.50) mg/L], SAA [43.95 (14.00, 175.98) mg/L] in the definitely diagnosed septicemia group were all higher than those in the control group (11.17±3.38)×109/L, 49.81 (36.93, 62.75), 0.20 (0.07, 0.99) mg/L, 0.54 (0.20, 1.40) mg/L, 5.15 (3.60, 8.68) mg/L, and the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the level of SAA was positively correlated with WBC, N%, PCT and CRP (rs=0.453, 0.540, 0.343, 0.550, all P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under ROC curve(AUC) of SAA for the definitely diagnosed septicemia group and the clinically diagnosed septicemia group was higher than that of other inflammatory indicators, among them, the AUC of SAA for diagnosing the definitely diagnosed neonatal septicemia group was 0.933 (95%CI: 0.809-1.000, P<0.05), with a sensitivity of 92.90% and a specificity of 99.30%. The AUC of SAA for diagnosing the clinically diagnosed septicemia group was 0.861 (95%CI: 0.818-0.904, P<0.05), with a sensitivity of 83.20% and a specificity of 81.80%. In conclusion, compared with CRP, PCT, WBC and N%, SAA has higher sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing neonatal septicemia (including definitely diagnosed septicemia and clinically diagnosed septicemia), and has certain auxiliary diagnostic value for neonatal septicemia.

The Prospective Analysis of Biomarkers in Sepsis: Correlation With Clinical Outcomes.

Background Sepsis is a medical emergency and necessitates immediate diagnosis and treatment to prevent the progression to severe sepsis, septic shock, and potentially mortality. Aim This study aims to study the diagnostic significance of conventional and new markers, interleukin-10 (IL-10), in predicting the severity of sepsis. Methodology A prospective observational study was conducted in the department of surgery in a tertiary care hospital in Pune, India. The study included 100 patients diagnosed with a quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score of ≥2. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were measured. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to assess the diagnostic performance of these biomarkers. Results The mean serum CRP level on day 7 was significantly higher than the baseline, day 1, and day 3 groups (p=0.0001). On analysis by repeated measure, the ANOVA test revealed that the mean CRP levels on day 7were significantly higher. The mean PCT levels on day 7, day 3, and day 1 groups were significantly lower than those on day 1, day 2, and day 2, respectively (p=0.0001). The mean p-value of 3.3 g/L CRP was significantly lower on day 1 than that on day 3. IL-10 levels showed a significant upward trend, rising from 5.21 pg/mL at baseline to 7.57 pg/mL by day 7, with a p-value of <0.0001. Our cohort population showed elevated IL-10 values on the day of admission in a total of 15 patients. In our study, we observed that 11 patients with elevated IL-10 levels progressed towardmultiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and four mortalities. IL-10 is a crucial marker for identifying patients with worsening surgical sepsis. Conclusion IL-10, CRP, and PCT have potential as prognostic markers in assessing and predicting disease severity.The dynamic changes in these biomarkers correlate strongly with clinical outcomes, suggesting their role in guiding treatment decisions.

Changes of Procalcitonin Kinetics According to Renal Clearance in Critically Ill Patients with Primary Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infections.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between procalcitonin (PCT) kinetic and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) in critically ill patients who had Gram-negative primary bloodstream infection (GN-BSI) and responded to the antimicrobial therapy. This single-centered study was retrospective and observational. Critically ill GN-BSI patients over 18 years old who had clinical and microbiological responses to antibiotic treatment were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to eGFR (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m2 and ≥30 mL/min/1.73m2) and compared for PCT kinetic at seven different measurement points as initial, first, third, fifth, seventh, tenth, and fourteenth days. The study included 138 patients. Initial PCT levels were higher in patients with eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m2 (4.58 [1.36-39.4] ng/mL) than in eGFR ≥30 mL/min/1.73m2 (0.91 [0.32-10.2]) (p<0.001). This elevation was present at all measurement points (p<0.05). The decrease in PCT values by ≥30% (26.0% vs 47.9%; p=0.024) on the third day and ≥50% (69.2% vs 76.6%; p=0.411) on the fifth day was less in the low eGFR (<30 mL/min/1.73m2) group. The effect of low GFR on serum PCT kinetic was present in both fermenter and non-fermenter GN-BSIs but was more prominent in the fermenter group. Serum PCT levels during therapy were higher in patients with low eGFR. Early PCT (<5 days) response was not obtained in non-fermenter GN-BSI patients with low eGFR. Antibiotic revision decisions should be made more carefully in patients with low eGFR due to high initial PCT levels and slow PCT kinetic.

Serum Procalcitonin, Hematology Parameters, and Cell Morphology in Multiple Clinical Conditions and Sepsis.

The clinical value of procalcitonin (PCT) in infection diagnosis and antibiotic stewardship is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum PCT and different clinical conditions as well as other infectious/inflammatory parameters in different septic patients in order to elucidate the value of PCT detection in infection management. Chemiluminescence immunoassay was used for serum PCT analysis. Hematology analysis was used for complete blood cell count. Digital automated cell morphology analysis was used for blood cell morphology examination. Blood, urine, and stool cultures were performed according to routine clinical laboratory standard operating procedures. C-reactive protein (CRP) was analyzed by immunoturbidimetry. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate test was performed using natural sedimentation methods. Outpatients, ICU patients, and patients under 2 years of age with respiratory infections had higher serum PCT levels. Septic patients had the highest-serum PCT levels and other infection indexes. PCT levels in the blood, urine, and stool culture-positive patients were significantly higher than in culture-negative patients. The neutrophil granulation and reactive lymphocytes were observed together with the PCT-level increments in different septic patients, and these alterations were lessened after treatment. There was no significant change in monocyte morphology between pre- and posttreatment septic patients. Serum PCT is associated with neutrophil cytotoxicity and lymphocyte morphology changes in sepsis; thus, the combination of neutrophil and lymphocyte digital cell morphology evaluations with PCT detection may be a useful examination for guiding the clinical management of sepsis.

Serum Procalcitonin ,Cystatin C, Kidney Injury Molecule -1 Levels in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer and Relation with Chronic Kidney Disease

Objective: To evaluate the serum levels of Procalcitonin (PCT), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Cystatin C, and Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Methods: This case-control study included 120 participants divided into four groups: 30 with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), 30 with diabetic foot ulcers and chronic kidney disease (DFU &amp; CKD), 30 with diabetes mellitus (DM), and 30 healthy controls. The study was conducted from November 2023 to March 2024. Laboratory tests performed on all patients and controls included CBC, blood urea, serum creatinine, and serum CRP levels using a fully automated analyzer. PCT, Cystatin C, and KIM-1 levels were measured using the ELISA method. Results: The biomarkers PCT, CRP, and WBC showed a significant increase in the diabetic foot group and the diabetic foot with chronic kidney disease group. Additionally, there were positive correlations between PCT and CRP and Cystatin C, and between KIM-1 and Cystatin C. ROC analysis of PCT demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity (91.1% and 99%, respectively). Conclusion: Elevated Procalcitonin levels in diabetic foot patients can predict early infection even without clear clinical signs. Increased levels of Cystatin C and KIM-1 serve as good biomarkers for renal function and complications of diabetes, showing a close relationship with diabetic foot conditions.

Investigation of interleukin 26 and procalcitonin serum levels as biomarker in patients with Acinetobacter baumanii chest infection

Investigation of interleukin 26 and procalcitonin serum levels as biomarker in patients with Acinetobacter baumanii chest infection

Diagnostic Performance of Preoperative Calcitonin and Procalcitonin Tests for Differential Diagnosis of Medullary Thyroid Cancer.

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) shows a relatively poor prognosis among thyroid cancers. Though calcitonin has been used as a diagnostic marker for MTC, it has disadvantages including poor sample stability and discrepancies among results by assay. This study aimed to compare the usefulness of preoperative calcitonin and procalcitonin (PCT) in the diagnosis of MTC. Serum calcitonin and PCT levels were measured before thyroidectomy from MTC (n = 23) and other types of thyroid cancers in patients (n = 1308). Diagnostic performances of calcitonin and PCT for discerning MTC were estimated. In a multivariate analysis, preoperative calcitonin level was independently associated with the diagnosis of MTC, whereas PCT was not. Calcitonin and PCT, respectively, exhibited area under the curve values of 0.997 and 0.979 for the diagnosis of MTC, without significant differences. For calcitonin, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 0.957, 0.992, 0.688, and 0.999, respectively, at a cut-off of 7.2 pg/mL. The corresponding values for PCT were 0.913, 0.995, 0.778, and 0.998 at a cut-off of 0.19 ng/mL. Preoperative calcitonin and PCT showed similar diagnostic utility for MTC. Depending on the patient's clinical status and laboratory environment, these tests can be used as complementary methods for detecting MTC.

Serum C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels in patients with pneumonia and anastomotic leakage in the postoperative period after esophagectomy.

Despite being a less-invasive procedure, esophagectomy can cause severe infectious complications, such as pneumonia and anastomotic leakage. Herein, we aimed to clarify the inflammatory characteristics of pneumonia/anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy by assessing the difference between the postoperative trends of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels in patients with pneumonia/anastomotic leakage using the values on the consecutive postoperative day (POD). This study included 439 patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy. Serum CRP and PCT levels were measured on PODs 1-7, 10, and 14. Pneumonia and anastomotic leakage were defined as Clavien-Dindo grades ≥ 2. Pneumonia and anastomotic leakage occurred in 96 and 51 patients, respectively. The CRP and PCT levels peaked on POD 3 (11.6 ± 6.8mg/dL) and POD 2 (0.69 ± 2.9ng/mL), respectively. Between PODs 3 and 14, CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with pneumonia and anastomotic leakage than in those without complications (P < 0.001). Between PODs 3 and 14, PCT levels were significantly higher in patients with pneumonia; however, on most PODs, there were no significant differences in PCT levels between patients with and without anastomotic leakage. Inflammatory reactions caused by pneumonia may be more intense than those caused by anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy. Postoperative trends in serum CRP and PCT levels may vary depending on the complication type. Pneumonia and anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy can be potentially distinguished by the postoperative trend of PCT values before detailed examinations, such as computed tomography and endoscopy.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of paediatric respiratory syncytial virus-related encephalopathy

BackgroundTo understand the clinical characteristics and prognosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-related encephalopathy in children.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the data of children who were diagnosed with RSV-related encephalopathy and admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Beijing Children’s Hospital between November 2016 and November 2023 was performed.ResultsFour hundred and sixty-four children with RSV infection were treated in the PICU, and eight of these patients (1.7%) were diagnosed with RSV-related encephalopathy. The mean age of the patients was 24.89 (5.92 ∼ 36.86) months. Two patients had underlying diseases. The time from the onset of illness to impaired consciousness was 3 (1.88–3.75) days. Five patients had convulsions, and three patients had an epileptic status. The serum procalcitonin (PCT) level was 1.63 (0.24, 39.85) ng/ml for the eight patients, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein level was 232 (163 ∼ 848) g/L. Among the 8 patients, four patients underwent electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring or examination. One patient showed continuous low-voltage, nonresponsive activity, and another patient displayed persistent slow waves, the remaining two patients had negative results. One patient had a combination of acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) and acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD). Additionally, one patient had ANE, and another had acute brain swelling (ABS). One patient died in the hospital, and the other seven patients were discharged with improvement. Routine follow-up was conducted for 4.58(0.5 ∼ 6.50) years, and all patients fully recovered.ConclusionsRSV-related encephalopathy could have varying clinical manifestations, and some types, such as ANE and ABS, are dangerous and can lead to death.

Diagnostic significance of serum levels of serum amyloid A, procalcitonin, and high-mobility group box 1 in identifying necrotising enterocolitis in newborns.

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a critical gastrointestinal emergency affecting premature and low-birth-weight neonates. Serum amyloid A (SAA), procalcitonin (PCT), and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) have emerged as potential biomarkers for NEC due to their roles in inflammatory response, tissue damage, and immune regulation. To evaluate the diagnostic value of SAA, PCT, and HMGB1 in the context of NEC in newborns. The study retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 48 newborns diagnosed with NEC and 50 healthy newborns admitted to the hospital. Clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings, including serum SAA, PCT, and HMGB1 Levels, were collected, and specific detection methods were used. The diagnostic value of the biomarkers was evaluated through statistical analysis, which was performed using chi-square test, t-test, correlation analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The study demonstrated significantly elevated levels of serum SAA, PCT, and HMGB1 Levels in newborns diagnosed with NEC compared with healthy controls. The correlation analysis indicated strong positive correlations among serum SAA, PCT, and HMGB1 Levels and the presence of NEC. ROC analysis revealed promising sensitivity and specificity for serum SAA, PCT, and HMGB1 Levels as potential diagnostic markers. The combined model of the three biomarkers demonstrating an extremely high area under the curve (0.908). The diagnostic value of serum SAA, PCT, and HMGB1 Levels in NEC was highlighted. These biomarkers potentially improve the early detection, risk stratification, and clinical management of critical conditions. The findings suggest that these biomarkers may aid in timely intervention and the enhancement of outcomes for neonates affected by NEC.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and serum procalcitonin level as a predictor of spontaneous ureteral stone passage: A prospective study.

Ureteric stone is responsible for around 20% of urinary tract stones and among them 70% of these are located in distal portion of the ureter. Stone causing ureter obstruction produce inflammatory changes in ureteric wall and prevent spontaneous passage of stone. The objective of the study is to compare the predictive role of procalcitonin and Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for spontaneous passage of stone. Total 150 participants having ureteric stone of 4-8 mm, were included in prospective observational study. The patients were followed up for 4 weeks. Spontaneous Stone Passage (SSP) was confirmed with either the patient collecting the stone during urination or by Non-Contrast CT performed at 4 weeks. Blood samples of the patients were analysed and White blood cells, sedimentation, Neutrophile to Lymphocyte (NLR), procalcitonin level compared to analyse predictors of future SSP. The procalcitonin levels of the Spontaneous stone passing SSP (-ve) group (209.05 ± 78.45 pg/ml) were significantly higher than the not passing the SSP (+ve) group (130.76 ± 24.18) (p < 0.001). NLR is significantly higher in the SSP -ve (3.84 ± 0.41) than the SSP +ve (2.18 ± 0.38) group (p < 0.001). In single and multivariate analysis, significant activity was found for procalcitonin in SP +ve group. The findings of the study suggests that high level of procalcitonin, and high NLR have a negative effect on passage of stone. So early intervention can be planned to these patients to prevent complications.

Effects of nursing team communication and collaboration on treatment outcomes in intensive care unit patients with severe pneumonia.

Severe pneumonia is a common severe respiratory infection worldwide, and its treatment is challenging, especially for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). To explore the effect of communication and collaboration between nursing teams on the treatment outcomes of patients with severe pneumonia in ICU. We retrospectively analyzed 60 patients with severe pneumonia who were treated at the ICU of the hospital between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2023. We compared and analyzed the respiratory mechanical indexes [airway resistance (Raw), mean airway pressure (mPaw), peak pressure (PIP)], blood gas analysis indexes (arterial oxygen saturation, arterial oxygen partial pressure, and oxygenation index), and serum inflammatory factor levels [C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), cortisol (COR), and high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1)] of all patients before and after treatment. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in respiratory mechanics index and blood gas analysis index between 2 groups (P > 0.05). However, after treatment, the respiratory mechanical indexes of patients in both groups were significantly improved, and the improvement of Raw, mPaw, plateau pressure, PIP and other indexes in the combined group after communication and collaboration with the nursing team was significantly better than that in the single care group (P < 0.05). The serum CRP and PCT levels of patients were significantly decreased, and the difference was statistically significant compared with that of nursing group alone (P < 0.05). The levels of serum COR and HMGB1 before and after treatment were also significantly decreased between the two groups. The communication and collaboration of the nursing team have a significant positive impact on respiratory mechanics indicators, blood gas analysis indicators and serum inflammatory factor levels in the treatment of severe pneumonia patients in ICU.