Article

Review Article

Ann Lab Med 2014; 34(4): 263-273

Published online July 1, 2014 https://doi.org/10.3343/alm.2014.34.4.263

Copyright © Korean Society for Laboratory Medicine.

Update on Procalcitonin Measurements

Michael Meisner, M.D.

Clinic of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Staedtisches Krankenhaus Dresden-Neustadt, Industriestr, Germany

Correspondence to: Michael Meisner
Clinic of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Staedtisches Krankenhaus Dresden-Neustadt, Industriestr, 40, D-01229 Dresden, Germany
Tel: +49-351-8562602
Fax: +49-351-8562600
E-mail: Michael.meisner@khdn.de

Received: March 25, 2014; Revised: May 9, 2014; Accepted: June 5, 2014

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

Procalcitonin (PCT) is used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock. At the same time, PCT has also been used to guide antibiotic therapy. This review outlines the main indications for PCT measurement and points out possible pitfalls. The classic indications for PCT measurement are: (i) confirmation or exclusion of diagnosis of sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock, (ii) severity assessment and follow up of systemic inflammation mainly induced by microbial infection, and (iii) individual, patient adapted guide of antibiotic therapy and focus treatment. Using serially monitored PCT levels, the duration and need of antibiotic therapy can be better adapted to the individual requirements of the patient. This individualized approach has been evaluated in various studies, and it is recommended to be a part of an antibiotic stewardship program.

Keywords: Procalcitonin, Anti-bacterial agents, Critical illness, Intensive care units, Sepsis