CRP and PCT as Predictors of Sepsis Cause

Overview

The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the predictive role of serum level of procalcitonin (PCT) and c-reactive protein (CRP) in determining the causative agent of sepsis in surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The main question it aims to answer is: what serum level of PCT and CRP is predictive of gram+ and gram- sepsis in patients with positive blood cultures in the surgical ICU. The study will be retrospective and will include all patients with positive blood cultures who were hospitalized in the surgical ICU of University Hospital Osijek in the period from January 2019 to May 2022.

PCT is a good biochemical marker of severe bacterial infection. Numerous studies have confirmed its role in the diagnosis of sepsis, especially sepsis with positive blood cultures. This retrospective study will include septic patients who were hospitalised in the surgical ICU between January 2019 and May 2022, and who had at least one positive blood culture. The values of PCT, CRP, white blood cells count and platelets count, as well as the overall outcome of the treatment, will be recorded for the patients included in the research. The aim of the research is to examine the differences in the level of PCT, CRP, white blood cells count and platelets count between patients with gram+ and gram- blood cultures. Also, the predictive value of PCT and CRP in differentiating gram+ from gram- hem will be examined.

Conditions