Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein during systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis and organ dysfunction

Prevalence, early predictors, and outcomes of sepsis in neurocritical illnesses: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patients with neurocritically illness are an under-recognized population at high risk of sepsis. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, early predictors, and outcomes of sepsis in neuro-ICU.

METHODS

Daily and accumulative incidences of sepsis in neuro-ICU were explored. Demographics, medical history, baseline disease severity scores, and baseline biomarkers regarding inflammation, immunology, organ function, and nutritional status were collected and analyzed as potential predictors of sepsis. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the independent predictors, and a nomogram was used to estimate the individual probability of sepsis in neuro-ICU.

RESULTS

153 patients were included in this study. Fifty-nine (38.6%) patients developed sepsis, and 21 (14%) patients developed septic shock. More than 86% of the septic cases occurred within the first week. Sequential organ failure assessment score ((relative risk) RR 1.334, P = .026), history of diabetes (RR 2.346, P = .049), and transferrin (RR 0.128, P = .042) on admission are independent predictors of sepsis. Septic patients had significantly higher mortality (P = .011), higher medical cost (P = .028), and a lower rate of functional independence (P = .010), compared to patients without sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

Sepsis afflicted more than one-third of neurocritically-ill patients and occurred mostly in the first week of admission. History of diabetes, serum transferrin, and sequential organ failure assessment score on admission were early predictors. Sepsis led to significantly worse outcomes and higher medical costs.

A Secondary Retrospective Analysis of the Predictive Value of Neutrophil-Reactive Intensity (NEUT-RI) in Septic and Non-Septic Patients in Intensive Care

BACKGROUND

Effective identification and management in the early stages of sepsis are critical for achieving positive outcomes. In this context, neutrophil-reactive intensity (NEUT-RI) emerges as a promising and easily interpretable parameter. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of NEUT-RI in diagnosing sepsis and to evaluate its prognostic significance in distinguishing 28-day mortality outcomes.

MATERIALS

This study is a secondary, retrospective, observational analysis. Clinical data upon ICU admission were collected. We enrolled septic patients and a control group of critically ill patients without sepsis criteria. The patients were divided into subgroups based on renal function for biomarker evaluation with 28-day outcomes reported for septic and non-septic patients.

RESULTS

A total of 200 patients were included in this study. A significant difference between the "septic" and "non-septic" groups was detected in the NEUT-RI plasma concentration (53.80 [49.65-59.05] vs. 48.00 [46.00-49.90] FI, p < 0.001, respectively). NEUT-RI and procalcitonin (PCT) distinguished between not complicated sepsis and septic shock (PCT 1.71 [0.42-12.09] vs. 32.59 [8.83-100.00], <0.001 and NEUT-RI 51.50 [47.80-56.30] vs. 56.20 [52.30-61.92], p = 0.005). NEUT-RI, PCT, and CRP values were significantly different in patients with "renal failure". NEUT-RI and PCT at admission in the ICU in the septic group were higher in patients who died (58.80 [53.85-73.10] vs. 53.05 [48.90-57.22], p = 0.005 and 39.56 [17.39-83.72] vs. 3.22 [0.59-32.32], p = 0.002, respectively). Both NEUT-RI and PCT showed a high negative predictive value and low positive predictive value.

CONCLUSIONS

The inflammatory biomarkers assessed in this study offer valuable support in the early diagnosis of sepsis and could have a possible role in anticipating the outcome. NEUT-RI elevation appears particularly promising for early sepsis detection and severity discrimination upon admission.

Optical method supported by machine learning for urinary tract infection detection and urosepsis risk assessment

The study presents an optical method supported by machine learning for discriminating urinary tract infections from an infection capable of causing urosepsis. The method comprises spectra of spectroscopy measurement of artificial urine samples with bacteria from solid cultures of clinical E. coli strains. To provide a reliable classification of results assistance of 27 algorithms was tested. We proved that is possible to obtain up to 97% accuracy of the measurement method with the use of use of machine learning. The method was validated on urine samples from 241 patients. The advantages of the proposed solution are the simplicity of the sensor, mobility, versatility, and low cost of the test.

Comprehensive Assessment of Mid-Regional Proadrenomedullin, Procalcitonin, Neuron-Specific Enolase and Protein S100 for Predicting Pediatric Severe Trauma Outcomes

The development of multiple organ failure and septic complications increases the cumulative risk of mortality in children with severe injury. Clinically available biochemical markers have shown promise in assessing the severity and predicting the development of complications and outcomes in such cases. This study aimed to determine informative criteria for assessing the severity and outcome prediction of severe injury in children based on levels of mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) procalcitonin (PCT), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and protein S100. Biomarker levels were measured in 52 children with severe injury (ISS ≥ 16) on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 14th days after admission to the ICU. The children were divided into groups based on their favorable (n = 44) or unfavorable (n = 8) outcomes according to the Severe Injury Outcome Scale, as well as their favorable (n = 35) or unfavorable (n = 15) outcomes according to the Glasgow Coma Outcome Scale (GOS). The study also evaluated the significance of biomarker levels in predicting septic complications (with SC (n = 16) and without SC (n = 36)) and diagnosing and stratifying multiple organ failure (with MOF (n = 8) and without MOF (n = 44)). A comprehensive assessment of MR-proADM and PCT provided the highest diagnostic and prognostic efficacy for early diagnosis, risk stratification of multiple organ failure, and outcome prediction in severe injury cases involving children. Additionally, the inclusion of the S100 protein in the study allowed for further assessment of brain damage in cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI), contributing to the overall prognostic model.

The Potential Role of Neutrophil-Reactive Intensity (NEUT-RI) in the Diagnosis of Sepsis in Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

The diagnosis of sepsis is often difficult and belated, substantially increasing mortality in affected patients. Its early identification allows for us to choose the most appropriate therapies in the shortest time, improving patients' outcomes and eventually their survival. Since neutrophil activation is an indicator of an early innate immune response, the aim of the study was to evaluate the role of Neutrophil-Reactive Intensity (NEUT-RI), which is an indicator of their metabolic activity, in the diagnosis of sepsis. Data from 96 patients consecutively admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were retrospectively analyzed (46 patients with and 50 without sepsis). Patients with sepsis were further divided between sepsis and septic shock according to the severity of the illness. Patients were subsequently classified according to renal function. For the diagnosis of sepsis, NEUT-RI showed an AUC of >0.80 and a better negative predictive value than Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (87.4% vs. 83.9% and 86.6%, p = 0.038). Unlike PCT and CRP, NEUT-RI did not show a significant difference within the "septic" group between patients with normal renal function and those with renal failure (p = 0.739). Similar results were observed among the "non-septic" group (p = 0.182). The increase in NEUT-RI values could be useful in the early ruling-out of sepsis, and it does not appear to be influenced by renal failure. However, NEUT-RI has not proved to be efficient in discriminating the severity of sepsis at the time of admission. Larger, prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

SLAMF7 regulates the inflammatory response in macrophages during polymicrobial sepsis

Uncontrolled inflammation occurred in sepsis results in multiple organ injuries and shock, which contributes to the death of patients with sepsis. However, the regulatory mechanisms that restrict excessive inflammation are still elusive. Here, we identified an Ig-like receptor called signaling lymphocyte activation molecular family 7 (SLAMF7) as a key suppressor of inflammation during sepsis. We found that the expression of SLAMF7 on monocytes/macrophages was significantly elevated in patients with sepsis and in septic mice. SLAMF7 attenuated TLR-dependent MAPK and NF-κB signaling activation in macrophages by cooperating with Src homology 2-containing inositol-5'‑phosphatase 1 (SHIP1). Furthermore, SLAMF7 interacted with SHIP1 and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) to inhibit K63 ubiquitination of TRAF6. In addition, we found that tyrosine phosphorylation sites within the intracellular domain of SLAMF7 and the phosphatase domain of SHIP1 were indispensable for the interaction between SLAMF7, SHIP1, and TRAF6 and SLAMF7-mediated modulation of cytokine production. Finally, we demonstrated that SLAMF7 protected against lethal sepsis and endotoxemia by downregulating macrophage proinflammatory cytokines and suppressing inflammation-induced organ damage. Taken together, our findings reveal a negative regulatory role of SLAMF7 in polymicrobial sepsis, thus providing sights into the treatment of sepsis.

C-Reactive Protein and White Blood Cell Count in Cardiogenic Shock

This study examines the prognostic impact of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) counts in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). Data regarding the prognostic impact of inflammatory biomarkers in CS are scarce. All consecutive patients with CS from 2019 to 2021 admitted to a cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) were included at one institution. Laboratory measurements were retrieved from the day of admission (i.e., day 1), as well as days 2, 3, 4, and 8. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality. Statistical analyses included univariate t-tests, Spearman's correlations, C-statistics, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression analyses. From a total of 240 consecutive patients admitted with CS, 55% died within 30 days. CRP levels on days 3 to 8 were associated with reliable discrimination for 30-day all-cause mortality (area under the curve (AUC): 0.623-0.754), whereas CRP on day 1 was not (AUC = 0.514). In line, CRP > 100 mg/L on day 3 (56% vs. 37%; log-rank p = 0.023; HR = 1.702; 95% CI 1.060-2.735; p = 0.028) and especially a CRP increase of at least 200% from days 1 to day 3 (51% vs. 35%; log-rank p = 0.040; HR = 1.720; 95% CI 1.006-2.943; p = 0.048) were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Furthermore, WBC on day 1 discriminated 30-day all-cause mortality (AUC = 0.605; p = 0.005) with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients admitted with WBC > 10 × 10⁶/mL (59% vs. 40%; log-rank p = 0.036; HR = 1.643; 95% CI 1.010-2.671; p = 0.045). In conclusion, WBC count on admission as well as CRP levels during the course of ICU treatment were associated with 30-day all-cause mortality. Specifically, an increase of CRP levels by at least 200% from day 1 to day 3 during the course of ICU treatment was associated with an increased risk of 30-day all-cause mortality. The present study is one of the first to describe the prognostic value of inflammatory biomarkers in consecutive all-comer CS patients treated at a cardiac ICU.

Sex differences in clinical presentation and mortality in emergency department patients with sepsis

BACKGROUND

There is growing awareness that sex differences are associated with different patient outcomes in a variety of diseases. Studies investigating the effect of patient sex on sepsis-related mortality remain inconclusive and mainly focus on patients with severe sepsis and septic shock in the intensive care unit. We therefore investigated the association between patient sex and both clinical presentation and 30-day mortality in patients with the whole spectrum of sepsis severity presenting to the emergency department (ED) who were admitted to the hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In our multi-centre cohort study, we retrospectively investigated adult medical patients with sepsis in the ED. Multivariable analysis was used to evaluate the association between patient sex and all-cause 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

Of 2065 patients included, 47.6% were female. Female patients had significantly less comorbidities, lower Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and abbreviated Mortality Emergency Department Sepsis score, and presented less frequently with thrombocytopenia and fever, compared to males. For both sexes, respiratory tract infections were predominant while female patients more often had urinary tract infections. Females showed lower 30-day mortality (10.1% vs. 13.6%; p = .016), and in-hospital mortality (8.0% vs. 11.1%; p = .02) compared to males. However, a multivariable logistic regression model showed that patient sex was not an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.67-1.22; p = .51).

CONCLUSIONS

Females with sepsis presenting to the ED had fewer comorbidities, lower disease severity, less often thrombocytopenia and fever and were more likely to have a urinary tract infection. Females had a lower in-hospital and 30-day mortality compared to males, but sex was not an independent predictor of 30-day mortality. The lower mortality in female patients may be explained by differences in comorbidity and clinical presentation compared to male patients.KEY MESSAGESOnly limited data exist on sex differences in sepsis patients presenting to the emergency department with the whole spectrum of sepsis severity.Female sepsis patients had a lower incidence of comorbidities, less disease severity and a different source of infection, which explains the lower 30-day mortality we found in female patients compared to male patients.We found that sex was not an independent predictor of 30-day mortality; however, the study was probably underpowered to evaluate this outcome definitively.

Predictive role of selected biomarkers in differentiating gram-positive from gram-negative sepsis in surgical patients: a retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Patients after major surgery are at high risk of developing sepsis, which is accompanied by elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT). This study aimed to examine the differences in serum biomarker levels concerning the causative agent of sepsis in surgical patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) and included 81 septic patients admitted from January 2019 to May 2022, who had positive blood cultures (BC). Serum levels of PCT, CRP, white blood cells (WBC) and platelet counts were recorded on the day of the positive BC and over the following 3 days.

RESULTS

Patients with gram(-) sepsis had significantly higher PCT levels, and lower platelet count compared to patients with gram(+) sepsis. High PCT and low platelets levels in all measurements were a significant predictor of gram(-) isolate with the highest predictive value on the third day after BC sampling, with AUROC 0.821 (95% CI: 0.692-0.950), P = 0.001, and AUROC 0.676 (95% CI: 0.541-0.811), P = 0.02, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression, platelets the day after BC sampling and PCT on the third day made a significant contribution in distinguishing gam(+) from gram(-) BC. Age and high serum CRP levels were significant predictors of poor outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

PCT and platelets may be useful biomarkers for predicting the causative agent of sepsis in surgical patients.

Optimal Predictors of Postoperative Complications After Gastrectomy: Results from the Procalcitonin and C-reactive Protein for the Early Diagnosis of Anastomotic Leakage in Esophagogastric Surgery (PEDALES) Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to define whether procalcitonin (PCT) is an earlier and more accurate predictor than C-reactive protein (CRP) for anastomotic leakage (AL) and major infective complications (MICs).

METHODS

This was a prospective multicentric observational study conducted in three Italian centers, including all patients undergoing gastrectomy from May 2016 to April 2021. The endpoint was the assessment of the discrimination and accuracy achieved by the PCT and CRP values measured from POD1 to POD7 for predicting the occurrence of AL and MICs. Accuracy was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) values and Youden's statistics. Two charts were created for risk stratification during the postoperative course.

RESULTS

The rate of AL was 4.6%, with a median day of occurrence on POD5 (range 3-26). The overall rate of major infective complications was 19.9%, with a median day of occurrence on POD6 (range 2-30). PCT showed a significant association with AL on POD6 and POD7 and a significant association with MICs on POD2, while CRP values showed a significant association with AL on POD4 and a significant association with MICs on POD1. No difference in the prediction of AL was observed between PCT and CRP, while CRP was found to be a superior predictor of major infective complications on POD5 (p = 0.024) and POD7 (p = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

PCT was not superior to CRP as an early predictor of AL and major infective complications after gastrectomy. CRP should be used as the reference screening postoperative marker.

Anticoagulation Monitoring with Activated Partial ThromboPlastin Time and Anti-Xa Activity in Intensive Care Unit Patients: Interest of Thrombin Generation Assay

Current guidelines recommend monitoring the anticoagulant effect of unfractionated heparin (UFH) by measuring anti-Xa activity rather than activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation of aPTT, anti-Xa activity, and thrombin generation in UFH-treated ICU patients. A prospective observational pilot study was conducted in adult surgical ICU patients treated with UFH. aPTT and anti-Xa activity were monitored daily. The therapeutic target was aPTT between 50 s and 84 s, and/or anti-Xa between 0.3 and 0.7 U/mL. Correlation among aPTT, anti-Xa activity, and thrombin generation was determined by measuring endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), with the inflammatory response evaluated. C-reactive protein (CRP) was used as a marker of inflammatory response. The plasma of 107 samples from 30 ICU patients was analyzed. The correlation between aPTT and anti-Xa activity was 0.66, CI95% [0.54;0.76] (p < 0.0001). Although thrombin generation, aPTT, and anti-Xa were correlated with inflammatory responses, the correlation was higher with thrombin generation and anti-Xa activity compared to aPTT. When aPTT was in a therapeutic range, a low thrombin generation was observed but was 50% inhibited when anti-Xa was in a therapeutic range. Coagulation testing with aPTT, anti-Xa correlated with thrombin generation. A 50% decrease in thrombin generation was observed when anti-Xa was within a therapeutic range. Further work is needed to evaluate coagulation biomarker responses and clinical outcomes in specific ICU populations.

Increased progranulin as an independent predictive biomarker for poor prognosis in sepsis

BACKGROUND

Recently, many diagnostic biomarkers were reported, but each had its own limitation. However, there is a need for an effective sensitivity and specificity of biomarker in diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis. In this context, progranulin (PGRN), at elevated levels, has been associated with poor prognosis in infectious diseases. Moreover, increased PGRN levels were seen in septic mice. As the prognostic value of PGRN in humans is unclear, we aimed to identify the predictive value of serum PGRN for the prognosis of sepsis.

METHODS

A total of 128 participants with sepsis and 58 healthy controls were recruited in this study. The levels of serum PGRN were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. According to the outcomes, patients were divided into survival and non-survival groups.

RESULTS

Serum PGRN levels had upregulated in patients with sepsis compared with those in healthy controls (P < 0.001) as well as in non‑survivors compared with those in survivors (P < 0.001). Furthermore, serum PGRN levels exhibited positive correlation with hypersensitive C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, sepsis‑related organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) scores. PGRN had a higher predictive effect, especially the 28-day in-hospital mortality (p < 0.001), when using it with SOFA or APACHE II scores. Cox proportional regression analysis showed that PGRN was an independent predictor for 28-day mortality risk in sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

PGRN, as a biomarker of sepsis, could improve the prognostic power of traditional parameters. This study is the first to report the clinical significance of PGRN levels in terms of the severity and prognosis of sepsis.

Circulating intestinal fatty acid binding protein and intestinal toxicity in Russell's viper envenomation

OBJECTIVE

Abdominal pain is known to be an early clinical predictor of severe systemic Russell's viper (RV) envenomation and is often associated with the later development of coagulopathy and neurotoxicity. The mechanism of abdominal pain is unknown, but we postulated it might be due to intestinal microvascular endothelial gut damage. Gut-toxicity can be detected using the novel biomarker Intestinal Fatty Acid Binding Protein (IFABP). We also wanted to explore the mechanisms and consequences of this toxicity by measuring procalcitonin as a specific marker of sepsis triggered by bacterial endotoxin, and serum cystatin-C (CysC) as a measure of acute kidney injury. We hypothesised that severe gut-injury might lead to gut-barrier failure, translocation of gastrointestinal microorganisms, associated sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), with a possible exacerbation of snake-bite severity, including acute kidney injury that was previously attributed to direct venom effects.

METHODS

Serial plasma samples previously collected from 16 RV envenomations with abdominal pain, 15 RV envenomations without abdominal pain and 25 healthy controls were assayed for IFABP. A subgroup of these RV envenomations were assayed for procalcitonin (n = 24) and serum CysC (n = 11).

RESULTS

The median peak IFABP for RV envenomations was much higher than healthy controls [3703.0 pg/mL (IQR 2250.1-13702.0 pg/mL) vs. 270.1 pg/mL (IQR 153.5-558.0 pg/mL) (p < 0.001)]. There was no difference in those with and without abdominal pain [3801.4 pg/mL (IQR 2080.5-22446.3 pg/mL) vs. 3696.6 pg/mL (IQR 2280.3-4664.7 pg/mL) (p = 1.0)]. Peak procalcitonin levels were elevated in envenomed patients 30.1 ng/ml (IQR: 13.1-59.7 ng/ml) with a level >2ng/mL indicative of severe sepsis] and also correlated with peak IFABP (r = 0.55, p = 0.006, n = 24). Peak serum CysC was also elevated and also correlated with IFABP (r = 0.71, p = 0.037, n = 9).

CONCLUSION

IFABP is significantly elevated indicating enterocyte damage occurs in RV envenomation. IFABP correlated with markers of sepsis (procalcitonin) and acute kidney injury (serum CysC) suggesting that enterocyte damage resulting in translocation of microbial associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) contributes to RV envenomation associated SIRS and sepsis.

Anesthesia and perioperative management for giant adrenal Ewing’s sarcoma with inferior vena cava and right atrium tumor thrombus: A case report

BACKGROUND

Ewing’s sarcoma of the adrenal gland with inferior vena cava (IVC) and right atrium thrombus is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of giant adrenal Ewing’s sarcoma with IVC and right atrium tumor thrombus and summarize the anesthesia and perioperative management.

CASE SUMMARY

A young female was admitted to the Department of Urology with intermittent pain under the right costal arch for four months. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography revealed a large retroperitoneal mass (22 cm in diameter), which may have originated from the right adrenal gland and was closely related to the liver. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a strong echogenic filling measuring 70 mm extended from the IVC into the right atrium and ventricle. After preoperative preparation with cardiopulmonary bypass, sufficient blood products, transesophageal echocardiography and multiple monitoring, tumor and thrombus resection by IVC exploration and right atriotomy were successfully performed by a multidisciplinary team. Intraoperative hemodynamic stability was the major concern of anesthesiologists and the status of tumor thrombus and pulmonary embolism were monitored continuously. During transfer of the patient to the intensive care unit (ICU), cardiac arrest occurred without external stimulus. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed immediately and cardiac function was restored after 1 min. In the ICU, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) were provided to maintain cardiac, liver and kidney function. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of Ewing’s sarcoma. After postoperative treatments and rehabilitation, the patient was discharged from the urology ward.

CONCLUSION

An adrenal Ewing’s sarcoma with IVC and right atrium thrombus is extremely rare, and its anesthesia and perioperative management have not been reported. Thus, this report provides significant insights in the perioperative management of patients with adrenal Ewing’s sarcoma and IVC tumor thrombus. Intraoperative circulation fluctuations and sudden cardiovascular events are the major challenges during surgery. In addition, postoperative treatments including ECMO and CRRT provide essential support in critically ill patients. Moreover, this case report also highlights the importance of multidisciplinary cooperation during treatment of the disease.

Serum Calprotectin Is a Valid Biomarker in Distinction of Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection From Viral Respiratory Illness in Children Under 3 Years of Age

BACKGROUND

Febrile illnesses in young children can be a major diagnostic challenge, despite the routine use of various laboratory markers. Recent advancements in the understanding of inflammatory processes have highlighted the role of calprotectin, a heterodimer consisting of S100A8 and S100A9 proteins, with many studies suggesting its clinical value as a biomarker of inflammation. This research aimed to evaluate the usefulness of serum calprotectin (sCal) as a biomarker of urinary tract infection (UTI), which was due to its high pooled prevalence and feasibility of urine culture as a diagnostic reference standard selected for a model of bacterial infection in children.

METHODS

Febrile children aged 0-36 months with suspected UTI based on positive urinalysis or viral respiratory tract infection were included. Children with significant bacteriuria in urine culture were labeled as cases (n = 58), while those with confirmed viral infection (n = 51), as well as those with suspected UTI but sterile urine culture who went on to develop symptoms consistent with viral respiratory infection (n = 7), were labeled as controls. sCal levels were determined by a commercial immunoassay. Conventional inflammation markers (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, and neutrophil percentage) were measured on the day of the clinical examination. Differences in measured inflammatory markers between cases and controls were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U-test. ROC analysis reported cut-off values with the best sensitivity and specificity to distinguish bacterial UTI from viral respiratory infection.

RESULTS

All analyzed inflammatory biomarkers, including sCal, were significantly higher in cases than in controls. Median concentration of sCal was 4.97 μg/mL (IQR 3.43-6.42) and 2.45 μg/mL (IQR 1.63-3.85) for cases and controls, respectively (p < 0.001). For identifying bacterial UTI, sensitivity and specificity of sCal were 77.6 and 69.0%, respectively, at an adjusted cut-off point of >3.24 μg/mL (AUC 80.2%).

CONCLUSION

sCal could have substantial added value in the management of a child with fever and positive urinalysis and is a promising biomarker in distinction between bacterial UTI and viral respiratory causes of febrile illness in children under the age of 3 years.

Monocyte distribution width (MDW) as a new tool for the prediction of sepsis in critically ill patients: a preliminary investigation in an intensive care unit

Background

Monocyte Distribution Width (MDW), a simple proxy marker of innate monocyte activation, can be used for the early recognition of sepsis along with Procalcitonin. This study explored the added value of MDW as an early predictor of ensuing sepsis in patients hospitalised in an Intensive Care Unit.

Methods

We performed an observational prospective monocentric study to estimate the analytical performance of MDW in detecting ensuing sepsis in a sample of consecutive patients assisted in an Intensive Care Unit for > 48 h for any reason. Demographic and clinical characteristics, past medical history and other laboratory measurements were included as potential predictors of confirmed sepsis in multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 211 patients were observed, 129 of whom were included in the final sample due to the suspect of ensuing sepsis; of these, 74 (57%) had a confirmed diagnosis of sepsis, which was best predicted with the combination of MDW > 23.0 and PCT > 0.5 ng/mL (Positive Predictive Value, PPV: 92.6, 95% CI: 82.1–97.9). The best MDW cut-off to rule out sepsis was ≤20.0 (Negative Predictive Value, NPV: 86.4, 95% CI: 65.1–97.1). Multivariate analyses using both MDW and PCT found a significant association for MDW > 23 only (OR:17.64, 95% CI: 5.53–67.91).

Conclusion

We found that values of MDW > 23 were associated with a high PPV for sepsis, whereas values of MDW ≤ 20 were associated with a high NPV. Our findings suggest that MDW may help clinicians to monitor ICU patients at risk of sepsis, with minimal additional efforts over standard of care.

Point-of-critical-care diagnostics for sepsis enabled by multiplexed micro and nanosensing technologies

Sepsis is responsible for the highest economic and mortality burden in critical care settings around the world, prompting the World Health Organization in 2018 to designate it as a global health priority. Despite its high universal prevalence and mortality rate, a disproportionately low amount of sponsored research funding is directed toward diagnosis and treatment of sepsis, when early treatment has been shown to significantly improve survival. Additionally, current technologies and methods are inadequate to provide an accurate and timely diagnosis of septic patients in multiple clinical environments. For improved patient outcomes, a comprehensive immunological evaluation is critical which is comprised of both traditional testing and quantifying recently proposed biomarkers for sepsis. There is an urgent need to develop novel point-of-care, low-cost systems which can accurately stratify patients. These point-of-critical-care sensors should adopt a multiplexed approach utilizing multimodal sensing for heterogenous biomarker detection. For effective multiplexing, the sensors must satisfy criteria including rapid sample to result delivery, low sample volumes for clinical sample sparring, and reduced costs per test. A compendium of currently developed multiplexed micro and nano (M/N)-based diagnostic technologies for potential applications toward sepsis are presented. We have also explored the various biomarkers targeted for sepsis including immune cell morphology changes, circulating proteins, small molecules, and presence of infectious pathogens. An overview of different M/N detection mechanisms are also provided, along with recent advances in related nanotechnologies which have shown improved patient outcomes and perspectives on what future successful technologies may encompass. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing.

Peroxidase-mimicking nanozyme with surface-dispersed Pt atoms for the colorimetric lateral flow immunoassay of C-reactive protein

Platinum-containing nanozymes with peroxidase-mimicking activity (PMA) have found a broad application in bioanalytical methods and are potentially able to compete with enzymes as the labels. However, traditionally used methods for the synthesis of nanozymes result in only a small fraction of surface-exposed Pt atoms, which participate in catalysis. To overcome this limitation, we propose a new approach for the synthesis of nanozymes with the efficient dispersion of Pt atoms on particles' surfaces. The synthesis of nanozymes includes three steps: the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), the overgrowth of a silver layer over Au NPs (Au@Ag NPs, 6 types of NPs with different thicknesses of Ag shell), and the galvanic replacement of silver with PtCl₆^2- leading to the formation of trimetallic Au@Ag-Pt NPs with uniformly deposited catalytic sites and high Pt-utilization efficiency. Au@Ag-Pt NPs (23 types of NPs with different concentrations of Pt) with various sizes, morphology, optical properties, and PMA were synthesized and comparatively tested. Using energy-dispersive spectroscopy mapping, we confirm the formation of core@shell Au@Ag NPs and dispersion of surface-exposed Pt. The selected Au@Ag-Pt NPs were conjugated with monoclonal antibodies and used as the colorimetric and catalytic labels in lateral flow immunoassay of the inflammation biomarker: C-reactive protein (CRP). The colorimetric signal enhancement was achieved by the oxidation of 3,3'-diaminobenzidine by H₂O₂ catalyzed by Au@Ag-Pt NPs directly on the test strip. The use of Au@Ag-Pt NPs as the catalytic label produces a 65-fold lower limit of CRP detection in serum (15 pg mL^-1) compared with Au NPs and ensures the lowest limit of detection for equipment-free lateral flow immunoassays. The assay shows a high correlation with data of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (R² = 0.986) and high recovery (83.7-116.2%) in serum and plasma. The assay retains all the benefits of lateral flow immunoassay as a point-of-care method.

ANALGESIC EFFECT OF TRAMADOL IS NOT ALTERED BY POSTOPERATIVE SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION AFTER MAJOR ABDOMINAL SURGERY

Tramadol is a commonly used analgesic in intensive care units (ICUs) for acute postoperative pain. Conversion of tramadol into active metabolites may be impaired in inflammatory states. Catechol-O-methyltransferase may influence pain. The aim of the study was to examine differences in the analgesic effect of tramadol between ICU patients with and without signs of systemic inflammation. Forty-three patients were admitted to ICU after a major abdominal surgery. The patients received a dose of 100 mg of tramadol intravenously every 6 hours during the first 24 hours after surgical procedure. Pain scores were measured by the Numeric Rating Scale before and 30 minutes after tramadol administration in awake patients. Systemic inflammation was considered when at least two of the following postoperative parameters were present in the first 24 hours of ICU admission: fever or hypothermia, tachycardia, pCO₂ <4.3 kPa, white blood cells >12000/mm³ or <4000/mm³, or preoperative value of C-reactive protein (CRP) >50 mg/L or/and procalcitonin (PCT) >0.5 mg/L. Catechol-O-methyltransferase was analyzed postoperatively. Fifteen (34.8%) patients met the criteria for systemic inflammation. Tramadol was proven to be an effective analgesic for the treatment of postoperative pain regardless of the presence of systemic inflammation (p<0.05). Lower perception of pain before tramadol application was observed in patients with systemic inflammation, but the difference was not significant. A negative correlation was observed between the preoperative values of CRP and PCT and the analgesic effect of tramadol assessed at the second measurement point (r=-0.358, p=0.03, and r=-0.364, p=0.02, respectively). Catechol-O-methyltransferase variants were not in correlation with pain and opioid consumption. Based on our findings, tramadol is effective in lowering pain scores after major abdominal surgery irrespective of the presence of systemic inflammation.

Diagnostic value of neutrophil CD64, procalcitonin, and interleukin-6 in sepsis: a meta-analysis

Background

The aim of the study was to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of neutrophil CD64, procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as markers for the diagnosis of sepsis in adult patients.

Methods

Various databases were searched to collect published studies on the diagnosis of sepsis in adult patients using neutrophil CD64, PCT, and IL-6 levels. Utilizing the Stata SE 15.0 software, forest plots and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated.

Results

Fifty-four articles were included in the study. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of neutrophil CD64 for the diagnosis of sepsis were 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81–0.92), 0.88 (95% CI, 0.83–0.91), and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.91–0.96), respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of PCT for the diagnosis of sepsis were 0.82 (95% CI, 0.78–0.85), 0.78 (95% CI, 0.74–0.82), and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.83–0.89), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the AUC for PCT diagnosis of intensive care unit (ICU) sepsis was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.83–0.89) and the AUC for PCT diagnosis of non-ICU sepsis was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.78–0.85). The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of IL-6 for the diagnosis of sepsis were 0.72 (95% CI, 0.65–0.78), 0.70 (95% CI, 0.62–0.76), and 0.77 (95% CI, 0.73–0.80), respectively.

Conclusions

Of the three biomarkers studied, neutrophil CD64 showed the highest diagnostic value for sepsis, followed by PCT, and IL-6. On the other hand, PCT showed a better diagnostic potential for the diagnosis of sepsis in patients with severe conditions compared with that in patients with non-severe conditions.

Reference values for C-reactive protein and procalcitonin at term pregnancy and in the early postnatal period

BACKGROUND

Early recognition of sepsis and prompt treatment improves patient outcome. C-reactive protein is a sensitive marker for tissue damage and inflammation, but procalcitonin has greater specificity for bacterial infection. Limited research exists regarding the use of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin at term pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period.

AIM

This study sought to define reference values for C-reactive protein and procalcitonin at term and the early postnatal period.

METHODS

A prospective cross-sectional study was performed in a university teaching hospital. Venous blood was collected from healthy women (n = 196), aged between 19 and 45 years with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy, at term (37-40 weeks' gestation) and on day 1 and day 3 postpartum for the measurement of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin.

RESULTS

The reference population comprised of 189 participants: term pregnancy (n = 51), postpartum day 1 vaginal delivery (n = 70) and caesarean section (n = 38) and day 3 (caesarean section, n = 30). The maximum procalcitonin value at term pregnancy was 0.1 μg/L. On day 1 postpartum, 90% and 86.8% of procalcitonin results for vaginal delivery and caesarean section, respectively, were below the decision-threshold of 0.25 μg/L. The specificity of procalcitonin to rule out infection in the reference population was 91.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Reference values for procalcitonin were established in a well-characterized population of healthy pregnant women at term and immediately postpartum. The variability of C-reactive protein limits its clinical utility in the assessment of systemic sepsis. Application of the procalcitonin cut-off of 0.25 μg/L in this population will be a valuable adjunct to clinicians ruling out infection in pregnancy and postpartum.

Different Pharmacokinetics of Tramadol, O-Demethyltramadol and N-Demethyltramadol in Postoperative Surgical Patients From Those Observed in Medical Patients

Background: Most studies examining tramadol metabolism have been carried out in non-surgical patients and with oral tramadol. The aim of this study was 1) to measure concentrations of tramadol, O-demethyltramadol (ODT), and N-demethyltramadol (NDT) in the surgical patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) within the first 24 postoperative hours after intravenous application of tramadol, and 2) to examine the effect of systemic inflammation on tramadol metabolism and postoperative pain. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in the surgical ICU in the tertiary hospital. In the group of 47 subsequent patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, pre-operative blood samples were taken for CYP2D6 polymorphism analysis. Systemic inflammation was assessed based on laboratory and clinical indicators. All patients received 100 mg of tramadol intravenously every 6 h during the first postoperative day. Postoperative pain was assessed before and 30 min after tramadol injections. Tramadol, ODT, and NDT concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: CYP2D6 analysis revealed 2 poor (PM), 22 intermediate (IM), 22 extensive (EM), and 1 ultrafast metabolizer. After a dose of 100 mg of tramadol, t1/2 of 4.8 (3.2-7.6) h was observed. There were no differences in tramadol concentration among metabolic phenotypes. The area under the concentration-time curve at the first dose interval (AUC1-6) of tramadol was 1,200 (917.9-1944.4) μg ×h ×L-1. NDT concentrations in UM were below the limit of quantification until the second dose of tramadol was administrated, while PM had higher NDT concentrations compared to EM and IM. ODT concentrations were higher in EM, compared to IM and PM. ODT AUC1-6 was 229.6 (137.7-326.2) μg ×h ×L-1 and 95.5 (49.1-204.3) μg ×h ×L-1 in EM and IM, respectively (p = 0.004). Preoperative cholinesterase activity (ChE) of ≤4244 U L-1 was a cut-off value for a prediction of systemic inflammation in an early postoperative period. NDT AUC1-6 were significantly higher in patients with low ChE compared with normal ChE patients (p = 0.006). Pain measurements have confirmed that sufficient pain control was achieved in all patients after the second tramadol dose, except in the PM. Conclusions: CYP2D6 polymorphism is a major factor in O-demethylation, while systemic inflammation accompanied by low ChE has an important role in the N-demethylation of tramadol in postoperative patients. Concentrations of tramadol, ODT, and NDT are lower in surgical patients than previously reported in non-surgical patients. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04004481.

Association of the systemic host immune response with acute hyperglycemia in mechanically ventilated septic patients

Hyperglycemia during sepsis is associated with increased organ dysfunction and higher mortality. The role of the host immune response in development of hyperglycemia during sepsis remains unclear. We performed a retrospective analysis of critically ill adult septic patients requiring mechanical ventilation (n = 153) to study the relationship between hyperglycemia and ten markers of the host injury and immune response measured on the first day of ICU admission (baseline). We determined associations between each biomarker and: (1) glucose, insulin, and c-peptide levels at the time of biomarker collection by Pearson correlation; (2) average glucose and glycemic variability in the first two days of ICU admission by linear regression; and (3) occurrence of hyperglycemia (blood glucose>180mg/dL) by logistic regression. Results were adjusted for age, pre-existing diabetes mellitus, severity of illness, and total insulin and glucocorticoid dose. Baseline plasma levels of ST2 and procalcitonin were positively correlated with average blood glucose and glycemic variability in the first two days of ICU admission in unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Additionally, higher baseline ST2, IL-1ra, procalcitonin, and pentraxin-3 levels were associated with increased risk of hyperglycemia. Our results suggest associations between the host immune response and hyperglycemia in critically ill septic patients particularly implicating the interleukin-1 axis (IL-1ra), the interleukin-33 axis (ST2), and the host response to bacterial infections (procalcitonin, pentraxin-3).

Immunophenotyping of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Septic Shock Patients With High-Dimensional Flow Cytometry Analysis Reveals Two Subgroups With Differential Responses to Immunostimulant Drugs

Sepsis is associated with a dysregulated inflammatory response to infection. Despite the activation of inflammation, an immune suppression is often observed, predisposing patients to secondary infections. Therapies directed at restoration of immunity may be considered but should be guided by the immune status of the patients. In this paper, we described the use of a high-dimensional flow cytometry (HDCyto) panel to assess the immunophenotype of patients with sepsis. We then isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with septic shock and mimicked a secondary infection by stimulating PBMCs for 4 h in vitro with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with or without prior exposure to either IFN-γ, or LAG-3Ig. We evaluated the response by means of flow cytometry and high-resolution clustering cum differential analysis and compared the results to PBMCs from healthy donors. We observed a heterogeneous immune response in septic patients and identified two major subgroups: one characterized by hypo-responsiveness (Hypo) and another one by hyper-responsiveness (Hyper). Hypo and Hyper groups showed significant differences in the production of cytokines/chemokine and surface human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) expression in response to LPS stimulation, which were observed across all cell types. When pre-treated with either interferon gamma (IFN-γ) or lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG)-3 recombinant fusion protein (LAG-3Ig) prior to LPS stimulation, cells from the Hypo group were shown to be more responsive to both immunostimulants than cells from the Hyper group. Our results demonstrate the importance of patient stratification based on their immune status prior to any immune therapies. Once sufficiently scaled, this approach may be useful for prescribing the right immune therapy for the right patient at the right time, the key to the success of any therapy.

Procalcitonin in clinical practice: from diagnosis of sepsis to antibiotic therapy

A diagnostic algorithm that allows for the rapid identification of sepsis and possibly guides the appropriate antimicrobial therapy application is the cornerstone to obtaining effective treatment and better results. The use of emerging surrogate markers could significantly improve clinical practice, but the validity and clinical utility have been proved only for very few of them, and their availability in clinical routine is limited. For this purpose, numerous scientific evidence has indicated procalcitonin as a marker linked to sepsis and its evolution. This review aims to retrace the main evidence relating to the use of procalcitonin in sepsis. We analyzed the primary studies in the literature and the existing meta-analysis evaluating the behavior of procalcitonin as a marker of bacterial sepsis, its prognostic power, and its ability to influence antibiotic therapy. Recent evidence has suggested that procalcitonin could be an efficient marker for diagnosing sepsis and its therapeutic management in many types of patients. The choice of the appropriate timing to initiate and suspend antibiotic therapy, with obvious clinical advantages, the favorable effects could also include reducing health costs, both avoiding the administration of inappropriate antibiotic therapies, and reducing the duration of hospitalization. Moreover, limited studies reported high procalcitonin levels in coronavirus disease 2019 patients with a worse prognosis. Despite the considerable evidence in favor of the potential of procalcitonin as an index for managing septic patients, there are conflicting data that deserve specific and detailed studies.

The effect of vitamin C on procalcitonin biomarker in community-acquired pneumonia

Introduction

Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a prevalent low respiratory infection. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, radiologic evidence and culture. Biomarkers such as IL6, CRP and procalcitonin are helpful in diagnosis. Procalcitonin is a soluble biomarker in serum that increase in systemic inflammation and bacterial infections. People with normal procalcitonin have low risk to infect pneumonia. Patient with CAP have more oxidative stress than normal people. Studies show that receiving vitamin C can reduce incidence of pneumonia. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of vitamin C supplement on procalcitonin biomarker in patient with CAP.

Methods

Patients with CAP who passed inclusion and exclusion criteria after obtaining informed consent, were assigned randomly in two groups of drug and placebo. The drug group received vitamin C (1000 mg/d) daily and medications that physician prescribed for treating CAP for 10 days and placebo group received placebo and medications that physician prescribed. The serum level of procalcitonin was measured at the beginning of the study and after 10 days of intervention.

Results

35 patients finished the study. Serum level of procalcitonin on the first and tenth day did not show any significant difference between drug and placebo groups.

Conclusions

To clarify the relationship between the effects of vitamin C on procalcitonin in CAP, a larger sample size is required.

Different characteristics of critical COVID-19 and thinking of treatment strategies in non-elderly and elderly severe adult patients

BACKGROUND

The differences in the characteristics and main causes of critical COVID-19 infection in non-elderly and elderly severe patients remain unknown.

METHODS

We included 273 adult patients with confirmed severe COVID-19 from Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China from February 10 to March 8, 2020. Clinical characteristics and risk factors for outcomes were compared between the young and middle-aged and the elderly severe patients.

RESULTS

Hemoglobin, neutrophil percentage, inflammatory markers, hepatic, renal, and cardiovascularparameters differed between the non-elderly and elderly severe patients. In young and middle-aged patients, critical patients showed higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) during hospitalization than severe patients. However, in the elderly patients, critical patients showed decreased hsCRP during hospitalization and higher proBNP values. The hsCRP fluctuation and proBNP were independent risk factors for intensive care unit (ICU) admission in young and middle-aged severe patients (OR=1.068) and elderly severe patients (OR=1.026), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed different potential causes of disease and predictive factors for non-elderly and elderly critical patients and treatment recommendations. Deterioration of inflammatory state was the main cause of ICU admission in young and middle-aged severe COVID-19 patients, while a decline in hsCRP was not associated with better outcomes in elderly severe patients, indicating the need for different treatments for non-elderly and elderly severe patients. Anti-inflammatory therapy with corticosteroids should be considered in the early disease stage among non-elderly severe patients, but cardiovascular protection plays a more important role in elderly severe patients.

Peptidylarginine deiminase 2 has potential as both a biomarker and therapeutic target of sepsis

Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are a family of calcium-dependent enzymes that are involved in a variety of human disorders, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. Although targeting PAD4 has shown no benefit in sepsis, the role of PAD2 remains unknown. Here, we report that PAD2 is engaged in sepsis and sepsis-induced acute lung injury in both human patients and mice. Pad2^–/– or selective inhibition of PAD2 by a small molecule inhibitor increased survival and improved overall outcomes in mouse models of sepsis. Pad2 deficiency decreased neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Importantly, Pad2 deficiency inhibited Caspase-11–dependent pyroptosis in vivo and in vitro. Suppression of PAD2 expression reduced inflammation and increased macrophage bactericidal activity. In contrast to Pad2^–/–, Pad4 deficiency enhanced activation of Caspase-11–dependent pyroptosis in BM-derived macrophages and displayed no survival improvement in a mouse sepsis model. Collectively, our findings highlight the potential of PAD2 as an indicative marker and therapeutic target for sepsis.

Peptidylarginine deiminases 2 (PAD2) regulates neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in sepsis and sepsis-induced acute lung injury.

Diagnostic Value of Serum Procalcitonin in Patients with Convulsion in Emergency Department, an Observational Study

Procalcitonin (PCT), a widely used biomarker for bacterial infections, is sometimes measured in convulsion patients to distinguish bacterial infections including bacterial meningitis. However, serum PCT elevation is reported in several other conditions. This study assessed the diagnostic value of serum PCT concentrations in convulsion patients. This study examined a convulsion group: patients admitted to our critical care center during April 2018 through September 2019 via the emergency department presenting with convulsions. Randomly sampled patients admitted without convulsions were categorized as a non-convulsion group. Serum PCT analysis was performed with consideration of whether or not the patient had an infection. Diagnostic values of serum PCT for bacterial infection were evaluated for convulsion and non-convulsion patients using the positive likelihood ratio of PCT. This study found 84 patients as eligible for the convulsion group; 1:2 matched 168 control patients were selected as non-convulsion group members. The positive likelihood ratio for bacterial infection was found to be significantly lower in the convulsion group than in the control group (1.94 vs. 2.65) when setting the positive cut-off for PCT as 0.5 ng/mL. Convulsion patients had a higher PCT value. The positive likelihood ratio for patients without bacterial infection was lower.

Comparison of pediatric scoring systems for mortality in septic patients and the impact of missing information on their predictive power: a retrospective analysis

Background

Scores can assess the severity and course of disease and predict outcome in an objective manner. This information is needed for proper risk assessment and stratification. Furthermore, scoring systems support optimal patient care, resource management and are gaining in importance in terms of artificial intelligence.

Objective

This study evaluated and compared the prognostic ability of various common pediatric scoring systems (PRISM, PRISM III, PRISM IV, PIM, PIM2, PIM3, PELOD, PELOD 2) in order to determine which is the most applicable score for pediatric sepsis patients in terms of timing of disease survey and insensitivity to missing data.

Methods

We retrospectively examined data from 398 patients under 18 years of age, who were diagnosed with sepsis. Scores were assessed at ICU admission and re-evaluated on the day of peak C-reactive protein. The scores were compared for their ability to predict mortality in this specific patient population and for their impairment due to missing data.

Results

PIM (AUC 0.76 (0.68-0.76)), PIM2 (AUC 0.78 (0.72-0.78)) and PIM3 (AUC 0.76 (0.68-0.76)) scores together with PRSIM III (AUC 0.75 (0.68-0.75)) and PELOD 2 (AUC 0.75 (0.66-0.75)) are the most suitable scores for determining patient prognosis at ICU admission. Once sepsis is pronounced, PELOD 2 (AUC 0.84 (0.77-0.91)) and PRISM IV (AUC 0.8 (0.72-0.88)) become significantly better in their performance and count among the best prognostic scores for use at this time together with PRISM III (AUC 0.81 (0.73-0.89)). PELOD 2 is good for monitoring and, like the PIM scores, is also largely insensitive to missing values.

Conclusion

Overall, PIM scores show comparatively good performance, are stable as far as timing of the disease survey is concerned, and they are also relatively stable in terms of missing parameters. PELOD 2 is best suitable for monitoring clinical course.

Score performance of SAPS 2 and SAPS 3 in combination with biomarkers IL-6, PCT or CRP

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the effects of combining the Simplified-Acute-Physiology-Score (SAPS) 2 or the SAPS 3 with Interleukin-6 (IL-6) or Procalcitonin (PCT) or C-Reactive Protein (CRP) concentrations for predicting in-hospital mortality.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted in an interdisciplinary 22-bed intensive care unit (ICU) at a German university hospital. Within an 18-month period, SAPS 2 and SAPS 3 were calculated for 514 critically ill patients that were admitted to the internal medicine department. To evaluate discrimination performance, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for each score, exclusively or in combination with IL-6 or PCT or CRP. DeLong test was used to compare different AUROCs.

RESULTS

The SAPS 2 exhibited a better discrimination performance than SAPS 3 with AUROCs of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.76-0.86) and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.66-0.78), respectively. Overall, combination of the SAPS 2 with IL-6 showed the best discrimination performance (AUROC 0.82; 95% CI, 0.77-0.87), albeit not significantly different from SAPS2. IL-6 performed better than PCT and CRP with AUROCs of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.69-0.81), 0.72 (95% CI, 0.66-0.77) and 0.65 (95% CI, 0.59-0.72), respectively. Performance of the SAPS 3 improved significantly when combined with IL-6 (AUROC 0.76; 95% CI, 0.69-0.81) or PCT (AUROC 0.73; 95% CI, 0.67-0.78).

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis provided evidence that the risk stratification performance of the SAPS 3 and, to a lesser degree, also of the SAPS 2 can increase when combined with IL-6. A more accurate detection of aberrant or dysregulated systemic immunological responses (by IL-6) may explain the higher performance achieved by SAPS 3 + IL-6 vs. SAPS 3. Thus, implementation of IL-6 in critical care scores can improve prediction outcomes, especially in patients experiencing acute inflammatory conditions; however, statistical results may vary across hospital types and/or patient populations with different case mix.

C-Reactive Protein Causes Blood Pressure Drop in Rabbits and Induces Intracellular Calcium Signaling

Systemic diseases characterized by elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), such as sepsis or systemic inflammatory response syndrome, are usually associated with hardly controllable haemodynamic instability. We therefore investigated whether CRP itself influences blood pressure and heart rate. Immediately after intravenous injection of purified human CRP (3.5 mg CRP/kg body weight) into anesthetized rabbits, blood pressure dropped critically in all animals, while control animals injected with bovine serum albumin showed no response. Heart rate did not change in either group. Approaching this impact on a cellular level, we investigated the effect of CRP in cell lines expressing adrenoceptors (CHO-α1A and DU-145). CRP caused a Ca²⁺ signaling being dependent on the CRP dose. After complete activation of the adrenoceptors by agonists, CRP caused additional intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization. We assume that CRP interacts with hitherto unknown structures on the surface of vital cells and thus interferes with the desensitization of adrenoceptors.

Idiopathic TTP in the Middle East: Epidemiology and clinical outcomes in infection associated episodes

INTRODUCTION

Literature on epidemiology of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in the Middle East is scarce.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively examined the association between infection and clinical outcomes in 44 patients with idiopathic TTP, with severely deficient ADAMTS13. We also investigated seasonality of the disease, hoping to better understand the epidemiology of idiopathic TTP.

RESULTS

Summer demonstrated significantly lower incidence for idiopathic TTP, compared with other seasons P = 0.0003. Fourteen patients had 15 episodes with a suspected concomitant infection. Five initial episodes were triggered by an infection (33.3 %), all presenting in winter, six episodes were associated with an exacerbation (40 %) and infection triggered a relapse in the other four episodes (26.7 %), with 2 episodes presenting in winter. TTP associated infections included: central line infection, urinary tract infection and post-operative infection. One patient had respiratory tract infection, on both his initial and relapsing episodes. Refractoriness to treatment was demonstrated in 4 patients (28.6 %) and it was associated with dental abscess (one patient), septic shock (one patient) and Mycoplasma pneumonia (2 patients). All 4 patients had markedly elevated CRP values with a median of 335 mg/L.

CONCLUSION

Most of the infection associated episodes developed in winter (77.8 %). In patients with idiopathic TTP refractory to conventional treatment, infection should be seriously considered as an additional contributing factor for their initial and /or recurrent episodes, particularly when CRP is markedly elevated.

Severe respiratory viral infection induces procalcitonin in the absence of bacterial pneumonia

INTRODUCTION

Procalcitonin expression is thought to be stimulated by bacteria and suppressed by viruses via interferon signalling. Consequently, during respiratory viral illness, clinicians often interpret elevated procalcitonin as evidence of bacterial coinfection, prompting antibiotic administration. We sought to evaluate the validity of this practice and the underlying assumption that viral infection inhibits procalcitonin synthesis.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalised with pure viral infection (n=2075) versus bacterial coinfection (n=179). The ability of procalcitonin to distinguish these groups was assessed. In addition, procalcitonin and interferon gene expression were evaluated in murine and cellular models of influenza infection.

RESULTS

Patients with bacterial coinfection had higher procalcitonin than those with pure viral infection, but also more severe disease and higher mortality (p<0.001). After matching for severity, the specificity of procalcitonin for bacterial coinfection dropped substantially, from 72% to 61%. In fact, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that procalcitonin was a better indicator of multiple indices of severity (eg, organ failures and mortality) than of coinfection. Accordingly, patients with severe viral infection had elevated procalcitonin. In murine and cellular models of influenza infection, procalcitonin was also elevated despite bacteriologic sterility and correlated with markers of severity. Interferon signalling did not abrogate procalcitonin synthesis.

DISCUSSION

These studies reveal that procalcitonin rises during pure viral infection in proportion to disease severity and is not suppressed by interferon signalling, in contrast to prior models of procalcitonin regulation. Applied clinically, our data suggest that procalcitonin represents a better indicator of disease severity than bacterial coinfection during viral respiratory infection.

Marked Elevation in Serum Procalcitonin Levels Do Not Correlate With Severity of Disease or Mortality in Hospitalized Patients: A Retrospective Study

Background:

Bacteremia and sepsis are significant contributors to the morbidity, mortality, and economic burden of health care systems worldwide. Procalcitonin has been identified as a potentially useful marker of disease and severity in sepsis. However, the assumption that greater procalcitonin levels correlate with greater burden of disease has not been adequately studied.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of adult patients admitted to an urban teaching hospital with suspected sepsis was undertaken to test the association of elevated procalcitonin (>30 ng/mL) with other markers of sepsis (lactic acid, white blood cell count, percent bands), severity of disease (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [SOFA] and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation–II [APACHE II] scores), and mortality.

Results:

In total, 168 patients were identified over 18 months (42% ward, 11% Stepdown, 44% medical intensive care unit [MICU], 2% surgical intensive care unit (STICU), 1% gynecology [GYN]). The Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum procalcitonin level did not correlate with SOFA (P = .238) or APACHE II (P = .918) scores on admission, and did not correlate with survival (Kruskal-Wallis test, P = .937). However, higher serum procalcitonin levels were associated with patients who had positive blood cultures (Kruskal-Wallis test, P = .0016 for Gram-positive and P = .0007 for Gram-negative bacteria). Lactic acid levels on admission strongly correlated with SOFA APACHE II (the Spearman correlation, P < .0001 for both) and mortality (P = .0001 for both).

Conclusions:

Higher serum procalcitonin levels above 30 ng/mL failed to correlate with indicators of sepsis, severity of disease (SOFA and APACHE II scores), and mortality but were associated with positive blood cultures. Lactic acid levels did show correlation to both severity of disease and mortality. Serum procalcitonin levels >30 ng/mL do not appear to correlate with the severity of disease in a sample of patients with markedly elevated initial procalcitonin levels.

Infection profile in neonatal patients during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

OBJECTIVES

To describe risk factors for acquired infection during neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and to examine the predictive value of inflammatory markers in the diagnosis of infection.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted with data for patients under 30 days supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from 2003 to April 2016, in a neonatal intensive care unit.

RESULTS

Our study included 160 neonatal patients, the average age of connection was 8.5 days and the duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was 9.7 days. The incidence of confirmed infection was 23%. Patients with confirmed infection present more frequently: vaginal delivery, lower birth weight, female sex, diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and longer duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. When comparing the group of patients with confirmed infection and suspicion of infection, there were no significant differences in the inflammatory markers. When calculating the slope for each one, the difference in white blood cell count slope 72 h before the infection is significant; in patients with confirmed infection, the count of white blood cell increases (slope: 0.25), versus the group of patients with suspected infection in whom the count decreases (slope: -0.39). No differences were found in other variables.

CONCLUSION

Our study describes that the factors that increase the risk of infection are lower birth weight, vaginal birth, duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and a positive trend of white blood cell 72 h prior to infection/suspicion. Further studies are necessary to include or definitively rule out the use of these factors and the biomarkers as predictors of infection in neonatal patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

The initial resuscitation of septic shock

Septic shock is the most severe form of sepsis, characterized by (a) persistent hypotension despite fluid resuscitation and (b) the presence of tissue hypoperfusion. Delays in the diagnosis and initiation of treatment of septic shock is associated with increasing risk for mortality. Early and effective fluid resuscitation and vasopressor administration play a crucial role in maintaining tissue perfusion in septic shock patients. A low diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) correlates with severity of arteriolar vasodilation, compromises left ventricle oxygen supply and can be used for identifying septic shock patients that would potentially benefit from earlier vasopressor therapy. Controversy currently exists as to the balance of fluids and vasopressors to maintain target mean arterial pressure. The aim of this article is to review the rationale for fluid resuscitation and vasopressor therapy and the importance of both mean and diastolic blood pressure during the initial resuscitation of the septic shock. We relate our personal prescription of balancing fluids and vasopressors in the resuscitation of septic shock.

Protective effect of rhubarb combined with ulinastatin for patients with sepsis

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is the leading cause of death in critically ill patients. Ulinastatin (UTI), a protease inhibitor, and rhubarb, used as a traditional Chinese medication, are proved to be effective in treating sepsis, but the effect of the combination therapy of these two drugs on sepsis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the combination treatment of UTI and rhubarb on sepsis patients.

METHODS

A total of 75 septic patients were randomly divided into control group, UTI group, Rhubarb group, and UTI plus Rhubarb group. Clinical data and score of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) were collected; lymphocyte subtypes in the peripheral blood were analyzed before and after the 5-day treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.

RESULTS

All the therapeutic interventions (UTI alone, rhubarb alone, or UTI plus rhubarb) significantly reduced the levels of C-Reactive protein, white blood cell density, lactic acid, and APACH II scores, and elevated the levels of CD4/CD8, but only UTI plus rhubarb treatment obviously decreased the level of procalcitonin.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that the combination of UTI and rhubarb may be a promising therapeutic scheme to ameliorate sepsis.

How can biomarkers be used to differentiate between infection and non-infectious causes of inflammation?

Diagnosis of sepsis is based on recognition of systemic inflammation and organ failure in the context of an inciting infection. Since none of the diagnostic criteria are specific to sepsis, it is easy to confound sepsis with noninfectious causes of systemic inflammation, including pancreatitis, cardiac ischemia, bowel perforation, vasculitis, and pulmonary embolism amongst others. Two widely used biomarkers, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, have proven promising in sepsis diagnosis. Each has found varying success in the clinical context, with some centers relying heavily on these markers and others eschewing their use almost entirely. In this chapter, we present the evidence for their use in the diagnosis of sepsis and management of antibiotic therapy in the intensive care unit context.

The prognostic value of serum procalcitonin measurements in critically injured patients: a systematic review

Background

Major trauma is associated with high incidence of septic complications and multiple organ dysfunction (MOD), which markedly influence the outcome of injured patients. Early identification of patients at risk of developing posttraumatic complications is crucial to provide early treatment and improve outcomes. We sought to evaluate the prognostic value of serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels after trauma as related to severity of injury, sepsis, organ dysfunction, and mortality.

Methods

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database, and references of included articles. Two investigators independently identified eligible studies and extracted data. We included original studies that assessed the prognostic value of serum PCT levels in predicting severity of injury, sepsis, organ dysfunction, and mortality among critically injured adult patients.

Results

Among 2015 citations, 19 studies (17 prospective; 2 retrospective) met inclusion criteria. Methodological quality of included studies was moderate. All studies showed a strong correlation between initial PCT levels and Injury Severity Score (ISS). Twelve out of 16 studies demonstrated significant elevation of initial PCT levels in patients who later developed sepsis after trauma. PCT level appeared a strong predictor of MOD in seven out of nine studies. While two studies did not show association between PCT levels and mortality, four studies demonstrated significant elevation of PCT levels in non-survivors versus survivors. One study reported that the PCT level of ≥ 5 ng/mL was associated with significantly increased mortality (OR 3.65; 95% CI 1.03–12.9; p = 0.04).

Conclusion

PCT appears promising as a surrogate biomarker for trauma. Initial peak PCT level may be used as an early predictor of sepsis, MOD, and mortality in trauma population.

Cerebrospinal fluid macrophage migration inhibitory factor: a potential predictor of cerebral vasospasm and clinical outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

In patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), poor outcomes have been shown to be correlated with subsequent cerebral vasospasm (CV) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). The identification of novel biomarkers may aid in the prediction of which patients are vulnerable to developing vasospasm, cerebral ischemia, and neurological deterioration.

METHODS

In this prospective clinical study at North Shore University Hospital, patients with aSAH or normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) with external ventricular drains were enrolled. The concentration of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in CSF was assessed for correlation with CV or DCI, the primary outcome measures.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients were enrolled in the aSAH group and 9 were enrolled in the NPH group. There was a significant increase in aggregate CSF MIF concentration in patients with aSAH versus those with NPH (24.4 ± 19.2 vs 2.3 ± 1.1 ng/ml, p < 0.0002). Incidence of the day of peak MIF concentration significantly correlated with the onset of clinical vasospasm (rho = 0.778, p < 0.0010). MIF concentrations were significantly elevated in patients with versus those without evidence of DCI (18.7 ± 4.93 vs 8.86 ± 1.28 ng/ml, respectively, p < 0.0025). There was a significant difference in MIF concentrations between patients with infection versus those without infection (16.43 ± 4.21 vs 8.5 ± 1.22 ng/ml, respectively, p < 0.0119).

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary evidence from this study suggests that CSF concentrations of MIF are correlated with CV and DCI. These results, however, could be confounded in the presence of clinical infection. A study with a larger patient sample size is necessary to corroborate these findings.

Procalcitonin as a biomarker for critically ill patients with sepsis: Effects of vitamin D supplementation

Early diagnosis of sepsis is often difficult in clinical practice, whilst it can be vital for positive patient outcomes in sepsis management. Any delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to significant organ failure and can be associated with elevated mortality rates. Early diagnosis and effective management of sepsis can allow for prompt antibiotic therapy and a potential reduction in mortality; it can also minimize the unnecessary use of antibiotics. Furthermore, vitamin D supplementation, which is commonly used in the intensive care units to reduce mortality, may interfere with the ability to use procalcitonin (PCT) as a means of assessing clinical progression. This paper aims to explore the diagnostic and prognostic value of serum levels of PCT as an early marker of sepsis and to assess whether it can be used as a guide for using antibiotic therapy. Several serum-based biomarkers such as C-reactive protein, lactate, presepsin, and cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), and IL-6 have been evaluated as early indicators of sepsis but none have been proven sensitive and/or specific enough to make a definitive diagnosis. Finally the potential benefits and disadvantages of using serum levels of PCT to diagnose and monitor patients with sepsis and septic shock will be briefly discussed.

Time series analysis of delta neutrophil index as the predictor of sepsis in patients with acute poisoning

Delta neutrophil index (DNI), which reflects the fraction of immature granulocytes, is used to detect infection and sepsis from noninfectious conditions, but few studies have evaluated in the early stage of acute poisoning. This retrospective observational study was performed on acute poisoning patients who visited to the emergency department (ED) and were consecutively admitted in intensive care units over 18-month period. The serial DNI, conventional inflammatory biomarkers, and culture results were obtained in the ED and after admission. The outcomes were the identification of sepsis, bacteremia, and 30-day mortality. Of 166 patients (mean age, 56.0 years) in this cohort, 59 (35.5%) had sepsis and 29 (17.5%) had bacteremia. Initial and peak DNI fractions 24 h after ED admission were strong independent predictors of sepsis development. Analysis of the area under the curve according to multiple receiver operating characteristics showed that DNI had a higher capability to predict sepsis than other parameters (0.815 for DNI, 0.700 for procalcitonin, 0.681 for C-reactive protein, and 0.741 for white blood cell). Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, it was found that DNI was an independent predictor of sepsis (95% confidence interval (CI) of odds: 1.03-1.18) and bacteremia (95% CI: 1.01-1.14). Therefore, initial and serial measurement of DNI may serve as useful risk predictor for development of sepsis or bacteremia in acute poisoning.

Clinical evaluation of presepsin considering renal function

Presepsin, a glycoprotein produced during bacterial phagocytosis, is used as a sepsis marker for bacterial infections. However, presepsin levels are affected by renal function, and the evaluation criteria according to kidney function or in chronic kidney diseases remain controversial. Furthermore, presepsin may be increased by sample stirring, but no studies have evaluated this effect.In this study, we excluded the effect of stirring by standardizing the blood collection conditions, analyzed the influence of kidney function on presepsin concentrations, and recalculated the reference range based on the findings. EDTA-whole blood from 47 healthy subjects and 85 patients with chronic kidney disease was collected to measure presepsin by PATHFAST. Presepsin was found to be significantly correlated with the levels of creatinine (r = 0.834), eGFRcreat (r = 0.837), cystatin-C (r = 0.845), and eGFRcys (r = 0.879). Furthermore, in patients with CKD, presepsin levels stratified by eGFRcys showed a significant increase in the CKD G2 patient group and with advancing glomerular filtration rate stage. The following values were obtained: Normal: 97.6 ± 27.4 pg/mL, CKD G1: 100.2 ± 27.6 pg/mL, CKD G2: 129.7 ± 40.7 pg/mL, CKD G3: 208.1 ± 70.2 pg/mL, CKD G4: 320.2 ± 170.1 pg/mL, CKD G5: 712.8 ± 336.3 pg/mL. The reference range, calculated by a nonparametric method using 67 cases of healthy volunteers and patients with chronic kidney disease G1, was found to be 59-153 pg/mL, which was notably lower than the standard reference range currently used. Presepsin concentrations were positively correlated with a few biomarkers of renal function, indicating the necessity to consider the effect of renal function in patients with renal impairment. Using the recalculated reference range considering kidney function may improve the accuracy of evaluating presepsin for diagnosis of sepsis compared to the standard reference currently in use.

Performance of plasma measurement of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a biomarker of bacterial infections in the intensive care unit

PURPOSE

To assess the value of dimeric neutrophil-gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) as an early marker of bacterial infection and its response to antibiotic therapy in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

MATERIALS & METHODS

We measured daily plasma dNGAL in 198 patients admitted to a mixed ICU. Likelihood of infection was determined with International Sepsis Forum criteria. We measured dNGAL in 145 healthy controls to establish normal values.

RESULTS

ICU patients had higher dNGAL than healthy controls. A suspected or confirmed infection was independently associated with 90% (95% CI 15-215%) higher dNGAL than absence of infection. We observed no association between acute kidney injury and dNGAL. Diagnostic accuracy at antibiotic treatment initiation, assessed with area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC-ROC), for dNGAL was 0.70 (95% CI 0.60-0.79). AUC-ROC for dNGAL 24 h before antibiotic treatment initiation was 0.54 (95% CI 0.41-0.66). The mean (95% CI) change of dNGAL in the first 2 days after appropriate antibiotic therapy initiation was -31 (-49,-13)%.

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort of ICU patients, plasma dNGAL was associated with presence of bacterial infections independent of AKI but it performed poor as a predictor of infections. Following antibiotic therapy, dNGAL markedly decreased-supporting further exploration of dNGAL-guided antibiotic de-escalation.

Clinical Value of Whole Blood Procalcitonin Using Point of Care Testing, Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score, C-Reactive Protein and Lactate in Emergency Department Patients with Suspected Infection

We investigated the clinical value of whole blood procalcitonin using point of care testing, quick sequential organ failure assessment score, C-reactive protein and lactate in emergency department patients with suspected infection and assessed the accuracy of the whole blood procalcitonin test by point-of-care testing. Participants were randomly selected from emergency department patients who complained of a febrile sense, had suspected infection and underwent serum procalcitonin testing. Whole blood procalcitonin levels by point-of-care testing were compared with serum procalcitonin test results from the laboratory. Participants were divided into two groups—those with bacteremia and those without bacteremia. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of procalcitonin, lactate and Quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment scores were investigated in each group. Area under receiving operating curve of C-reactive protein, lactate and procalcitonin for predicting bacteremia and 28-day mortality were also evaluated. Whole blood procalcitonin had an excellent correlation with serum procalcitonin. The negative predictive value of procalcitonin and lactate was over 90%. Area under receiving operating curve results proved whole blood procalcitonin to be fair in predicting bacteremia or 28-day mortality. In the emergency department, point-of-care testing of whole blood procalcitonin is as accurate as laboratory testing. Moreover, procalcitonin is a complementing test together with lactate for predicting 28-days mortality and bacteremia for patients with suspected infection.

Predictive value of procalcitonin for infection of patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus

The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictive value of procalcitonin (PCT) for infection in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A retrospective analysis of 178 patients with T2DM who were divided into non-infection, local infection and sepsis groups was conducted; in conjunction with 33 healthy control patients. Clinicopathological characteristics and inflammatory indicators were compared between the four groups. Patients in the non-infection group exhibited significantly higher PCT levels compared with healthy controls (P=0.002). In addition, PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count and neutrophil percent were significantly different amongst patients with T2MD across different infection groups (all P<0.001) with the following rank order: Sepsis group > local infection group > non-infection group (all P<0.05). In addition, the following observations were made: i) PCT and CRP demonstrated larger areas under the curve (AUC) for predicting local infection (0.804 and 0.741, respectively); ii) PCT displayed lower sensitivity of only 21.8% at its classical cutoff value (0.500 ng/ml) whereas CRP exhibited higher sensitivity and specificity at 64.1 and 76.1%, respectively, at its classical cutoff value (10.0 mg/l); and iii) PCT exhibited the largest AUC (0.914) for predicting sepsis with high sensitivity and specificity (86.4 and 84.5%, respectively) at its cutoff value (0.990 ng/ml). Patients with T2DM without infection demonstrated higher baseline PCT levels. The present study clarified the value of PCT in predicting infection of T2DM patients. The application of PCT to predict local infection in patients with T2DM was identified to be inferior to CRP, but its ability to predict sepsis was concluded to be the best when compared with CRP, white blood cell count and neutrophil percent.