Abstract:

Purpose: Procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and the number of leukocytes is an important bio-indicator that indicates an increase in the serum in the case of infection. However, in the distinctive diagnosis of lower respiratory infections, the value of PCT is not fully known. We aimed at replacing PCT and other bio-specific agents in the start and end of antibiotics in lower respiratory infections. Methods: Seventy-eight patients (30 pneumonia, 24 chronic obstructive lungs disease [KOAH] inflammation, 24 healthy controls) were evaluated. Demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory results were evaluated. Basal PCT, leukocytes, CRP results were looked at and these results were repeated on the 7th day of treatment. Results: The number of neutrophils, the number of leukocytes and the PCT value were higher compared to the control group. The number of leukocytes at the end of the 7th day in the pneumonia and KOAH inflammation group was observed with a significant decline in the CRP and PCT values (p<0,001). In the pneumonic group, the number of PCT and leukocytes (r=0,495, p<0,005), the number of neutrophils (r=0,426, p<0,019) and the level of CRP (r=0,515, p<0,004) were observed in correlation. When the ROC curve analysis was performed, the margin value for PCT was 0.12 ng/mL (AUC: 0.742, 95% CI, 0.620-0,863), and the margin value for CRP was 22.9 mg/L (AUC: 0.867, 95% CI, 0.777-0,956). The result: In order to prevent unnecessary antibiotic use, PCT can be used as a meaningful bio-indicator for the start and discontinuation of antibiotics.

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