Evaluation of Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein as Early Predictors of Sepsis Severity and Clinical Outcomes in ICU Patients
Procalcitonin and CRP in Sepsis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69750/dmls.03.03.0196Keywords:
Sepsis, Procalcitonin, C-Reactive Protein, ICU, Biomarkers, MortalityAbstract
Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition associated with high morbidity and mortality in intensive care units (ICUs). Early identification of disease severity is crucial for improving outcomes. Biomarkers such as procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are increasingly used for early risk stratification.
Objective: To evaluate the role of serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein as early predictors of sepsis severity and clinical outcomes in ICU patients.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China, from June 2023 to April 2025. A total of 150 adult patients diagnosed with sepsis according to the Sepsis-3 criteria were included in the study. Serum procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured within the first 24 hours of ICU admission. Patients were categorized according to disease severity into sepsis and severe sepsis/septic shock groups. Clinical outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, and length of ICU stay, were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Mean PCT and CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with severe sepsis compared to those with non-severe sepsis (p<0.001). Procalcitonin showed a strong positive correlation with SOFA score (r=0.73), whereas CRP demonstrated a moderate correlation (r=0.57). Mortality was observed in 28.0% of patients and was significantly associated with elevated PCT levels (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis identified procalcitonin as an independent predictor of mortality (AOR=4.1).
Conclusion: Procalcitonin is a reliable and superior biomarker compared to CRP for early prediction of sepsis severity and adverse clinical outcomes. Its use in ICU settings may enhance early risk stratification and improve patient management.
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