What is sepsis and how does it affect the body. Who is at higher risk of developing sepsis. What are the key signs and symptoms to watch for. How is sepsis diagnosed and treated. Why is early recognition and prompt medical care crucial for sepsis survival.

The Silent Threat: Defining Sepsis and Its Impact

Sepsis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection spirals out of control. Rather than just fighting the initial infection, the immune system goes into overdrive, triggering a cascade of events that can lead to widespread inflammation, organ failure, and in severe cases, death.

The prevalence of sepsis is staggering:

• At least 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis annually
• Approximately 350,000 adults who develop sepsis die during hospitalization or are discharged to hospice
• One in three hospital deaths involve sepsis
• In nearly 87% of cases, sepsis or the infection causing it starts before hospital admission

These statistics underscore the critical importance of early recognition and prompt treatment of sepsis.

Unraveling the Causes: What Triggers Sepsis?

Sepsis occurs when an existing infection triggers an extreme response throughout the body. But what specific factors lead to this potentially deadly condition?

Common sources of infection that can lead to sepsis include:

• Lungs (pneumonia)
• Urinary tract
• Skin
• Gastrointestinal tract

While bacterial infections are the most common culprits, viral infections like COVID-19 and influenza, as well as fungal infections, can also result in sepsis. It’s crucial to understand that sepsis itself is not contagious, but the underlying infections that cause it may be transmissible.

The Chain Reaction of Sepsis

How does a localized infection transform into a systemic threat? Sepsis occurs when the immune system’s response to an infection becomes dysregulated. Instead of containing and eliminating the threat, it sets off a chain reaction that can quickly spiral out of control, leading to widespread inflammation and potential organ dysfunction.

Identifying Those at Risk: Who is Most Vulnerable to Sepsis?

While sepsis can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for early detection and prevention.

Who faces an elevated risk of developing sepsis?

• Adults 65 years or older
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• People with chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, lung disease, cancer, kidney disease)
• Those who have recently experienced severe illness or hospitalization
• Survivors of previous sepsis episodes
• Children younger than one year old

For these high-risk groups, vigilance and prompt medical attention at the first sign of infection are paramount.

Recognizing the Red Flags: Key Signs and Symptoms of Sepsis

Early detection of sepsis can be challenging, as its symptoms often mimic those of other conditions. However, knowing the warning signs can make a life-saving difference.

What are the hallmark signs and symptoms of sepsis?

• High heart rate or weak pulse
• Confusion or disorientation
• Extreme pain or discomfort
• Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
• Shortness of breath
• Clammy or sweaty skin

It’s important to note that these symptoms may vary from person to person, and sepsis can manifest differently in children compared to adults. If you suspect sepsis, seeking immediate medical assessment is crucial.

The Importance of Timely Intervention

Why is rapid recognition and treatment of sepsis so critical? When sepsis is identified early and appropriate interventions are initiated promptly, the chances of survival increase significantly. Delay in treatment can allow sepsis to progress rapidly, potentially leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

From Suspicion to Action: What to Do if You Suspect Sepsis

Recognizing the potential signs of sepsis is only the first step. Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can be the difference between life and death.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may have sepsis, what steps should you take?

1. Seek medical care immediately
2. Ask your healthcare provider directly, “Could this infection be leading to sepsis?”
3. If symptoms are severe, go to the emergency room or call 911
4. When calling emergency services, inform them if you suspect sepsis or have COVID-19
5. If possible, wear a mask before medical help arrives

Remember, sepsis is a medical emergency. Acting fast and advocating for prompt assessment can significantly improve outcomes.

The Battle Plan: Treatment Approaches for Sepsis

Once sepsis is diagnosed, a comprehensive and aggressive treatment plan is essential to combat this life-threatening condition.

How is sepsis typically treated?

• Admission to an intensive care unit for close monitoring
• Administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics to fight the underlying infection
• Intravenous fluids to support blood pressure and organ function
• Oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation if breathing is compromised
• Medications to support blood pressure and organ function
• In severe cases, dialysis for kidney support or surgery to remove infected tissues

The specific treatment approach will depend on the severity of sepsis, the source of infection, and the patient’s overall health status. Rapid initiation of appropriate therapies is crucial for improving survival rates and minimizing long-term complications.

The Role of Antibiotic Stewardship

While prompt antibiotic administration is critical in sepsis treatment, it’s equally important to use these medications judiciously. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, making future infections more difficult to treat. Healthcare providers must balance the need for rapid intervention with responsible antibiotic use.

Beyond Survival: Long-Term Effects and Recovery from Sepsis

Surviving sepsis is a significant accomplishment, but the journey doesn’t end at hospital discharge. Many sepsis survivors face ongoing challenges and require continued support.

What long-term effects can sepsis survivors experience?

• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Cognitive impairments, including memory problems
• Mood changes, anxiety, or depression
• Chronic pain
• Increased susceptibility to future infections
• Organ dysfunction, particularly affecting the kidneys or lungs

Recovery from sepsis can be a lengthy process, often requiring rehabilitation, ongoing medical care, and psychological support. Understanding these potential long-term effects is crucial for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive post-sepsis care.

The Importance of Follow-Up Care

Why is continued medical follow-up essential for sepsis survivors? Regular check-ups allow healthcare providers to monitor for any lingering effects of sepsis, address new health concerns promptly, and provide necessary support for physical and emotional recovery. This ongoing care is vital for improving long-term outcomes and quality of life for sepsis survivors.

Empowering Prevention: Strategies to Reduce Sepsis Risk

While not all cases of sepsis can be prevented, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk and protect their health.

How can you lower your risk of developing sepsis?

• Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing
• Stay up to date on vaccinations, including flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines
• Manage chronic health conditions effectively
• Seek prompt medical attention for infections
• Take antibiotics as prescribed and complete the full course
• Be vigilant about wound care, keeping cuts and injuries clean
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle to support overall immune function

By implementing these preventive measures, individuals can play an active role in reducing their sepsis risk and promoting overall health.

The Role of Healthcare Systems in Sepsis Prevention

Healthcare facilities also play a crucial role in sepsis prevention and early detection. Many hospitals have implemented sepsis screening protocols and rapid response teams to identify and treat sepsis quickly. These system-wide approaches, combined with individual preventive measures, form a comprehensive strategy for combating sepsis.

Advancing Understanding: Current Research and Future Directions in Sepsis Care

The field of sepsis research is dynamic, with ongoing efforts to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for patients.

What are some current areas of focus in sepsis research?

• Development of more rapid and accurate diagnostic tests
• Exploration of biomarkers to predict sepsis risk and severity
• Investigation of novel therapies to modulate the immune response
• Studies on long-term outcomes and rehabilitation strategies for sepsis survivors
• Research into personalized treatment approaches based on individual patient factors

These research efforts hold promise for enhancing our ability to prevent, detect, and treat sepsis more effectively in the future.

The Importance of Clinical Trials

Why are clinical trials crucial in advancing sepsis care? Participation in clinical trials allows researchers to test new diagnostic tools, treatment strategies, and interventions in real-world settings. This research is vital for improving sepsis outcomes and developing evidence-based guidelines for care. Patients and healthcare providers alike can contribute to this progress by supporting and participating in sepsis-related clinical trials.

As our understanding of sepsis continues to evolve, so too will our approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Staying informed about the latest developments in sepsis research and care is essential for healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers alike. By working together and remaining vigilant, we can continue to make strides in combating this serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

What is Sepsis? | Sepsis

• What is sepsis?
• Is sepsis contagious?
• What causes sepsis?
• Who is at risk?
• What are the signs & symptoms?
• What should I do if I think I might have sepsis?
• Fact Sheet, Brochure, and Conversation Starter

Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection, including COVID-19, can lead to sepsis. In a typical year:

• At least 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis.
• At least 350,000 adults who develop sepsis die during their hospitalization or are discharged to hospice.
• 1 in 3 people who dies in a hospital had sepsis during that hospitalization
• Sepsis, or the infection causing sepsis, starts before a patient goes to the hospital in nearly 87% of cases.

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency.   Sepsis happens when an infection you already have triggers a chain reaction throughout your body.  Infections that lead to sepsis most often start in the lung, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. Without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

Is sepsis contagious?

You can’t spread sepsis to other people. However, an infection can lead to sepsis, and you can spread some infections to other people.

Sepsis happens when…

Transcript: Sepsis happens when [TXT 1 1 KB]

What causes sepsis?

Infections can put you or your loved one at risk for sepsis. When germs get into a person’s body, they can cause an infection. If you don’t stop that infection, it can cause sepsis. Bacterial infections cause most cases of sepsis. Sepsis can also be a result of other infections, including viral infections, such as COVID-19 or influenza, or fungal infections.

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Who is at risk?

Anyone can develop sepsis, but some people are at higher risk for sepsis:

Adults 65 or older

People with weakened immune systems

People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease

People with recent severe illness or hospitalization

People who survived sepsis

Children younger than one

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What are the signs & symptoms?

A person with sepsis might have one or more of the following signs or symptoms:

High heart rate or weak pulse

Confusion or disorientation

Extreme pain or discomfort

Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold

Shortness of breath

Clammy or sweaty skin

A medical assessment by a healthcare professional is needed to confirm sepsis.

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What should I do if I think I might have sepsis?

Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you or your loved one has an infection that’s not getting better or is getting worse, ACT FAST.

Get medical care IMMEDIATELY. Ask your healthcare professional, “Could this infection be leading to sepsis?” and if you should go to the emergency room.

If you have a medical emergency, call 911. If you have or think you have sepsis, tell the operator. If you have or think you have COVID-19, tell the operator this as well. If possible, put on a mask before medical help arrives.

With fast recognition and treatment, most people survive.  Treatment requires urgent medical care, usually in an intensive care unit in a hospital, and includes careful monitoring of vital signs and often antibiotics.

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Fact Sheet, Brochure, and Conversation Starter (Print Only)

Protect Yourself and Your Family from Sepsis [PDF – 2 pages]

It’s Time to Talk about Sepsis [PDF – 2 pages]

Start the Conversation Today [PDF – 2 Pages]

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Sepsis – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Sepsis is a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection. The infection-fighting processes turn on the body, causing the organs to work poorly.

Sepsis may progress to septic shock. This is a dramatic drop in blood pressure that can damage the lungs, kidneys, liver and other organs. When the damage is severe, it can lead to death.

Early treatment of sepsis improves chances for survival.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of sepsis

Symptoms of sepsis may include:

• Change in mental status.
• Fast, shallow breathing.
• Sweating for no clear reason.
• Feeling lightheaded.
• Shivering.
• Symptoms specific to the type of infection, such as painful urination from a urinary tract infection or worsening cough from pneumonia.

Symptoms of sepsis are not specific. They can vary from person to person, and sepsis may appear differently in children than in adults.

Symptoms of septic shock

Sepsis may progress to septic shock. Septic shock is a severe drop in blood pressure. Progression to septic shock raises the risk of death. Symptoms of septic shock include:

• Not being able to stand up.
• Strong sleepiness or hard time staying awake.
• Major change in mental status, such as extreme confusion.

When to see a doctor

Any infection could lead to sepsis. Go to a health care provider if you have symptoms of sepsis or an infection or wound that isn’t getting better.

Symptoms such as confusion or fast breathing need emergency care.

Causes

Any type of infection can lead to sepsis. This includes bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Those that more commonly cause sepsis include infections of:

• Lungs, such as pneumonia.
• Kidney, bladder and other parts of the urinary system.
• Digestive system.
• Bloodstream.
• Catheter sites.
• Wounds or burns.

Risk factors

Some factors that increase the risk infection will lead to sepsis include:

• People over age 65.
• Infancy.
• People with lower immune response, such as those being treated for cancer or people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Admission to intensive care unit or longer hospital stays.
• Devices that go in the body, such as catheters in the vein, called intravenous, or breathing tubes.
• Treatment with antibiotics in the last 90 days.
• A condition that requires treatment with corticosteroids, which can lower immune response.

Complications

As sepsis worsens, vital organs, such as the brain, heart and kidneys, don’t get as much blood as they should. Sepsis may cause atypical blood clotting. The resulting small clots or burst blood vessels may damage or destroy tissues.

Most people recover from mild sepsis, but the mortality rate for septic shock is about 30% to 40%. Also, an episode of severe sepsis raises the risk for future infections.

Sepsis

Sepsis

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Key facts

• The global epidemiological burden of sepsis cannot be accurately estimated. It is estimated that it develops in more than 30 million people each year and possibly kills 6 million people(1). The problem of sepsis is likely to be most prevalent in low- and middle-income countries.
• An estimated 3 million newborns and 1.2 million children suffer from sepsis each year (2). Three out of ten deaths due to neonatal sepsis are suspected to be due to drug-resistant pathogens.
• One in ten deaths due to pregnancy and childbirth are due to maternal sepsis, with 95% of maternal sepsis deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (4). Each year, one million newborns die due to maternal infections, in particular maternal sepsis (5).
• Sepsis may be a clinical manifestation of infections acquired both outside and inside healthcare facilities. Healthcare-associated infection is one of the most common, if not the most common, type of adverse events occurring in the course of healthcare, affecting millions of patients worldwide every year (6). Because these infections are often resistant to antibiotics, they can cause rapid clinical deterioration.

General information

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulation of the body’s response to infection (7). If sepsis is not recognized early and treated promptly, it can cause septic shock, multiple organ failure, and death. Sepsis can be caused by any type of infectious pathogen. Antimicrobial resistance is a leading factor in the lack of clinical response to treatment and the rapid development of sepsis and septic shock. Among patients with sepsis caused by drug-resistant pathogens, there is an increased risk of hospital mortality.

Who is at risk?

Anyone with an infection can develop sepsis, but vulnerable populations such as the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, hospitalized patients, and those with HIV/AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, cancer, kidney disease, autoimmune disease, and a removed spleen are at increased risk (8).

Signs and symptoms

Sepsis is an emergency. However, the signs and symptoms of sepsis in patients may be different at different points in time, since such a clinical condition as sepsis can be caused by many pathogens and change its character at different stages. Warning signs and symptoms include a rise or fall in body temperature and chills, altered mental status, shortness/rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, slow pulse/low blood pressure, oliguria, blue or marbling of the skin, cold extremities, and severe pain or discomfort in the body (9-eleven). Suspicion of sepsis is the first step towards its early recognition and diagnosis.

Prevention

There are two main ways to prevent sepsis:
1. Prevention of microbial transmission and infection;
2. Prevention of complications of infection to the state of sepsis.

Infection prevention in the community includes good hygiene practices such as handwashing and safe food preparation, improving the quality and availability of water and sanitation, ensuring access to vaccines, especially for those at high risk of developing sepsis, and good nutrition, including breastfeeding newborns.
Prevention of nosocomial infections is generally ensured by having functioning infection prevention and control programs and appropriate teams of staff, good hygiene practices, including hand hygiene, along with cleanliness of the premises and proper operation of equipment.

Prevention of sepsis in both the community and in health care settings involves appropriate antibiotic treatment of infections, including regular assessment of patients for rational use of antibiotics, prompt medical attention, and early detection of signs and symptoms of sepsis.
The effectiveness of infection prevention is clearly supported by scientific evidence. For example, with strict hand hygiene practices in health care settings, infections can be reduced by up to 50% (12), and in public places, these interventions can reduce the risk of diarrhea by at least 40% (13). Measures to improve water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) can reduce the overall burden of disease worldwide by 10% ¹⁴ . Every year, vaccinations help prevent 2–3 million infection-related deaths (15).

Diagnosis and clinical management

In order to detect sepsis early and manage it appropriately in a timely manner, it is essential to recognize and not ignore the signs and symptoms listed above, and to identify certain biomarkers (particularly procalcitonin). Post-early detection, diagnostic procedures are important to help identify the causative agent of the infection that caused sepsis, since this determines the choice of targeted antimicrobial treatment. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can hinder the clinical management of sepsis, as it often requires empirical antibiotic selection. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the epidemiological parameters of the spread of AMR in these settings. Once the source of the infection has been identified, the most important task is to eliminate it, for example, by draining the abscess.
Fluid therapy is also important in the early management of sepsis to normalize circulating fluid volume. In addition, vasoconstrictor drugs may be required to improve and maintain tissue perfusion. Further measures for the correct management of sepsis are selected based on the data of repeated examinations and diagnostic measures, including monitoring of the patient’s vital signs.

Sepsis and the Sustainable Development Goals

Sepsis is a major cause of maternal death, as well as death of newborns and children under five years of age. For this reason, the control of sepsis will clearly contribute to the achievement of targets 3.1 and 3.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sepsis is a highly relevant cause of maternal death, as well as death of newborns and children under five years of age. For this reason, the control of sepsis will clearly contribute to the achievement of targets 3.1 and 3.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The indicators for achieving these two SDG targets are maternal, newborn and under-five mortality rates. Sepsis occupies an important place among the causes of these preventable deaths. It is often the clinical condition that ultimately causes death in patients with HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and other infectious diseases mentioned in target 3.3, but it is usually not recorded as a cause of death for such patients and is not included in the statistics for SDG target 3.3 indicators.
Sepsis is also important, though more indirectly, to other health-related targets under SDG 3. For example, prevention and/or proper diagnosis and management of sepsis is also relevant to adequate vaccine coverage, universal coverage of quality health services, capacity to comply with the International Health Regulations, preparedness and provision of water and sanitation services. However, achieving universal prevention, diagnosis and management of sepsis remains a challenge.

WHO activities

In May 2017, the Seventieth World Health Assembly, based on a report by the WHO Secretariat, adopted a resolution on sepsis.

Resolution WHA70.7. Improving the prevention, diagnosis and clinical management of sepsis
Report of the WHO Secretariat A70/13. Improving the prevention, diagnosis and clinical management of sepsis
Several programs at the WHO headquarters level, in collaboration and coordination with the WHO Regional Offices, are currently studying the public health impact of sepsis and providing country-level guidance and support on the prevention, early and correct diagnosis, and timely and effective clinical management of sepsis for a comprehensive response to this problem. The Global Infection Prevention and Control Team, located at WHO Headquarters in the Department of Service Delivery and Safety, coordinates sepsis activities and leads prevention efforts.

Bibliography

(1) Fleischmann C, Scherag A, Adhikari NK, et al. Assessment of Global Incidence and Mortality of Hospital-treated Sepsis. Current Estimates and Limitations. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2016; 193(3): 259-72.

(2) Fleischmann-Struzek C, Goldfarb DM, Schlattmann P, Schlapbach LJ, Reinhart K, Kissoon N. The global burden of pediatric and neonatal sepsis: a systematic review. The Lancet Respiratory medicine 2018; 6(3): 223-30.

(3) Laxminarayan R, Matsoso P, Pant S, et al. Access to effective antimicrobials: a worldwide challenge. Lancet 2016; 387(10014): 168-75.

(4) Say L, Chou D, Gemmill A, et al. Global causes of maternal death: a WHO systematic analysis. The Lancet Global Health 2014; 2(6): e323-33.

(5) Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health: Disease Control Priorities, Third Edition (Volume 2). In: Black RE, Laxminarayan R, Temmerman M, Walker N, eds. Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health: Disease Control Priorities, Third Edition (Volume 2). Washington (DC): The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank(c) 2016 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank.; 2016.

(6) World Health Organization. WHO Report on the burden of endemic health care-associated infection worldwide. 2017-11-21 15:11:22 2011.

http://apps. who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/80135/9789241501507_eng.pdf?sequence=1 (accessed April 10 2018).

(7) Singer M, Deutschman CS, Seymour CW, et al. The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). JAMA 2016; 315(8): 801-10.

(8) Gotts JE, Matthay MA. Sepsis: pathophysiology and clinical management. British Medical Journal 2016.

(9) United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthcare Professional (HCP) Resources : Sepsis. 2018-02-01T06:23:15Z.

https://www.cdc.gov/sepsis/get-ahead-of-sepsis/hcp-resources.html (accessed April 10 2018).

(10) Global Sepsis Alliance. Toolkits. https://www.world-sepsis-day.org/toolkits/ (accessed April 10 2018).

(11) UK SepsisTrust. Education. 2018. https://sepsistrust.org/education/ (accessed April 10 2018).

(12) Luangasanatip N, Hongsuwan M, Limmathurotsakul D, et al. Comparative efficacy of interventions to promote hand hygiene in hospital: systematic review and network meta-analysis. british medical journal. 2015;351:h4728.

(13) UNICEF. UNICEF Data : Monitoring the Situation of Children and Women – Diarrhoeal Disease. https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-health/diarrhoeal-disease/ (accessed April 10 2018).

(14) Pruss-Ustun A, Bartram J, Clasen T, et al. Burden of disease from inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene in low- and middle-income settings: a retrospective analysis of data from 145 countries. Tropical medicine & international health : TM & IH 2014; 19(8): 894-905.

(15) World Health Organization. Fact sheet: Immunization coverage. 2018-04-10 14:55:37.

Procalcitonin

A study aimed at detecting the level of procalcitonin in the blood for the diagnosis of sepsis, septic complications, severe bacterial infections and pyoinflammatory processes.

Synonyms Russian

Procalcitonin; biological marker procalcitonin.

Synonyms English

Procalcitonin; PCT; biomarker.

Test method

Immunochemiluminescent assay.

Units

Ng/mL (nanogram per milliliter)

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for the study?

• Eliminate alcohol from the diet for 24 hours prior to the study.
• Children under 1 year of age should not eat for 30 to 40 minutes prior to testing.
• Children aged 1 to 5 years should not eat for 2 to 3 hours prior to testing.
• Do not eat for 8 hours before the study, you can drink clean still water.
• Avoid physical and emotional stress for 30 minutes prior to examination.
• Do not smoke for 30 minutes prior to the study.

General information about the study

Procalcitonin is a prohormone, a precursor of the hormone calcitonin, which is involved in the metabolism of calcium and maintains its constant level in the blood. The procalcitonin polypeptide consists of 116 amino acids and is synthesized by C-cells of the thyroid gland. Normally, its amount is extremely small and is found in the blood in trace amounts.

In the presence of a bacterial infection, exposure to toxins increases extrathyroidal synthesis of procalcitonin by neuroendocrine cells of the liver, kidneys, lungs, muscle tissue, adipocytes, which leads to a significant increase in its level. With a systemic inflammatory response, under the influence of pro-inflammatory molecules – endotoxin, interleukins-1 and 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha – the synthesis of procalcitonin in macrophages and monocytic cells increases. The production of this biomarker can increase during the first 2-4 hours, reaching a maximum after 12 hours, the half-life is 22-26 hours. It should be noted that during a viral infection, the synthesis of procalcitonin is absent or suppressed.

The advantage of determining procalcitonin is that its synthesis in the systemic inflammatory response reaches high levels earlier than other acute phase proteins. The systemic inflammatory response or reaction syndrome is characterized by a change in body temperature greater than 38 °C or less than 36 °C, an increase in heart rate over 90 beats per minute, an increase in respiratory rate over 20 per minute, a change in the number of leukocytes in the blood (less than 4 × 10 ⁹ or more than 12 × 10 ⁹ cells per liter of blood) or by shifting the leukocyte formula to the left.

In addition to bacterial agents, severe infections caused by fungal infections and protozoa can lead to an increase in its content. In patients in intensive care units, the determination of this marker is important in severe infectious processes of various localization. In particular, with severe bronchitis, pneumonia, pancreatitis, appendicitis, peritonitis. Local inflammatory process – tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, gastritis and others – do not lead to a diagnostically significant increase in the level of procalcitonin.

An important diagnostic value is an increase in the concentration of procalcitonin in the syndrome of multiple organ failure, sepsis, shock, especially in newborns and children. The highest values ​​are observed in sepsis, septic shock, septicemia, meningitis. Also, the levels of this biomarker increase after major surgical interventions, operations under cardiopulmonary bypass, multiple injuries, severe burns, acute transplant rejection, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and chronic heart failure. In severely ill patients, procalcitonin levels correlate with the severity of the pathological process and mortality after the disease.

Along with the assessment of the clinical course of the disease, the data of laboratory and instrumental methods of research, the detection of the level of procalcitonin can be used to determine the effectiveness of ongoing antibiotic therapy, as well as to determine the moment to stop this treatment. In patients with viral infections, allergic, autoimmune diseases, an increase in the concentration of procalcitonin occurs only in the case of a secondary bacterial infection.

What is the test used for?

• For the diagnosis of sepsis, septicemia, septic shock;
• For the diagnosis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome;
• For the diagnosis of multiple organ failure syndrome;
• For the diagnosis of severe bacterial infection of various localization;
• For the diagnosis of infectious complications in patients of surgical departments and intensive care units;
• For prescribing and monitoring the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy in patients with infectious and purulent-septic diseases.

When is the test scheduled?

• Suspected sepsis, septic shock, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, multiple organ failure syndrome;
• With symptoms of severe infectious, purulent-inflammatory processes of various localization;
• If a generalized bacterial infection is suspected in adults, children and newborns;
• If you suspect the development of infectious complications in patients in the conditions of surgical and intensive care units;
• If a secondary bacterial infection is suspected in patients with viral infections, allergic, autoimmune diseases;
• After extensive surgical interventions, operations under cardiopulmonary bypass, multiple injuries, severe burns, acute graft rejection, subarachnoid hemorrhage, chronic heart failure;
• When prescribing and monitoring specific antibiotic therapy.

What do the results mean?

Reference values: 0 – 0. 046 ng/mL.

Procalcitonin level:

> 2.0 ng/mL – high probability of severe sepsis and/or septic shock.

Causes of increase:

• Sepsis, septicemia, septic shock;
• Neonatal sepsis;
• Systemic inflammatory response syndrome;
• Multiple organ failure syndrome;
• Infectious processes of various localization: severe bronchitis, pneumonia, pancreatitis, appendicitis, peritonitis; meningitis;
• Severe infections due to fungal infection, protozoa;
• Major surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass;
• Multiple injuries, burns;
• Acute graft rejection;
• In newborns in the first 2-3 days of life after birth.

Reasons for the decrease:

• Normal levels of procalcitonin can be observed in viral infections, allergic, autoimmune diseases, local inflammatory processes.

What can influence the result?

• The use of drugs: immunosuppressants, hormonal drugs.

Important notes

• When interpreting the results of the study, it is necessary to take into account the clinical picture of the disease, the presence of concomitant diseases and complications, the use of antibiotic therapy.
• In newborns, the level of procalcitonin increases in the first 12 hours after birth, reaching a maximum within 24-36 hours, decreasing to a normal level by 4-5 days after birth. In this regard, it is recommended to repeat the study after 24 hours to exclude a generalized bacterial infection, neonatal sepsis.
• The use of drugs, in particular immunosuppressants, that increase the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, can increase the concentration of procalcitonin.

Also recommended changes)

[02-006] Urinalysis with microscopy

[06-182] C-reactive protein, quantitative (method with normal sensitivity)

Who orders the test?

Anesthesiologist-resuscitator, surgeon, oncologist, obstetrician-gynecologist, pediatrician, internist, cardiologist, infectious disease specialist.