Procalcitonin
Procalcitonin[edit | edit source]
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Procalcitonin is a protein that is typically produced in the body in response to bacterial infections. The determination of procalcitonin levels in a blood sample is an important diagnostic tool used in medical settings, particularly for identifying bacterial infections and sepsis.
Biological Role[edit | edit source]
Procalcitonin is a precursor of the hormone calcitonin, primarily produced by the C-cells of the thyroid gland. However, its levels rise significantly in response to a systemic bacterial infection, making it a valuable biomarker for infection.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Elevated procalcitonin levels are often associated with:
- Bacterial infections.
- Sepsis and severe systemic infections.
- Inflammation caused by bacterial toxins.
Procalcitonin Test[edit | edit source]
The procalcitonin test measures the amount of procalcitonin in a blood sample. This test is particularly useful in:
- Differentiating bacterial infections from viral infections.
- Guiding antibiotic therapy in intensive care and emergency settings.
- Assessing the severity and prognosis of an infection.
Advantages of Procalcitonin Testing[edit | edit source]
Compared to other markers of infection, procalcitonin has several advantages:
- Higher specificity for bacterial infections.
- Rapid rise in levels during acute bacterial infections.
- Helps in reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.
Limitations and Challenges[edit | edit source]
While procalcitonin is a valuable marker, its interpretation can be complex, and levels may be influenced by factors other than bacterial infections, such as certain drugs and chronic medical conditions.
Research and Future Directions[edit | edit source]
Ongoing research is exploring the role of procalcitonin in different clinical scenarios, including its use in pediatric infections and in patients with chronic diseases.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
Resources[edit source]
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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Procalcitonin for any updates.
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