Diagnostic value of serum procalcitonin and C-reaction protein in community acquired pneumonia

Objective To evaluate the value of serum procalcitonin( PCT) and C-reaction protein( CRP)in clinical diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia. Methods From January 2012 to September 2013,a total of107 patients include 89 patients with CAP and 18 controls were assigned into three groups: 25 severe pneumonia patients,64 mild pneumonia patients and 18 controls. The levels of serum PCT and CRP,number of white blood cells,percentage of neutrophils were measured after admission. Results The serum PCT level was( 14. 770 ± 6. 141) ng /ml in severe pneumonia patients,which was significantly higher than that in mild pneumonia patients( 130 ±17. 350) ng / ml and controls( 83. 670 ± 8. 047) ng / ml( P 0. 05). Although the CRP level was higher in pneumonia patients,and their sensitivity was taller than PCT,their specificity were lower than those of PCT. PCT had a good diagnostic value to pneumonia,with the optimal cut-off of 0. 11ng / ml,the sensitivity of 88% and the specificity of95%. Conclusion Serum PCT plays an important diagnosis value in community acquired pneumonia and assessment of its severity,especially in severe pneumonia,thus it could be used as an effective indicator.