Clinical application of serum procalcitonin in judging the severity of infection

Objective To analyze the clinical value of serum procalcitonin in judging the severity of infection. Methods 83 patients with infection admitted to ICU of our hospital from May 2015 to May 2016 were enrolled in the study. According to the symptoms of septic shock, they were divided into group A (n=40, with septic shock) and group B (n=43, without septic shock). Another 40 patients without infection were selected as the control group at the same time. All groups received the detection of serum procalcitonin. C-reactive protein and white blood cell count were determined. Results The levels of serum procalcitonin, C reactive protein, and white blood cell count in group A and group B were higher than those in control group, and those were higher in group A than group B (P<0.05). Conclusions The detection of serum procalcitonin is helpful in judging the severity of infection. It can improve the accuracy of the judgment, which is important for the scientific adjustment of treatment to improve the prognosis of patients. Key words: Serum procalcitonin; Infection; Condition; Clinical judgment