Clinical significance of joint detection of procalcitonin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein in lower respiratory infection

Objective To investigate the diagnosis and prognosis significance of joint detection of serum procalcitonin (PCT),C-reactive protein (CRP),and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in lower respiratory tract infection.Methods From October 2011 to June 2012,145 cases of lower respiratory tract infection hospitalized in our department with clear pathogens by sputum culture were collected,and there were 41 cases in the healthy control group.CRP level was detected by automated immunoassay perspective turbidimetry,PCT level was determined by semi-quantitative rapid experimental double-antibody sandwich immunoassay (colloidal gold),and ESR was examined by Westergren.Results Compared with healthy people,PCT,CRP,and ESR were significantly increased in patients with lower respiratory tract infections (P ＜0.01).PCT,CRP,and ESR in patients with bacterial infection were higher than those in patients of non-bacterial infection (viruses,fungi,and other pathogens) (P ＜ 0.01).PCT level significantly decreased with infection control,which was helpful for the judgment of prognosis.Conclusions CRP,PCT,and ESR routine testing helps early diagnosis of bacterial infections,has important significance for timely and reasonable use of antibiotics,and the prognostic assessment of bacterial infectious diseases. Key words: Procalcitonin;  C-reactive protein;  Erythrocyte sedimentation rate ;  Bacterial infection