Prognostic utility of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, CRP/PCT index, and their clearance upon admission to intensive care units

This is a retrospective, observational, quantitative and descriptive study. The utility of C reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and the CRP/PCT ratio as sepsis risk markers was evaluated and these, added to clearance at 72 hours, as predictors of mortality and permanence in intensive care units (ICU). Twenty-three patients were included. They were classified according to qSOFA, and ROC curves were prepared, highlighting an area under the curve of 0.79 for PCT. The threshold value of PCT>0.88 ng/mL predicts the risk of sepsis with 77.78% sensitivity and 83.33% specificity. Using CRP>31.23 mg/dL, 88.89% sensitivity and 83.33% negative predictive value were obtained as outstanding parameters. No significant differences (Mann-Whitney p<0.05) were found between survivors and dead and prolonged vs. non-prolonged stay groups. CRP is postulated for screening and PCT as a sepsis risk marker.