Role of Procalcitonin and C-reactive Protein as Predictors of Sepsis and in Managing Sepsis in Postoperative Patients: A Systematic Review

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis are inflammatory responses to infection or trauma, causing symptoms and adverse outcomes such as organ shutdown and death. Different scoring systems can help in the diagnosis of SIRS and sepsis. Several biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and white blood cells (WBCs) can serve as predictors of sepsis. Surgery, trauma, and burns are the non-inflammatory causes of SIRS and sepsis. In postoperative patients, both inflammatory and non-inflammatory causes of immune response may co-exist. The role of inflammatory biomarkers in identifying sepsis development, deciding to use antibiotics, and discharging patients needs further exploration and clarity. We searched medical databases such as PubMed/Medline, PMC, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for relevant medical literature. The identified papers were screened, eligibility criteria were applied, and 15 research papers were identified. The finalized papers explored the roles of CRP and PCT in postoperative patients. Both CRP and PCT are raised in a postoperative patient, and then, gradually, the levels decrease. However, in case of an infection, these levels continue to rise and signify an infection, which may progress to sepsis. The cut-off values can guide decision-making about when to start antibiotics and discharge the patient. PCT was found to be more reliable in identifying the infection and preventing the development of sepsis. Further research is needed to identify the exact cut-off values that can help in decision-making.