Procalcitonin and CRP as Biomarkers in Differentiating Bacterial vs. Viral Pneumonia: Implications for Antibiotic StewardshipThe Role of Blood-Based Biomarkers in the Early Diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/ejac.v20i2.1183Keywords:
Procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, Pneumonia, COPD, BiomarkersAbstract
Globally, the leading causes of illness and mortality are pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Correct discrimination between bacterial and viral pneumonia is a clinical trial, one that is critical to direct proper antibiotic treatment and stem antimicrobial resistance. The most commonly used biomarkers in this study are procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Methodology: The study was carried out as a 24-month cohort study in a tertiary care centre. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and high-sensitivity immunoturbidimetric assay were used to measure PCT and CRP in patients with pneumonia or COPD.
Results: Among the 250 patients (100 with bacterial pneumonia, 50 with viral pneumonia and 100 with COPD), CRP and PCT were higher in bacterial pneumonia than in viral pneumonia and COPD. PCT was better at identifying sepsis than CRP (AUC 0.89 compared to 0.77). Those who tested positive for either marker were more likely to be hospitalized for longer, get antibiotics and have more frequent COPD worsening.
Conclusion: Overall, PCT and CRP are useful for distinguishing pneumonia apart from an exacerbation of COPD. If these tests were used in clinics, clinicians could diagnose patients more accurately, manage antibiotic use better and support better health for patients.
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