Utility of procalcitonin in respiratory infections

Dr. Agustin Julian. Emergency Area. Toledo Hospital Complex.

In this conference, Dr. Julián comments on the implementation of a Clinical Practice Guide for the care of patients with community pneumonia in emergency services that, including the use of a modified PSI scale and procalcitonin, significantly improves overall care. of these patients. Based on procalcitonin levels, the pathogen can even be suspected and a bacterial or viral etiology can be reliably predicted. Dr. Julián concludes that, although there is no perfect biomarker, procalcitonin appears to be the most sensitive, specific and appropriate, both in its isolated and serial determination, for the diagnosis and prognosis of community pneumonia of bacterial origin.