Since laboratory medicine provides essential contribution to clinical decision in COVID-19 [1], a meta-analysis was performed on the role of procalcitonin (PCT), in distinguishing patients with or without severe COVID-19. [2]
The production and release of PCT from extra thyroidal sources increases significantly during bacterial infections, stimulated by rising concentrations of inflammatory markers. Usually, PCT values are not substantially modified in patients suffering from viral infections. [3] As a synthesis of PCT is normally inhibited during viral infections, PCT values remain unaffected in patients with uncomplicated SARS-CoV-2 infection. [2,3]
A significant PCT increase was observed in severe cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, a fact which hints at bacterial coinfection or super infection [2]. Data from a study with 75 children (< 5 years) demonstrate a high negative predictive value of PCT concentrations in patients with bacterial coinfection, especially in case of viral lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). [4]
For information on DiaSys’ Procalcitonin FS, please refer to Procalcitonin FS.
References
- IFCC Information Guide on COVID-19 [Internet]. IFCC Inf. Guide COVID-19. 2020. Available from: www.ifcc.org/ifcc-news/2020-03-26-ifcc-information-guide-on-covid-19/
- Lippi G, Plebani M. Procalcitonin in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A meta-analysis. Clin Chim Acta. 2020;505:190–1.
- Schuetz P, Albrich W, Mueller B. Procalcitonin for diagnosis of infection and guide to antibiotic decisions: past, present and future. BMC Med. 2011;9:107.
- Kotula JJ, Moore WS, Chopra A, Cies JJ. Association of Procalcitonin Value and Bacterial Coinfections in Pediatric Patients With Viral Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther. 2018;23:466–72.