English 
Italian RASSEGNE - Reviews
Volume:
Biochimica Clinica 2013; 37(1) 15-22
Published on-line:
DOI:
Procalcitonina e sepsi: alcuni aspetti relativi all’appropriatezza della richiesta
AUTHORS
1Laboratorio Generale, Dipartimento di Laboratorio, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Firenze
2Laboratorio Analisi Chimico-Cliniche, Istituto Fiorentino di Cura e Assistenza, Firenze
3Biblioteca Biomedica, UniversitĂ degli Studi, Firenze
4Laboratorio Analisi, Ospedale Civile Maggiore, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona
ABSTRACT
Procalcitonin and sepsis: hints on clinical appropriateness
Sepsis in know to be a challenge for clinicians, given the poor outcome and high costs. Both diagnosis and management are a matter of concern, as appropriate and early therapy can result in higher survival rate. Various biological parameters have been proposed to establish diagnosis
and evaluate risk. Procalcitonin (PCT), the precursor of calcitonin, has gained attention as serological marker of sepsis and several authors have claimed for PCT a role in rapid diagnosis as well as risk stratification and prognosis evaluation. Data from systematic reviews support the use of PCT as an alternative to C-reactive protein in adult intensive care unit patients, although its use as sole diagnostic marker does not appear to be appropriate in critical patients. In the emergency department setting PCT can be used to rule out sepsis in adult febrile patients. Data on risk stratification and prognosis are less clear cut and specific clinical questions need further investigation.