Elevated levels of procalcitonin have been associated with sepsis and other inflammatory conditions

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 46 views

The Relationship Between Pentraxin 3 and Procalcitonin Levels with Sofa Scores as Prognostic Values in Sepsis Patients Treated at ICU RSUP H. Adam Malik Medan

Introduction

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition that can cause organ failure and death, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). Early and accurate diagnosis of sepsis is crucial to improve treatment outcomes. However, bacteriological confirmation is often challenging, and negative culture results cannot be used as a benchmark for establishing the diagnosis of infection. In this context, the measurement of Pentraxin 3 and procalcitonin levels becomes highly relevant as it can help identify patients at high risk of experiencing death, allowing for more aggressive therapy to be applied.

The Importance of Pentraxin 3 and Procalcitonin in Sepsis Diagnosis

Pentraxin 3 and procalcitonin are biomarkers that play a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of sepsis. Pentraxin 3 is a protein that is involved in the regulation of the immune response, while procalcitonin is a precursor to calcitonin, a hormone that is involved in the regulation of calcium levels in the blood. Elevated levels of procalcitonin have been associated with sepsis and other inflammatory conditions. The measurement of these biomarkers can help clinicians identify patients who are at high risk of developing sepsis and guide the implementation of targeted therapy.

Research Purpose and Methodology

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between Pentraxin 3 and Procalcitonin levels in sepsis patients treated at ICU H. Adam Malik Medan Hospital and connect it with a Sofa (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score. The study was conducted as an observational research with a prospective cohort data collection method. A total of 33 patients treated in the ICU were taken a blood sample to be analyzed Pentraxin 3 and Procalcitonin levels on the first and third day. In addition, the sofa score was also calculated on the same day. This study has received ethical approval and approval from the patient.

Results and Discussion

Statistical test results using the Spearman correlation test showed that the level of Pentraxin 3 and Procalcitonin on the first day did not have a significant relationship with a sofa score on the first day, with a P> 0.05 value. However, procalcitonin levels on the third day show a significant relationship with a sofa score on the third day (p = 0.032) with a correlation value (r = 0.374). This discovery shows that procalcitonin can be a better indicator for assessing the prognosis of sepsis patients after 72 hours of treatment at the ICU compared to initial measurements. This may be related to the body's immune response to infections that develop over time, where procalcitonin as an inflammatory biomarker increases in line with the severity of the patient's condition.

Conclusion and Suggestions

Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the levels of Pentraxin 3 and Procalcitonin on the first day did not show a significant relationship with the sofa score, while Procalcitonin on the third day had a significant relationship. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct further research by linking procalcitonin and Pentraxin 3 levels with other inflammatory biomarkers such as CRP (C-Reactive Protein), IL-6 (Interleukin 6), and NLR (Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio) to assess the severity and patient prognosis is more comprehensive. By increasing understanding of this relationship, it is expected to help the medical team in designing a more effective and targeted treatment strategy for patients affected by sepsis.

Implications for Clinical Practice

The findings of this study have significant implications for clinical practice. Early measurement of procalcitonin levels can help identify patients who are at high risk of developing sepsis and guide the implementation of targeted therapy. Additionally, the measurement of procalcitonin levels on the third day can help assess the prognosis of sepsis patients and guide the implementation of more aggressive therapy. By increasing understanding of the relationship between procalcitonin and Pentraxin 3 levels with sofa scores, clinicians can design more effective and targeted treatment strategies for patients affected by sepsis.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a single ICU. Further research is needed to confirm the findings of this study and to explore the relationship between procalcitonin and Pentraxin 3 levels with other inflammatory biomarkers. Additionally, the study did not explore the relationship between procalcitonin and Pentraxin 3 levels with other clinical outcomes, such as mortality and length of stay in the ICU.

Future Directions

The findings of this study have significant implications for future research. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between procalcitonin and Pentraxin 3 levels with other inflammatory biomarkers and clinical outcomes. Additionally, studies are needed to explore the use of procalcitonin and Pentraxin 3 levels as biomarkers for sepsis diagnosis and prognosis. By increasing understanding of the relationship between procalcitonin and Pentraxin 3 levels with sofa scores, clinicians can design more effective and targeted treatment strategies for patients affected by sepsis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship Between Pentraxin 3 and Procalcitonin Levels with Sofa Scores in Sepsis Patients

Q: What is sepsis and why is it a serious medical condition?

A: Sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection becomes uncontrolled and causes widespread inflammation. This can lead to organ failure and death if not treated promptly and effectively.

Q: What is the role of Pentraxin 3 and procalcitonin in sepsis diagnosis?

A: Pentraxin 3 and procalcitonin are biomarkers that play a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of sepsis. Elevated levels of these biomarkers have been associated with sepsis and other inflammatory conditions.

Q: What is the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and how is it used in sepsis diagnosis?

A: The SOFA score is a scoring system used to assess the severity of organ dysfunction in patients with sepsis. It takes into account six different organ systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, hepatic, coagulation, renal, and neurological systems.

Q: What are the key findings of the study on the relationship between Pentraxin 3 and procalcitonin levels with SOFA scores in sepsis patients?

A: The study found that procalcitonin levels on the third day showed a significant relationship with SOFA scores on the third day, while Pentraxin 3 levels on the first day did not show a significant relationship with SOFA scores on the first day.

Q: What are the implications of the study's findings for clinical practice?

A: The study's findings suggest that early measurement of procalcitonin levels can help identify patients who are at high risk of developing sepsis and guide the implementation of targeted therapy. Additionally, the measurement of procalcitonin levels on the third day can help assess the prognosis of sepsis patients and guide the implementation of more aggressive therapy.

Q: What are the limitations of the study and what further research is needed?

A: The study has several limitations, including a relatively small sample size and the fact that it was conducted in a single ICU. Further research is needed to confirm the findings of this study and to explore the relationship between procalcitonin and Pentraxin 3 levels with other inflammatory biomarkers and clinical outcomes.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using procalcitonin and Pentraxin 3 levels as biomarkers for sepsis diagnosis and prognosis?

A: The potential benefits of using procalcitonin and Pentraxin 3 levels as biomarkers for sepsis diagnosis and prognosis include earlier identification of patients at high risk of developing sepsis, more targeted and effective treatment, and improved patient outcomes.

Q: What are the potential challenges and limitations of using procalcitonin and Pentraxin 3 levels as biomarkers for sepsis diagnosis and prognosis?

A: The potential challenges and limitations of using procalcitonin and Pentraxin 3 levels as biomarkers for sepsis diagnosis and prognosis include the need for further research to confirm the findings of this study and to explore the relationship between these biomarkers and other clinical outcomes. Additionally, the use of these biomarkers may be limited by factors such as cost, availability, and interpretability.

Q: What are the next steps for further research on the relationship between procalcitonin and Pentraxin 3 levels with SOFA scores in sepsis patients?

A: The next steps for further research on the relationship between procalcitonin and Pentraxin 3 levels with SOFA scores in sepsis patients include conducting larger and more diverse studies to confirm the findings of this study and to explore the relationship between these biomarkers and other clinical outcomes. Additionally, studies are needed to explore the use of procalcitonin and Pentraxin 3 levels as biomarkers for sepsis diagnosis and prognosis.