The Importance of Biomarkers in Sepsis Diagnosis

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 97 views

Relationship of Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein Levels in the Elderly With Sepsis at Adam Malik Haji Hospital Medan in 2020-2022

Introduction

Sepsis: A Medical Emergency in the Elderly

Sepsis is a medical emergency that occurs in response to infection and can result in regulatory failure and organ dysfunction. When sepsis is accompanied by signs of organ dysfunction and clinical symptoms that are getting worse, this condition can develop into severe sepsis and septic shock. One risk factor that increases the chance of sepsis is age, where sepsis is more common in the elderly. In this context, procalcitonin, which is a precursor of the hormone calcitonin, plays a role in inflammatory responses and has a pathological role in sepsis. On the other hand, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a reactive protein that functions as an indicator of inflammatory response and becomes the most commonly used clinical biomarker.

The Importance of Biomarkers in Sepsis Diagnosis

Biomarkers play a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of sepsis. Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein are two biomarkers that have been widely used in clinical practice to detect sepsis. Procalcitonin has been shown to be a sensitive marker of bacterial infection, while C-reactive protein is a more general indicator of inflammation. The combination of these two biomarkers can provide valuable insights into the inflammatory status of patients and help clinicians make more informed decisions about treatment.

Research Purposes

This study aims to determine the relationship between procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels in elderly patients suffering from sepsis in Adam Malik Hospital in Medan during the 2020-2022 period. The study aims to investigate the correlation between these two biomarkers and to explore the possibility of using a combination of biomarkers in the diagnosis and management of sepsis.

Research Methods

This study is a retrospective observational analysis that uses a cross-cutting approach based on secondary data from medical records obtained from Adam Malik Haji Hospital Medan. Measurement of independent and dependent variable data is carried out simultaneously. The study analyzed a total of 87 samples, which included patients who were diagnosed with sepsis and had undergone laboratory tests for procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels.

Research Results

Of the total 87 samples analyzed, only one patient did not experience increased levels of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein. Meanwhile, 78 patients experienced an increase in the two biomarkers. Seven patients showed an increase in procalcitonin levels, while one patient only experienced an increase in C-reactive protein levels. Based on the Chi-Square statistical test, a P value of 0.043 was obtained with a correlation coefficient of 0.217, which indicated the relationship between procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels.

Conclusion

This study found a relationship between procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels in elderly patients with sepsis in Adam Malik Hajj Hospital Medan, with a correlation coefficient that shows a weak relationship. This shows that although there is a link between the two biomarkers, the intensity or strength of the relationship is not too strong.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

Sepsis in elderly patients is often more difficult to recognize and handle compared to younger populations. With increasing age, the body's ability to respond to infection decreases, and the risk of comorbidity increases. In this context, monitoring of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels can provide valuable insights on inflammatory status and possible progression of sepsis in elderly patients.

The Importance of Biomarkers in Clinical Practice

Procalcitonin as a biomarker has an advantage in detecting bacterial infections, while C-reactive protein is more common in detecting inflammation. Therefore, combining these two parameters can increase accuracy in the treatment of sepsis in elderly patients. With a better understanding of the relationship between procalcitonin and C-reactive protein, medical personnel can take more precise steps in the management of sepsis patient, including faster and targeted therapy.

Future Research Directions

Integrating these two biomarkers in clinical practice can help improve clinical outcomes and minimize the risk of death due to sepsis, which is a serious health problem, especially among older populations. Further research is needed to deepen the understanding of the mechanism behind this relationship and to explore the possibility of using a combination of biomarkers in more effective diagnosis of sepsis.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the retrospective design. Further studies with larger sample sizes and prospective designs are needed to confirm the findings of this study.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study found a relationship between procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels in elderly patients with sepsis in Adam Malik Hajj Hospital Medan. The study highlights the importance of biomarkers in the diagnosis and management of sepsis and suggests that combining procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels can increase accuracy in the treatment of sepsis in elderly patients. Further research is needed to deepen the understanding of the mechanism behind this relationship and to explore the possibility of using a combination of biomarkers in more effective diagnosis of sepsis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship of Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein Levels in the Elderly With Sepsis

Q: What is sepsis and how common is it in the elderly?

A: Sepsis is a medical emergency that occurs in response to infection and can result in regulatory failure and organ dysfunction. It is more common in the elderly, with increasing age being a risk factor for sepsis.

Q: What are procalcitonin and C-reactive protein, and how are they related to sepsis?

A: Procalcitonin is a precursor of the hormone calcitonin and plays a role in inflammatory responses. C-reactive protein is a reactive protein that functions as an indicator of inflammatory response. Both biomarkers are used in the diagnosis and management of sepsis.

Q: What is the relationship between procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels in elderly patients with sepsis?

A: This study found a relationship between procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels in elderly patients with sepsis in Adam Malik Hajj Hospital Medan, with a correlation coefficient that shows a weak relationship.

Q: How can combining procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels improve the diagnosis and management of sepsis in elderly patients?

A: Combining these two biomarkers can increase accuracy in the treatment of sepsis in elderly patients. With a better understanding of the relationship between procalcitonin and C-reactive protein, medical personnel can take more precise steps in the management of sepsis patient, including faster and targeted therapy.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the retrospective design. Further studies with larger sample sizes and prospective designs are needed to confirm the findings of this study.

Q: What are the implications of this study for clinical practice?

A: Integrating these two biomarkers in clinical practice can help improve clinical outcomes and minimize the risk of death due to sepsis, which is a serious health problem, especially among older populations.

Q: What further research is needed to deepen the understanding of the mechanism behind this relationship?

A: Further research is needed to deepen the understanding of the mechanism behind this relationship and to explore the possibility of using a combination of biomarkers in more effective diagnosis of sepsis.

Q: How can healthcare providers use this information to improve patient care?

A: Healthcare providers can use this information to improve patient care by combining procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels in the diagnosis and management of sepsis in elderly patients. This can help improve clinical outcomes and minimize the risk of death due to sepsis.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using a combination of biomarkers in the diagnosis and management of sepsis?

A: The potential benefits of using a combination of biomarkers in the diagnosis and management of sepsis include improved accuracy in diagnosis, faster and targeted therapy, and improved clinical outcomes.

Q: What are the potential challenges of using a combination of biomarkers in the diagnosis and management of sepsis?

A: The potential challenges of using a combination of biomarkers in the diagnosis and management of sepsis include the need for further research to deepen the understanding of the mechanism behind this relationship, the potential for false positives or false negatives, and the need for healthcare providers to be trained in the use of these biomarkers.

Q: How can healthcare providers stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the field of sepsis?

A: Healthcare providers can stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the field of sepsis by attending conferences and workshops, reading scientific journals and articles, and participating in online forums and discussions.