[Role of procalcitonin concentration in clinical diagnosis]

Procalcytonin (PCT) is a prohormon of calcitonin. It is made in thyroid structures. Level of procalcitonin is related from actual calcium concentration in blood. It is shown that procalcitonin level increases in bacterial, fungus and parasite infections, in systematic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), burn and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). We wanted to conclude the actual knowledge about the role of procalcitonin used in acute infection. Level of PCT is compatible with the etiology of infection. The procalcitonin is a fast infection marker with a longer semi-loose time than CRP. A mechanism of secretion of procalcitonin to blood circulation is still enigmatic. The determination method (immunoluminometric assay) is easy and inexpensive and results are credible and can be used to differentiating and moni-toring of disease.

It is possible that PCT could be an important marker in fast diagnosis and differentiating of bacterial infections, also could be used in treatment monitoring and prognosis.