Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease
04:41

Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease

Published on: July 3, 2018

Procalcitonin as a prognostic marker in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Dominic Kelly1, Sohail Q Khan, Onkar Dhillon

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK. kelly.dominic@talk21.com

Biomarkers : Biochemical Indicators of Exposure, Response, and Susceptibility to Chemicals
|March 11, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Elevated procalcitonin levels after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are linked to major adverse cardiac events (MACE). This inflammatory marker also correlates with impaired left ventricular (LV) function and adverse cardiac remodelling post-AMI.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Inflammation

Background:

  • Procalcitonin (PCT) is a key inflammatory mediator.
  • PCT elevation is linked to poor prognosis in various clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between PCT levels and major adverse cardiac events (MACE).
  • To assess the association of PCT with left ventricular (LV) function and remodelling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Main Methods:

  • Plasma PCT levels were quantified in 977 patients diagnosed with AMI.
  • Patients were monitored for MACE over a median follow-up of 671 days.
  • Echocardiography was performed in a subset of patients to evaluate LV function and volumes at discharge and follow-up.

Main Results:

  • Procalcitonin levels showed a significant association with MACE in both univariate and multivariable analyses.
  • Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated poorer outcomes for patients with PCT levels above the median.
  • PCT levels correlated with indicators of LV dysfunction and cardiac remodelling.

Conclusions:

  • Procalcitonin serves as a prognostic biomarker in the context of AMI.
  • Elevated PCT is associated with an increased risk of MACE, LV dysfunction, and adverse LV remodelling following AMI.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty10:03

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty

Published on: January 28, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers01:20

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers

Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...