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Published on: December 9, 2022
Using Procalcitonin in Septic Shock to Guide Antibacterial Therapy.
Shannon M Sullivan1, Kathryn T Von Rueden
1Shannon M. Sullivan, MS, RN, CRNP, is a graduate of the University of Maryland Baltimore, School of Nursing blended Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist program. She is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, and a member of Sigma Theta Tau, AACN, Society of Critical Care Medicine, and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Kathryn T. Von Rueden, MS, RN, ACNS-BC, FCCM, is an associate professor, University of Maryland Baltimore, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP program, with a trauma/critical care/ED specialty. She is an active member of AACN, Society of Critical Care Medicine, Society of Trauma Nurses, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, and is a Fellow in the American College of Critical Care Medicine.
Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein are key biomarkers for sepsis diagnosis and prognosis. Serial procalcitonin measurements aid antibiotic stewardship, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and combating resistance.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are increasingly recognized biomarkers in sepsis research.
- PCT is a specific indicator of bacterial infection, valuable for risk-stratifying patients with severe bacterial infections.
- PCT use is linked to reduced unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, improved antibiotic resistance rates, and cost savings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical significance of CRP and PCT as diagnostic and prognostic markers for sepsis.
- To emphasize the role of serial PCT levels in antibiotic stewardship programs.
- To align with national strategies for combating antibiotic resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on PCT and CRP in sepsis.
- Analysis of diagnostic and prognostic utility of these biomarkers.
- Evaluation of PCT's role in antibiotic stewardship.
Main Results:
- PCT demonstrates specificity for bacterial infections and aids in risk stratification.
- Serial PCT monitoring can guide antibiotic therapy duration.
- Implementation of PCT-guided stewardship programs can reduce antibiotic consumption.
Conclusions:
- PCT and CRP are valuable tools in sepsis management.
- Serial PCT measurements are crucial for effective antibiotic stewardship.
- Utilizing PCT supports national efforts to combat antibiotic resistance.
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