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Misleading Serum Procalcitonin Elevation in Heatstroke.
Marco Enzo Tau1, Melissa Cocca1
1Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland.
European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
|February 14, 2019
Summary
Elevated serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels are common in heatstroke patients. This finding should not prompt unnecessary tests or treatments for infection, as heatstroke alone can cause PCT elevation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Medicine
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Exertional heatstroke can present with elevated serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels.
- PCT elevation is often associated with bacterial infections, leading to potential misdiagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the association between heatstroke and elevated PCT levels.
- To prevent unnecessary investigations and treatments for infection in heatstroke patients.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a healthy male with exertional heatstroke.
- Monitoring of serum procalcitonin levels.
- Clinical observation and diagnostic workup.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with exertional heatstroke and elevated PCT.
- Empirical antibiotic treatment was initiated but discontinued due to lack of infection signs.
- Patient recovered with rehydration; cultures were negative.
Conclusions:
- Elevated PCT is typical in heatstroke and does not necessitate a diagnosis of infection.
- Relying solely on a typical heatstroke presentation is sufficient for diagnosis and management.
- Avoid unnecessary investigations and treatments based on PCT elevation in heatstroke.
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