[Diagnosis of sepsis and guidance of antibiotic therapy]

There is a widespread use of biomarkers in modern intensive care. The potential benefit for the patients is, however, not fully investigated. This paper will discuss biomarkers regarding the diagnosis of infections and their potential use in antibiotic stewardship programs (ABS) in order to guide antimicrobial therapy. In the field of infections, procalcitonin (PCT) seems to be the most widespread marker. PCT is able to differentiate between inflammation and infection. Also, in the context of ABS rounds, PCT is well established.