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Procalcitonin elevation induced by sympathomimetic drug overdose
Sota Kodama1, Masahiro Kashiura1, Takashi Moriya1
1Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Saitama Medical Center Jichi Medical University Saitama Japan.
Drug overdose, particularly with sympathomimetic agents, can elevate procalcitonin levels. This finding expands the differential diagnosis for elevated procalcitonin beyond infection.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker primarily used to diagnose systemic bacterial infections.
- Elevated PCT levels can occur in non-infectious conditions, including drug overdose.
- Limited data exists on PCT elevation following sympathomimetic drug overdose.
Observation:
- A 20-year-old female presented with altered mental status, fever, and vomiting.
- Initial laboratory tests revealed significantly elevated serum procalcitonin levels (>10 ng/dL).
- The patient subsequently admitted to a sympathomimetic drug overdose.
Findings:
- Serum procalcitonin levels can be significantly elevated in cases of sympathomimetic drug overdose.
- The patient's procalcitonin levels normalized as her condition improved.
- No signs of bacterial infection were identified in the patient.
Implications:
- Sympathomimetic drug overdose should be considered in the differential diagnosis of elevated procalcitonin.
- This case highlights the importance of a comprehensive patient history in interpreting biomarker results.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms of PCT elevation in drug overdose.
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