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Elevated procalcitonin levels in active Wegener's granulomatosis
F Moosig1, E Csernok, E Reinhold-Keller
1Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Lübeck, Germany.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels are typically normal in active Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) but can be elevated in highly active disease without infection.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), now known as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, is a systemic vasculitis.
- Distinguishing active WG flares from infections is critical for appropriate treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels in patients with WG during active and inactive disease states.
- To investigate if PCT levels are elevated in active WG independent of infection.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 26 patients with histologically confirmed WG during active and inactive disease phases.
- Procalcitonin (PCT) serum levels were quantified using an immunoluminometric assay.
Main Results:
- PCT levels were within the normal range (0-0.5 ng/ml) in most patients (23/26) with active WG and all patients with inactive WG.
- Markedly elevated PCT levels (0.8-3.3 ng/ml) were observed in 3 patients with highly active WG.
- A slight but significant difference in PCT levels was noted between active and inactive WG states, with a weak correlation to disease activity markers.
Conclusions:
- Serum PCT may serve as a useful marker in differentiating WG flares from bacterial infections.
- Elevated PCT in WG requires careful interpretation alongside clinical and laboratory findings, as it can occur in severe, active WG without infection.