The role of Serum Procalcitonin (PCT) in Predicting 28 Days Mortality in Critically ill Patients with Sepsis Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Objective: To assess the relationship between Serum Procalcitonin (PCT) and 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis admitted to the ICU.

Study Design: Cohort study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the High Definition Unit and Intensive Care Unit at Medical Unit 4, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi from June 2023 to August 2024.

Methods: Total 142 male and female patients between 18-75 years of age, fulfilling the criteria of sepsis, septic shock, and being critically ill were included. Absence of critical illness, incomplete data and undergone dialysis before admission were not included. The patient was followed for the first seven days of his hospital stay with deterioration or improvement to be assessed till day 28 regardless of the patient being discharged.
Results: Association between PCT levels and mortality it was found that in patients with PCT >7 ng/dl, 48 hours mortality was found to be 25.35%, mortality within 7, 14 and 28 days was 42.25%, 52.11% and 57.75% respectively while in patients with PCT ≤7 ng/dl, it was found to be 12.68%, 23.94%, 29.58% and 33.80% respectively.

Conclusion: In patients hospitalized to the ICU, elevated PCT may be a sign of infection risk and infection-related death.