Procalcitonin is useful whereas C-reactive protein is not, to predict complications following coronary artery bypass surgery

BACKGROUND: The respective value of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as markers of postoperative complications after coronary bypass surgery is unclear. Therefore, complications during one week after surgery were studied to evaluate the predictive role of PCT and CRP changes during the immediate postoperative period. METHODS: Thirty-two patients, in whom an uneventful immediate postoperative course was anticipated, were prospectively enrolled and followed-up to the 7th postoperative day. At the end of the follow-up, patients were divided into two groups. Group A were patients with an uncomplicated postoperative course and Group B were patients with a complicated postoperative course. RESULTS: Serum samples were drawn for PCT and CRP determination after induction of anesthesia (baseline), at the end of surgery and daily until postoperative day 2. Baseline serum PCT concentrations were 0.11 +/- 0.09 and 0.20 +/- 0.21 ng/mL in Groups A and B, respectively (NS). Serum PCT concentration increased compared with baseline in both groups during the first two days after surgery. The increase in serum PCT concentration was significantly greater in Group B than A patients (p < 0.0002). Considering a perioperative abnormal cut-off value of >0.5 ng/mL, there were none in Group A versus 57% in Group B (p < 0.0001). Baseline serum CRP concentrations were 1.44 +/- 1.30 and 1.58 +/- 1.35 ng/mL in Groups A and B, respectively (NS). After surgery, CRP increased significantly compared with baseline in both groups. When changes in time-varying variables were included in a logistic model, complications were predicted by changes (between baseline and end of surgery values) of PCT (coefficient = 9.410; t = 2.18) and heart rate (coefficient = 0.075; t = 1.57), whereas changes of CRP, white blood cells, mean blood and central venous pressures did not contribute statistically. The model constant was -4.827 (t = -2.43) and the ROC curve area was 0.8971. Thus, absolute PCT changes of 0.20, 0.40 and 0.60 ng/mL carry an approximate risk of 5, 26 and 69%, respectively, of postoperative complications in the time frame of this study. CONCLUSIONS: A postoperative serum PCT concentration of >0.5 ng/mL is highly suggestive of a postoperative complication. CRP changes do not contribute to predictive information.     

Influence of early re-infusion of autologous shed mediastinal blood on clinical outcome after cardiac surgery.

Various strategies have been proposed to decrease allogeneic blood transfusion requirements after cardiac surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of collected and re-infused autologous shed mediastinal blood on a patient's postoperative course. Ninety patients who underwent heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were studied. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=41) received the centrifuged autologous shed mediastinal blood collected from the cardiotomy reservoir 4 hours after surgery; in Group 2 (n=49) all shed mediastinal blood was discarded (control group). Haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct), C-reactive protein values, and leucocyte count were compared before surgery, at 4 h and 20 h after surgery, and on the fifth postoperative day. We have measured serum procalcitonin (PCT) concentration at 4 h and 20 h after CPB. We assessed drained blood loss within 20 postoperative hours. Leucocyte count, Hb, Hct values, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin concentration did not differ between the groups before and at 4 h after surgery. Hb, Hct level, and leucocyte count were similar at 20 hours and on the fifth day after surgery. At 20 hours after surgery, an increase of serum PCT concentration (>0.5-2 ng/mL) was more frequent in Group 2 (58.3% vs. 33.3%; p = 0.03). On the fifth postoperative day, C-reactive protein concentration was lower in Group 1 (71.74 +/- 15.23; p <0.01) compared to Group 2 (93.53 +/- 20.3). Postoperative blood loss did not differ between the groups. Requirement for allogeneic blood transfusion was significantly lower in Group 1 (14.6% vs. 38.8%; p < 0.02). Patients in Group 1 developed less infective complications compared with Group 2 (2.4% and 16.3%, respectively; p < 0.05). The length of postoperative in-hospital stay was shorter in Group 1 compared with Group 2 (9.32 +/- 2.55 and 16.45 +/- 6.5, respectively; p < 0.05). We conclude that postoperative re-infusion of autologous red blood cells processed from shed mediastinal blood did not increase bleeding tendency and systemic inflammatory response and was effective in reducing the requirement for allogeneic transfusion, the rate of infective complications and the length of postoperative in-hospital stay.     

Early increase of procalcitonin after cardiovascular surgery in patients with postoperative complications

OBJECTIVE: Type and frequency of postoperative abnormalities were registered after cardiovascular surgery to evaluate the aetiology and diagnostic value of increased concentrations of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) during the early postoperative period. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. PATIENTS: Two hundred and eight patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement requiring cardiopulmonary bypass were monitored for 7 days postoperatively for various types of infectious or non-infectious complications. Plasma PCT and CRP levels were measured on day 1 and day 2 after surgery and, when increased, until day 7. RESULTS: More patients with PCT above 2 ng/ml on day 1 or 2 (n=55) had postoperative abnormalities (95%) than patients with lower PCT (59%). Specifically, the incidence of three or more criteria of the "systemic inflammatory response syndrome" was 45% versus 4% (area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic 0.866); positive inotropic support was needed in 65% versus 9% (0.870); respiratory insufficiency (PaO(2)/FIO(2)<200) 38% versus 12% (0.704); proven and suspected bacterial infection 9% versus 1% (0.900) and 24% versus 1% (0.897), respectively. For CRP, the respective areas under the curve were all below 0.63, while all patients had elevated CRP levels, whether they had a complication or not. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated PCT, but not CRP, correlates with evidence of systemic inflammation and other complications early postoperatively after cardiac surgery. Although the PCT levels do not rise as quickly as the criteria of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome appear, they do reflect systemic inflammation. Early identification and quantification of a systemic inflammatory response may help reduce postoperative complications.     

Usefulness of procalcitonin for diagnosis of infection in cardiac surgical patients

OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of procalcitonin (PCT) as a marker of postoperative infection after cardiac surgery. DESIGN: A prospective single institution three phase study. SETTING: University cardiac surgical intensive care unit (31 beds). PATIENTS: Phase 1: To determine the normal perioperative kinetics of PCT, 20 consecutive patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were included. Phase 2: To determine whether PCT may be useful for diagnosis of postoperative infection, 97 consecutive patients with suspected infection were included. Phase 3: To determine the ability of PCT to differentiate patients with septic shock from those with cardiogenic shock, 26 patients with postoperative circulatory failure were compared. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Phase 1: Serum samples were drawn for PCT determination after induction of anesthesia (baseline), at the end of surgery, and daily until postoperative day (POD) 8. Baseline serum PCT concentration was 0.17 +/- 0.08 ng/mL (mean +/- SD). Serum PCT increased after cardiac surgery with a peak on POD 1 (1.08 +/- 1.36). Serum PCT returned to normal range on POD 3 and remained stable thereafter. Phase 2: In patients with suspected infection, serum PCT was measured at the same time of C-reactive protein (CRP) and bacteriologic samples. Among the 97 included patients, 54 were infected with pneumonia (n = 17), bacteremia (n = 16), mediastinitis (n = 9), or septic shock (n = 12). In the 43 remaining patients, infection was excluded by microbiological examinations. In noninfected patients, serum PCT concentration was 0.41 +/- 0.36 ng/mL (range, 0.08-1.67 ng/mL). Serum PCT concentration was markedly higher in patients with septic shock (96.98 +/- 119.61 ng/mL). Moderate increase in serum PCT concentration occurred during pneumonia (4.85 +/-3.31 ng/mL) and bacteremia (3.57 +/- 2.98 ng/mL). Serum PCT concentration remained low during mediastinitis (0.80 +/- 0.58 ng/mL). Five patients with mediastinitis, two patients with bacteremia, and one patient with pneumonia had serum PCT concentrations of <1 ng/mL. These eight patients were administered antibiotics previously and serum PCT was measured during a therapeutic antibiotic window. For prediction of infection by PCT, the best cutoff value was 1 ng/mL, with sensitivity 85%, specificity 95%, positive predictive value 96%, and negative predictive value 84%. Serum CRP was high in all patients without intergroup difference. For prediction of infection by CRP, a value of 50 mg/L was sensitive (84%) but poorly specific (40%). Comparing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, PCT was better than CRP for diagnosis of postoperative sepsis (0.82 for PCT vs. 0.68 for CRP). Phase 3: Serum PCT concentration was significantly higher in patients with septic shock than in those with cardiogenic shock (96.98 +/- 119.61 ng/mL vs. 11.30 +/- 12.3 ng/mL). For discrimination between septic and cardiogenic shock, the best cutoff value was 10 ng/mL, with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 62%. CONCLUSION: Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass influences serum PCT concentration with a peak on POD 1. In the presence of fever, PCT is a reliable marker for diagnosis of infection after cardiac surgery, except in patients who previously received antibiotics. PCT was more relevant than CRP for diagnosis of postoperative infection. During a postoperative circulatory failure, a serum PCT concentration >10 ng/mL is highly indicative of a septic shock.     

Procalcitonin: a valuable indicator of infection in a medical ICU?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of procalcitonin (PCT) for the diagnosis of infection in a medical ICU. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. PATIENTS: Seventy-seven infected patients and 24 patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) due to other causes. Seventy-five patients could be classified into sepsis (n = 24), severe sepsis (n = 27) and septic shock (n = 24), and 20 SIRS patients remained free from infection during the study. Plasma PCT and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were evaluated within 48 h of admission (day 0), at day 2 and day 4. RESULTS: As compared with SIRS, PCT and CRP levels at day 0 were higher in infected patients, regardless of the severity of sepsis (25.2 +/- 54.2 ng/ml vs 4.8 +/- 8.7 ng/ml; 159 +/- 92 mg/l vs 71 +/- 58 mg/l, respectively). At cut-off values of 2 ng/ml (PCT) and 100 mg/l (CRP), sensitivity and specificity were 65% and 70% (PCT), 74% and 74% (CRP). PCT and CRP levels were significantly more elevated in septic shock (38.5 +/- 59.1 ng/ml and 173 +/- 98 mg/l) than in SIRS (3.8 +/- 6.9 ng/ml and 70 +/- 48 mg/l), sepsis (1.3 +/- 2.7 ng/ml and 98 +/- 76 mg/l) and severe sepsis (9.1 +/- 18. 2 ng/ml and 145 +/- 70 mg/l) (all p = 0.005). CRP, but not PCT, levels were more elevated in severe sepsis than in SIRS (p<0.0001). Higher PCT levels in the patients with four dysfunctional organs and higher PCT and CRP levels in nonsurvivors may only reflect the marked inflammatory response to septic shock. CONCLUSION: In this study, PCT and CRP had poor sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of infection. PCT did not clearly discriminate SIRS from sepsis or severe sepsis.     

Hyperprocalcitonemia in patients with perioperative myocardial infarction after cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare procalcitonin (PCT) concentrations after cardiac surgery in uncomplicated patients and in patients with perioperative myocardial infarction (PMI). DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. SETTING: One university hospital. PATIENTS: Fifty-eight adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In a first step, plasma PCT and C-reactive protein concentrations were measured preoperatively and until 72 hrs postoperatively in ten consecutive patients who underwent uncomplicated cardiac surgery. PCT concentrations increased progressively from the end of cardiopulmonary bypass (0.09 +/- 0.09 ng/mL), peaked at 24 hrs postoperatively (1.14 +/- 1.24 ng/mL), and began to decrease at 48 hrs. C-reactive protein appeared to peak at 48 hrs (from 5.8 +/- 11.7 mg/L preoperatively to 265.1 +/- 103.5 mg/L on the second postoperative day). In a second step, PCT concentrations were measured at day one in 23 patients (PMI group) who presented high postoperative plasma cardiac troponin I concentrations and were compared with PCT concentrations observed in 25 matched uncomplicated patients. All patients were free from infection. PCT in the PMI group was significantly higher than in the control group (27.1 +/- 63.2 vs. 2.0 +/- 2.4 ng/mL, respectively; p =.0053). CONCLUSION: Because high plasma concentrations of PCT were found in patients with PMI after cardiac surgery, it may be suggested that, in the early postoperative period, elevated plasma PCT concentrations should be interpreted with caution regarding infection diagnosis.     

降钙素原在诊断骨科内置物术后感染性发热的临床意义

目的探讨降钙素原(proealeitonin,PCT)在诊断骨科内置物术后感染性发热中的临床意义。方法选择2013年1月—2014年1月我院骨科内置物术后发热患者56例,按诊断标准分为非感染发热组32例和感染发热组24例,均于术后发热当天及发热第3天采血查C反应蛋白(CRP)及PCT水平,并对CRP及PCT诊断术后感染性发热的真实性进行评价。结果两组发热当天和发热第3天CRP水平比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05),而PCT水平比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。以0.25 ng/L为临界值,发热当天及发热第3天血清PCT诊断术后感染性发热的敏感度、特异度均较CRP高。结论 PCT在鉴别骨科内置物术后发热性质方面较CPR更具有临床价值。     

Procalcitonin in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass in open heart surgery – first results of the Procalcitonin in Heart Surgery study (ProHearts)

Objective To investigate procalcitonin (PCT) levels in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in order to assess the prevalence and prognostic capacity of elevated PCT levels following CPB in open heart surgery. Design prospective observational study in consecutive patients. Setting Twenty-four-bed ICU, department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, university hospital. Patients Seven hundred and twenty two patients, 691 of whom underwent CPB, i.e., 476 had coronary bypass surgery (CABG), 130 valve replacement, 34 combined CABG and valve replacement and 23 thoracic aortic surgery. Interventions Standard perfusion techniques were used with cardioplegic arrest and mild hypothermia (28–32°C). With the exception of thoracic aortic procedures, full-flow perfusion was performed. Measurements and results PCT was measured prior to surgery and daily thereafter until ICU discharge or death. PCT significantly increased at day 1 postoperatively compared to baseline values (0.25±1.65 vs 6.49±22.0 ng/ml, p<0.005). However, in 55.1% of patients PCT was below 1.0 ng/ml. In 12.8% of CABG patients PCT was increased to >5.0 ng/ml, compared to 39% in valve patients and 35% of patients with aortic surgery. An elevated PCT level >1.0–5.0 ng/ml at day 1 was highly predictive of mortality (P<0.03, vs<1.0 ng/ml), with an additional accuracy when levels >5.0 ng/ml were measured (P<0.002 vs<1.0 ng/ml). Conclusions These results provide evidence that PCT might serve as an early prognostic marker in patients undergoing CPB in open heart surgery. It may be worth considering immunomodulating approaches in patients presenting elevated PCT levels in the early phase after CPB.     

Procalcitonin in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass in open heart surgery - first results of the Procalcitonin in Heart Surgery study (ProHearts)

Objective: To investigate procalcitonin (PCT) levels in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in order to assess the prevalence and prognostic capacity of elevated PCT levels following CPB in open heart surgery.¶Design: prospective observational study in consecutive patients.¶Setting: Twenty-four-bed ICU, department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, university hospital.¶Patients: Seven hundred and twenty two patients, 691 of whom underwent CPB, i. e., 476 had coronary bypass surgery (CABG), 130 valve replacement, 34 combined CABG and valve replacement, and 23 thoracic aortic surgery.¶Interventions: Standard perfusion techniques were used with cardioplegic arrest and mild hypothermia (28-32 °C). With the exception of thoracic aortic procedures, full-flow perfusion was performed.¶Measurements and results: PCT was measured prior to surgery and daily thereafter until ICU discharge or death. PCT significantly increased at day 1 postoperatively compared to baseline values (0.25 - 1.65 vs 6.49 - 22.0 ng/ml, p < 0.005). However, in 55.1 % of patients PCT was below 1.0 ng/ml. In 12.8 % of CABG patients PCT was increased to > 5.0 ng/ml, compared to 39 % in valve patients and 35 % of patients with aortic surgery. An elevated PCT level > 1.0-5.0 ng/ml at day 1 was highly predictive of mortality (P < 0.03, vs < 1.0 ng/ml), with an additional accuracy when levels > 5.0 ng/ml were measured (P < 0.002 vs < 1.0 ng/ml).¶Conclusions: These results provide evidence that PCT might serve as an early prognostic marker in patients undergoing CPB in open heart surgery. It may be worth considering immunomodulating approaches in patients presenting elevated PCT levels in the early phase after CPB.     

Mannan-binding lectin and procalcitonin measurement for prediction of postoperative infection

Introduction

Postoperative infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. We investigated two serum markers for their ability to identify patients at risk for postoperative infection. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a central molecule of the innate immune system and MBL deficiency is known to predispose to infection. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a sensitive marker for bacterial infection.

Methods

We investigated 162 patients undergoing elective surgery for cancer of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients were classified as having no complications (group A), having infection for unknown reason (group B) or having sepsis after events like aspiration or anastomotic leakage (group C). Analysis was done pre- and postoperatively for serum levels of MBL, PCT and C-reactive-protein. DNA was preoperatively sampled and stored and later analysed for genetic polymorphisms of MBL.

Results

The preoperative serum levels of MBL were significantly lower in group B patients than in group A patients (1332 ± 466 ng/ml versus 2523 ± 181 ng/ml). PCT measured on day one post-surgery was significantly higher in group B patients than in group A (3.33 ± 1.08 ng/ml versus 1.38 ± 0.17 ng/ml). Patients with an aberrant MBL genotype had a significantly higher risk of postoperative infections than wild-type carriers (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Preoperative MBL and early postoperative PCT measurement may help identify patients at risk for postoperative infection.     

Procalcitonin kinetics in the prognosis of severe community-acquired pneumonia

Objectives Procalcitonin (PCT) kinetics is a good prognosis marker in infectious diseases, but few studies of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) have been performed in intensive care units (ICU). We analyzed the relationship between PCT kinetics and outcome in ICU patients with severe CAP. Design and setting Prospective observational study in a 16-bed university hospital ICU. Patients 100 critically ill patients with community-acquired pneumonia. Measurements and results Median PCT was 5.2 ng/ml on day 1 and 2.9 ng/ml on day 3. It increased from day 1 to day 3 in nonsurvivors but decreased in survivors. In multivariate analysis four variables were associated with death: invasive ventilation (odds ratio 10−), multilobar involvement (5.6−), LOD score (6.9−), and PCT increase from day 1 to day 3 (4.5−). In intubated patients with a PCT level below 0.95 ng/ml on day 3 the survival rate was 95%. Conclusion Increased PCT from day 1 to day 3 in severe CAP is a poor prognosis factor. A PCT level less than 0.95 ng/ml on day 3 in intubated patients is associated with a favorable outcome. Electronic supplementary material The electronic reference of this article is . The online full-text version of this article includes electronic supplementary material. This material is available to authorised users and can be accessed by means of the ESM button beneath the abstract or in the structured full-text article. To cite or link to this article you can use the above reference.     

降钙素原测定在感染性疾病中的临床意义

目的　评价血清降钙素原 (PCT)对细菌感染诊断的临床价值。方法　回顾分析细菌感染和病毒感染患者血清降钙素原水平。结果　病毒感染者与轻症或局限性细菌感染患者血清降钙素原 <0 .5ng/ml,中度细菌性感染患者 >0 .5ng/ml,重症细菌性感染患者 >2 .0ng/ml,重度脓毒症或感染性休克患者 >10 .0ng/ml。病毒感染组和轻症或局限性细菌感染组与中度以上细菌性感染组PCT有显著性差异 (P <0 .0 1)。PCT对细菌感染诊断的敏感性为 93 .3 3 % ,特异性为 95 .0 0 %。结论　血清降钙素原可以作为细菌感染诊断的有效指标之一。     

Plasma procalcitonin measured by time-resolved amplified cryptate emission (TRACE) in liver transplant patients. A prognosis marker of early infectious and non-infectious postoperative complications

BACKGROUND: Elevated procalcitonin (PCT) levels are observed after major surgery, such as orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx). The aim of this observational study was to evaluate PCT kinetics during the first 5 following days after surgery to establish the prognostic value of PCT changes in the outcome of OLTx, and to predict medical, technical and infectious complications. PCT was also evaluated in the differential diagnosis of infection vs. rejection. METHODS: A total of 64 OLTx were performed in 58 patients; they were split into two groups: with and without complications. Out of these patients, 18 developed infection, and nine rejection. PCT was measured before and during surgery, 12 h after transplantation and daily for the 5 following days. PCT was also measured the day when infection or rejection was diagnosed, and on the previous day. PCT was determined by time-resolved amplified cryptate emission (TRACE) technology. RESULTS: PCT elevation began at 12 h after surgery, reaching a peak on the 1st day in both groups. Significantly higher PCT concentrations were found in the group of patients developing complications, on the 5 postoperative days. It was found that a 24 h PCT value higher than 1.92 microg/L increased by 9.1-time-fold the risk of complications. When infection was diagnosed, a second peak of PCT was observed, but no PCT elevation was shown in rejection. CONCLUSIONS: Daily monitored PCT provides valuable information about the early outcome of OLTx.     

Procalcitonin as a marker of nosocomial infections in the neonatal intensive care unit

Objective To determine accuracy of procalcitonin concentrations for diagnosing nosocomial infections in critically ill neonates. Design Case-control study. Setting Neonatal intensive care unit of a teaching hospital. Patients Twenty-three neonates with nosocomial infection. Four controls matched for duration of hospital stay and birth date were chosen for each case patient. Measurements and results PCT concentrations were measured by the LUMItest procalcitonin kit at onset of signs of infection and after recovery. Range of PCT concentrations (ng/ml) was 2.0 to 249.1 in case patients and 0.08 to 1.0 in controls (sensitivity and specificity, 100%). PCT values returned to normal (<1.0 ng/ml) by day 3 to 7 of appropriate antibiotic therapy. Conclusions Measurement of PCT concentrations may be useful for early diagnosis and monitoring of infectious complications in neonates during their stay in the neonatal intensive care unit.     

Endotoxemia after abdominal surgery

The blood level of endotoxin after operations in patients with digestive diseases, mainly liver cirrhosis and obstructive jaundice, and the complications most likely related to the presence of endotoxemia were investigated. Twenty-seven patients without either liver cirrhosis or obstructive jaundice showed a minimal elevation of the endotoxin level in blood, as shown by 6.1 +/- 3.9 (mean +/- S.E.) pg/ml at the first postoperative day and there was only one anastomotic leakage. On the other hand, 18 patients with liver cirrhosis showed a notable and persistent endotoxemia after surgery. The cirrhotic patients who especially underwent splenectomy and hepatectomy showed marked elevations of endotoxin level at the first postoperative day, with values of 151.0 +/- 46.1 pg/ml and 101.3 +/- 36.2 pg/ml, respectively, and one of these patients died of hepatic failure. Thirteen patients with obstructive jaundice developed endotoxemia evidenced by the value of 21.6 +/- 4.8 pg/ml at the first day after surgery. Among these patients, two had gastrointestinal bleeding and one developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The markedly high and persistent levels of endotoxin in patients with liver cirrhosis or obstructive jaundice may be possibly related with the development of multiple organ failure (MOF).     

Efficacy of amiodarone versus propafenone in the prevention of rhythm disorders in patients after aortocoronary bypass surgery

A prospective randomized study was conducted to compare the antiarrhythmic activity of amiodarone and propafenone used to prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) after aortocoronary bypass surgery (ACBS). The study included 100 patients who had undergone myocardial revascularization. The patients were divided into 2 groups that did not significantly differ in their baseline condition, history data, the type of a surgical intervention, and the incidence of postoperative complications. Antiarrhythmic therapy was initiated within the first 24 hours after surgery. Group 1 (n=50) was given intravenous amiodarone in a dose of 6 mg/kg/day. Rhythm disturbances occurred in 13 (26%) patients. Group 2 (n=50) received oral propaferone in a dose of 6.6 mg/kg/day. AF occurred in 5 (10%) patients. The difference between Groups 1 and 2 was statistically significant (p = 0.047). The preventive use of propafenone recovered sinus rhythm in earlier periods (4602 +/- 71 min) than that of amiodarone (760 +/- 82 min); p = 0.049. Thus, propafenone was found to be a more effective drug used to prevent AF after ACBS, which is attributable to different pharmacodynamic behavior of the agents.     

Detection of acute phase response and infection. The role of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein.

OBJECTIVE: Established parameters, e.g. C-reactive protein (CRP), do not differentiate specifically enough between patients developing an infection and those exhibiting an acute phase response following cardiac surgery. The objective of this prospective study was to investigate if procalcitonin (PCT) is more helpful than CRP. METHODS: During a 1-year period, seven out of 563 patients (1.2%) developed systemic infections (group A) after cardiac operations with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and additional eight patients (1.4%) had local wound infections requiring surgical therapy (group B). Blood samples for PCT and CRP measurements were taken preoperatively, at the onset of infection (d1), as well as on the third day (d3), fifth day (d5), and seventh day (d7) following diagnosis of infection. Forty-four randomly selected patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB without clinical signs of infection, additional intensive care unit (ICU) management or additional antibiotic treatment served as control (group C) to assess the PCT and CRP contribution to acute phase response. PCT and CRP levels were measured preoperatively, on the first (d1), third (d3) and fifth day (d5) after operation. RESULTS: At the onset of infection, PCT levels (median interquartile range 25%-75%) increased significantly in group A as compared to baseline values (10.86 (3.28-15.13) ng/ml vs. 0.12 (0.08-0.21) ng/ml), and decreased during treatment to still significantly elevated values on d5 (0.56 (0.51-0.85) ng/ml). CRP levels were significantly elevated on all days investigated with no trend towards normalisation (d1: 164.5 (137-223) mg/l) vs. 1.95 (1.1-2.8) mg/l preoperatively, d5: 181.1 (134-189.6) mg/l. In group B, no increase in PCT levels, but a significant increase of CRP from d1 (165.9 (96.6-181.6) mg/l) vs. 3.7 (2-4.3) mg/l preoperatively) until d5 98 (92.8-226.2) mg/l was detected. In group C, postoperative PCT levels increased slightly but significantly in the absence of infection on d1 (0.46 (0.26-0.77) ng/ml vs. 0.13 (0.08-0.19) ng/ml preoperatively), and d3 (0.37 (0.2-0.65) ng/ml and reached baseline on d5 (0.24 (0.11-0.51) ng/ml)). CRP levels were significantly elevated as compared to baseline on all postoperative days investigated (baseline: 1.75 (0.6-2.9) mg/l, d1: 97.5 (74.5-120) mg/l), d3: 114 (83.05-168.5) mg/l, d5: 51.4 (27.4-99.8) mg/l)). PCT showed a significant correlation to CRP in group A (r =0.48, p < 0.001), a weak correlation in group C (r=0.27, p=0.002) and no correlation in group B. Intergroup comparison revealed a significant difference for PCT between all groups (A>C>B) and significantly higher CRP levels in group A vs. C and in group B vs. C. Thus, the pattern high PCT/high CRP appears to indicate a systemic infection, while low PCT/high CRP indicates either acute phase response or local wound problems, but no systemic infection. The cost for PCT measurements was 5.6-fold higher as compared to CRP. CONCLUSION: Due to the significant differences in the degree of increase, PCT appears to be useful in discriminating between acute phase response following cardiac surgery with CPB or local problems and systemic infections, with additional CRP-measurement increasing the specificity.     

Relationship between procalcitonin plasma levels and severity of injury, sepsis, organ failure, and mortality in injured patients

OBJECTIVE: To compare procalcitonin (PCT) plasma levels of injured patients with the incidence and severity of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), infection, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and to assess the predictive value of PCT for these posttraumatic complications. DESIGN: Retrospective study comparing patients with mechanical trauma in terms of severity of injury, development of infectious complications, and organ dysfunctions. SETTING: Level I trauma center with emergency room, intensive care unit, and research laboratory. PATIENTS: Four hundred five injured patients with an Injury Severity Score of > or =9 points were enrolled in this study from January 1994 to February 1996. INTERVENTIONS: Blood samples were collected on the day of admission and on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 thereafter. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We determined PCT serum levels using a specific immunoluminometric assay. We retrospectively evaluated the occurrence of SIRS, sepsis, and MODS using patients' charts. Mechanical trauma led to increased PCT plasma levels dependent on the severity of injury, with peak values on days 1 and 3 (p < .05) and a continuous decrease within 21 days after trauma. Patients who developed SIRS demonstrated a significant (p < .05) increase of peak PCT plasma levels compared with patients without SIRS. The highest PCT plasma concentrations early after injury were observed in patients with sepsis (6.9+/-2.5 ng/mL; day 1) or severe MODS (5.7+/-2.2 ng/mL; day 1) with a sustained increase (p < .05) for 14 days compared with patients with an uneventful posttraumatic course (1.1+/-0.2 ng/mL). Moreover, these increased PCT plasma levels during the first 3 days after trauma predicted (p < .0001; logistic regression analysis) severe SIRS, sepsis, and MODS. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that PCT represents a sensitive and predictive indicator of sepsis and severe MODS in injured patients. Routine analysis of PCT levels seems to aid early recognition of these posttraumatic complications. Thus, PCT may represent a useful marker to monitor the inflammatory status of injured patients at risk.     

外周血Janus激酶1和Janus激酶2与降钙素原及循环游离DNA早期诊断行肝胆外科手术患者术后感染的价值

目的观察行肝胆外科手术治疗的患者术后外周血Janus激酶(Janus kinase,JAK)1、JAK2、降钙素原(procalcitonin,PCT)水平及循环游离DNA(circulating free DNA,cf-DNA)表达变化,探讨4项指标在肝胆外科术后感染早期诊断中的价值。方法行肝胆外科手术后7d发生感染者74例为感染组,同期行肝胆外科手术后7d未发生感染者74例为未感染组。2组分别于术前1d及术后1d采用ELISA法检测外周血JAK1、JAK2、PCT水平,采用实时荧光定量PCR法检测外周血cf-DNA表达。比较感染组与未感染组术后1d序贯器官衰竭评分(sequential organ failure assessment,SOFA)、急性生理和慢性健康状况评估Ⅱ(acute physiology and chronic health evaluationⅡ,APACHEⅡ)评分;多因素logistic回归分析行肝胆外科手术治疗患者术后发生感染的影响因素;绘制ROC曲线,评估术后1d外周血JAK1、JAK2、PCT及cf-DNA诊断肝胆外科术后发生感染的价值。将感染组患者以术后1dSOFA评分均值、APACHEⅡ评分均值为界,分为高SOFA评分(≥8分)组45例和低SOFA评分(<8分)组29例,高APACHEⅡ评分(≥19分)组47例和低APACHEⅡ评分(<19分)组27例,比较高、低SOFA评分组及APACHEⅡ评分组患者外周血JAK1、JAK2、PCT水平及cf-DNA表达;Pearson相关分析术后1d外周血JAK1、JAK2、PCT水平及cf-DNA表达与SOFA评分、APACHEⅡ评分的相关性。结果感染组年龄大于未感染组(P<0.05),合并高血压、高脂血症、冠心病比率高于未感染组(P<0.05),术后1d外周血JAK1[(50.12±14.17)ng/L]、JAK2[(51.67±12.18)ng/L]、PCT[(10.85±2.14)μg/L]水平及cf-DNA[(1.32±0.14)mg/L]表达均高于未感染组[(34.41±10.62)ng/L、(35.16±9.62)ng/L、(3.14±1.02)μg/L、(0.92±0.12)mg/L)](P<0.05);2组性别比例、体质量指数、手术类型、手术方式、手术时间及术前1d外周血JAK1、JAK2、PCT水平及cf-DNA表达比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后1d外周血JAK1(OR=5.041,95%CI:2.784~9.126,P<0.001)、JAK2(OR=4.518,95%CI:2.857~7.145,P<0.001)、PCT(OR=4.453,95%CI:2.441~8.125,P<0.001)、cf-DNA(OR=4.229,95%CI:2.249~7.954,P<0.001)是肝胆外科手术后发生感染的影响因素。术后1d外周血JAK1、JAK2、PCT、cf-DNA分别以42.21ng/L、43.52ng/L、7.37μg/L、1.08mg/L为最佳截断值,诊断肝胆外科手术后感染的AUC分别为0.819(95%CI:0.748~0.878,P<0.001)、0.768(95%CI:0.692~0.833,P<0.001)、0.821(95%CI:0.749~0.879,P<0.001)、0.754(95%CI:0.677~0.821,P<0.001),灵敏度分别为77.03%、68.92%、70.27%、77.03%,特异度分别为79.73%、77.03%、78.38%、60.81%;4项指标联合检测诊断肝胆外科手术患者术后感染的AUC为0.894(95%CI:0.833~0.939,P<0.001),灵敏度为77.03%,特异度为86.49%。感染组术后1dSOFA评分、APACHEⅡ评分高于未感染组(P<0.05)。高SOFA评分组、APACHEⅡ评分组术后1d外周血JAK1、JAK2、PCT水平及cf-DNA表达分别高于低SOFA评分组、APACHEⅡ评分组(P<0.05)。感染组患者术后1d外周血JAK1、JAK2、PCT、cf-DNA与SOFA评分(r=0.747,r=0.712,r=0.663,r=0.804,P<0.001)、APACHEⅡ评分(r=0.864,r=0.568,r=0.544,r=0.633,P<0.001)均呈正相关。结论肝胆外科术后感染患者术后1d外周血JAK1、JAK2、PCT水平及cf-DNA表达升高,其水平越高提示病情越重,4项指标联合检测在肝胆外科手术感染早期诊断中有一定价值。     

血清降钙素原对骨折术后感染的诊断价值

目的探讨在骨折术后感染中血清降钙素原(PCT)水平检测的诊断价值。方法 2008年9月至2011年9月骨折术后感染患者30例为感染组,同期未发生感染者30例为非感染组。检测2组血清PCT和C-反应蛋白(CRP)的水平,对比两指标在诊断骨折术后感染诊断中的敏感度和特异度。结果 PCT水平在感染组明显高于非感染组〔(8.68±2.73)vs(0.18±0.09)ng/ml,P<0.01〕。PCT和CRP对骨折术后并发感染诊断的敏感度分别是93.3%、100.0%,特异度分别是90.0%、10.0%,阳性预测值分别为90.3%、52.6%,阴性预测值分别为93.1%、100.0%。PCT对骨折术后并发感染的特异度和阳性预测值高于CRP(P均<0.01)。结论 PCT可用于诊断骨折术后感染,不易受创伤及手术因素干扰,具有较高敏感度和特异度。