title: [Procalcitonin (PCT), contemporary indicator of infection and inflammation].
abstract: Procalcitonin is a protein synthesized during sepsis and inflammation. In these states, its production is stimulated by inflammatory mediators and bacterial toxins. Routine determination of PCT concentration is useful in the rapid detection and monitoring of bacterial and fungal infections. The article presents the latest meta-analysis and clinical reports on the use of the PCT and comparison of its diagnostic sensitivity and specificity with other indicators of inflammation and infection in both neonates and in the adult population. Synthesis, properties and metabolism of PCT and the available methods and conditions of the determination are discussed. Presented data indicate a high sensitivity and specificity of PCT determinations, especially in bacterial infection and, what is very important, short duration of the assay and the use of a small sample volume. Assess the dynamics of changes in the concentrations of PCT can provide information not only about the course of infection but also facilitates the decision to introduce and then to discontinue antibiotic therapy.
authors.affiliation: Zakład Laboratoryjnej Diagnostyki Klinicznej Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Białymstoku.
authors.forename: Violetta
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dymicka-Piekarska
authors.affiliation: Klinika Neonatologii i Intensywnej Terapii Noworodka Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Białymstoku.
authors.forename: Alicja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wasiluk
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D002116:Calcitonin / Q000097:blood*; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009181:Mycoses / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000097:blood*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018805:Sepsis / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; C000606589:CALCA protein, human; D011498:Protein Precursors; D002116:Calcitonin; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide