Procalcitonin in invasive candidosis
Jemli, B.; Aouni, Z.; Lebben, I.; Mazigh, C.; Ferjani, M.; Machgoul, M.; Gargouri, S.
Annales de Biologie Clinique 65(2): 169-173
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-3898 PMID: 17353171 Document Number: 605583
The use of reliable and specific diagnosis tools in patients of intensive care unit constitutes the best way to follow up these patients and to take charge of severe infections. It is in the context that the measuring of procalcitonin should be considered in order to prove its role in invasive candidosis. This prospective study included 52 patients from an intensive care unit. Blood samples for serum procalcitonin were drawn on days 1, 3, 5. Our results showed that on the one hand, procalcitonin levels have significantly increased in cases of confirmed and probable candidosis. On the other hand, this parameter has a certain prognosis value. In conclusion, an increase in procalcitonin level does not only imply a bacterial infection but it should also evoke a case of invasive candidosis especially in intensive care units.