The Significance of Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein in Diagnostic Tests for Respiratory Adenovirus Infections in Children ()
ABSTRACT
Background: This study aims to answer the question if procalcitonin tests allow distinguishing
bacterial from AdV infections in cases in which acute phase values are
significantly elevated. Methods:
40 patients of infant and toddler age were divided into two patient groups (n =
23) and (n = 17) for comparison based on PCT 0.5 μg/L. AdV was determined by
polymerase-chain-reaction. Results:
The PCT value in Group 1 is 0.21 ± 0.12 μg/L, median 0.2, and 1.56 ± 1.07 μg/L,
median 1.3 (p = 0.0001) in Group 2.
At a cut-off value of <0.5 μg/L, C-reactive protein, leucocytes, age, fever
temperature, and the duration of fever did not differ significantly. This conclusion
also applies to a PCT value to <0.9 μg/L. Conclusions: In AdV infections, CRP values of >40 mg/L are
observed in more than 80% of patients. A clinically relevant conclusion of our
findings is that independent of CRP levels antibiotic therapy is not indicated
up to PCT levels of 0.5 μg/l.
Share and Cite:
Kunze, W. , Klemm, T. and Streidl, J. (2015) The Significance of Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein in Diagnostic Tests for Respiratory Adenovirus Infections in Children.
Open Access Library Journal,
2, 1-8. doi:
10.4236/oalib.1101717.
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