Serum Procalcitonin Study in the Management of Ventilated Patients

Clinical Utility of Serum Procalcitonin in the Management of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

The purpose of this study is to test a new method for diagnosing and monitoring Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia, which is a major killer among ICU patients. The method requires analysis of a small amount of the patient's blood for concentration of a hormone called Procalcitonin.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality in critically ill patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the onset/progress/resolution of pneumonia and the levels of Procalcitonin, a prohormone whose concentrations fluctuate in response to bacterial infection.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Are willing to give or who's proxy is willing to consent to be a study subject
• Are at least 18 years of age;
• Who are mechanically ventilated surgical intensive care unit patients.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participation in any investigational device or drug trial within 30 days prior to enrollment.