The purpose of this study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of Pancreatic Stone Protein (PSP) in predicting patient outcomes with suspected peritonitis in the Intensive Care Unit after abdominal surgery and compare PPS with other blood parameters, including C-Reactive Protein (CRP), White Cell Count (WCC), Interleucin-6 (IL-6) and Procalcitonin (PCT).

Peritonitis is a severe complication after abdominal surgery. Patients admitted at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following surgery bear the risk of localized infection, sepsis or septic shock. Prevention or early detection of such events is important to intervene with an appropriate therapeutic action and avoid risking a potentially life-threatening situation. White blood cell counts (WCC) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Interleucin-6 (IL-6) and Procalcitonin (PCT) have all been promising parameters, however, they are useful only in selective cases and have a limited diagnostic accuracy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Abdominal surgery.
• Admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
• Blood sampling within 3 hours from admission to the ICU
• Patient over 18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients already treated for peritonitis.
• Patients referred from other hospitals with suspicion of peritonitis
• Patient age less than 18 years of age.

Primary care clinics