Procalcitonin Monitoring Sepsis Study

Procalcitonin Decrease Over 72 Hours and Outcome in Patients With Severe Sepsis or Septic Shock

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between a procalcitonin decrease over 72 hours and outcome in patients who have severe sepsis or septic shock.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients (i.e. >18 years of age) diagnosed with severe sepsis or septic shock as defined in Appendix 1, who are already in the ICU or come from the ED, other wards or directly from out of hospital
• Blood sample collection within 12 hours after diagnosis "severe sepsis or septic shock"No prior enrollment into this study
• Written informed consent