PCT and Clinical Algorithm for Determination of Duration of Antibiotics

A Pilot Study to Evaluate a Procalcitonin-Based Algorithm for Duration of Antibiotic Therapy in Critically Ill Patients

Patients in the ICU whose infection is resolving will be randomized to standard duration of antibiotics compared to duration determined by a combination of a procalcitonin value and a simple evaluation of clinical status.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients (19 years and older) treated with ABx for reasons other than prophylaxis within the last 24 hours and who are admitted to a critical care environment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Declined consent

• Any infection that according to evidence-based guidelines which would usually receive more than 2 weeks of antibiotic therapy including, but not limited to;

  • Infective endocarditis
  • Osteomyelitis
  • Undrained abscess

• Not expected to survive 48 hours

• Immunosuppression (HIV positive, any immunosuppressive medications, any steroid dose, neutrophil count less than 1.0)

• Previously enrolled in this study

• Presently enrolled in a separate study which is felt by study investigators to have biological or clinical process in conflict with this study.