Diagnostic and Prognostic Roles of Procalcitonin and Highly Sensitive C-Reactive Protein in Early Detection of Burn Sepsis

Diagnostic and Prognostic Roles of Procalcitonin and Highly Sensitive C-Reactive Protein in Early Detection of Burn Sepsis

This study aimed to evaluate the value of procalcitonin and highly sensitive c-reactive protein as biomarkers for early detection of sepsis in patients with major burns.

Severe burn injuries can cause a marked inflammatory stress response. As the inflammatory state progresses, pro-inflammatory cytokines are continuously released.

C reactive protein (CRP) is closely related to the systemic inflammation in its acute phase, as CRP binds to the damaged cell membranes that associates burn injuries and contributes to the associated inflammatory response.

Procalcitonin (PCT) a precursor protein for calcitonin, which is synthesized by thyroid C-cells, is yet another biomarker valuable in the sepsis diagnosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age from 3 years to 65 years.
• Both sexes.
• Patients with major burn (2nd and 3rd degrees of burn).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with unrealistic expectations.
• Patients with inhalational burn injury.
• Patients with uncompensated chronic disease e.g. hepatic, renal.
• Patients with mental or psychological troubles affecting the study