C-Reactive Protein and Procalcitonin in Predicting Treatment Failure in Community Acquired Pneumonia

Introduction : There has been rising attention in the evaluation of procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein serum levels for predicting treatment ef fi cacy of patients who hospitalized for community acquired pneumonia. Methods : Taken of blood samples for measurement of (CRP) and (PCT), on the day of admittance (PCT-D1; and CRP-D1), within (48 e 72) hours after the admittance (PCT-D3; and CRP-D3), also in 144 e 192 h next to admission. CURB 65 in adding to the (Pneumonia Severity Index) were evaluated on the day of admittance. Results : 112 hospitalized patients with CAP were involved in the work. Failure of treatment was recognized in 30 individuals (26.7%). Patients experienced early treatment failure displayed highly signi fi cant results of; PCT D1, D3, and CRP D3, PCT D3/D1 ratio, and CRP D3/D1 ratio than in those whose treatment was successful. CRP D1 values were similar in both groups. Patients experienced late treatment failure displayed highly signi fi cant elevated values of PCT3, PCT D3/D1, PCT D7, PCT D7/D1, CRP D3, CRP D3/D1, CRP D7, and CRP D7/D1 than in patients who had treatment success. The PCT D1 values augmented with elevating severity of pneumonia. Nevertheless, the results of (CRP-D1) were not. Conclusions : (PCT) should be de fi ned sequentially not on admittance alone to expect the therapy outcome in hospitalized community acquired pneumonia patients.