Clinical significance of serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein in patients with septic shock

Objective: This study aimed to explore and analyze the clinical significance of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with septic shock. Method: A total of 72 patients with septic shock were enrolled and divided into death group (n = 21) and survival group (n = 51) according to treatment outcomes. Another 20 sepsis patients without septic shock were selected as control group. Examination of PCT, CRP, acute physiology and chronic health status scoring system II (APACHE II) as well as the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were performed within 24 h of admission. PCT, CRP, SOFA, and APACHE II scores were evaluated among the three groups. Patients with septic shock were categorized as different groups according to the APACHE II and SOFA scores. The correlation between CRP, APACHE II, and SOFA scores was analyzed. The prognostic value of PCT and CRP levels in patients with septic shock was explored. Results: The death group showed the highest PCT, CRP, SOFA and APACHE II scores, followed by the survival and control groups, respectively (P < 0.05). PCT and CRP levels were the highest in patients with APACHE II score > 20, followed by those with score of 11-20 points and those with score 0-10 points, respectively (P < 0.05). Patients with SOFA score > 10 points had the highest PCT and CRP levels, followed by those with 6-10 points and those with 0-5 points, respectively (P < 0.05). PCT was positively correlated with APACHE II and SOFA scores (P < 0.05), while CRP was not correlated with APACHE II and SOFA scores (P > 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of PCT in determining the prognosis of patients with septic shock were 66.8% and 45.4%, while those of CRP were 82.2% and 80.3%. Conclusion: The expression of CRP and PCT may be indicative of the prognosis of patients.