The Role of Procalcitonin in Febrile Neutropenic Patients: Review of the Literature

摘要: Background: Procalcitonin (PCT) has been increasingly used as an inflammatory marker to identify patients with systemic infection. Moreover, PCT guidance allowed significant reduction of antibiotic therapy in respiratory disease. The aim this qualitative review was, therefore, evaluate the role measurements febrile neutropenic differentiating between various causes fever and investigate value levels terms diagnosing infection or predicting outcome these patients. Patients methods: A MEDLINE search was performed using keyword 'procalcitonin' crossed 'febrile neutropenia', 'neutropenia', 'fever', 'bone marrow transplantation', 'stem cell limited human studies published January 1990 October 2006. Bibliographies identified articles were also searched. Predefined variables collected from articles, including year publication, study design, number included, age group, disease markers other than PCT, results. Results: From 30 seems be able discriminate due forms non-infectious etiologies. Patients fungal may have a delayed increase levels. minimal role, if any, discriminating Gram-negative Gram-positive infections. useful prediction neutropenia but is not superior interleukin-6 C-reactive protein concentrations for purpose. Conclusions: Despite lack standard definitions, heterogeneity populations, small numbers included some studies, our provides important insight into diagnostic prognostic tool neutropenia.