新生物指標降鈣素原(Procalcitonin)的臨床應用

Clinical Applications of the Novel Biomarker Procalcitonin

為了評估新檢驗方法Procalcitonin (PCT)在臨床上的診斷價值與效用，我們收集近年來陸續提出的相關醫學研究與報導進行探討，從許多研究報告顯示PCT可作為細菌感染與敗血症的新指標。在細菌感染的病人血液中PCT會大量表現，相較於目前常規C-reactive protein(CRP)、白血球的檢測有較高的診斷價值，可用來提供臨床醫師作為是否給予抗生素治療的診斷依據，進而減少抗生素的濫用，避免細菌抗藥性的產生。對於敗血症的病人也能提供早期的診斷與治療，降低病人死亡率。此外，可藉由血液中PCT的變化來監控、追蹤病人抗生素治療的情況；並利用PCT作為引導來縮短抗生素治療時間，降低不必要的抗生素使用量。

Procalcitonin (PCT) may serve as a novel marker of bacterial infection and sepsis in patients. We wished to evaluate the clinical value and diagnostic efficacy of PCT as a testing method through the examination of recent medical literature. Blood PCT concentrations are frequently increased in patients with bacterial infection. Clinical data suggests that PCT levels have greater diagnostic value than either C-reactive protein (CRP) levels or white blood cell counts. PCT level measurements may support or discourage the use of antibiotics, and may reduce antibiotic abuse as a result. Judicious antimicrobial use may decrease the incidence of bacterial antibiotic resistance. PCT level measurements may additionally aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of sepsis, and may therefore decrease mortality rates. Further, blood PCT level changes may be used to monitor and trace the efficacy of antibiotic treatment, reducing treatment times and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use.