calca-protein--human and Pharyngitis

We investigated serum procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in children with streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis or nonstreptococcal tonsillopharyngitis and in healthy children. The median (range) for PCT was 0.374 (0.11-6.5), 0.105 (0.01-0.53) and 0.02 (0.01-0.08) ng/mL in the streptococcal, nonbacterial tonsillopharyngitis and control groups, respectively. PCT had a greater specificity than CRP for detection of bacterial tonsillopharyngitis.

Topics: Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Calcitonin; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Child; Child, Preschool; Egypt; Female; Humans; Leukocyte Count; Male; Pharyngitis; Protein Precursors; Sensitivity and Specificity; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus; Tonsillitis

There is a lack of studies comparing the utility of C-reactive protein (CRP) with Procalcitonin (PCT) for the management of patients with acute respiratory tract infections (ARI) in primary care. Our aim was to study the correlation between these markers and to compare their predictive accuracy in regard to clinical outcome prediction.. This is a secondary analysis using clinical and biomarker data of 458 primary care patients with pneumonic and non-pneumonic ARI. We used correlation statistics (spearman's rank test) and multivariable regression models to assess association of markers with adverse outcome, namely days with restricted activities and persistence of discomfort from infection at day 14.. At baseline, CRP and PCT did not correlate well in the overall population (r(2) = 0.16) and particularly in the subgroup of patients with non-pneumonic ARI (r(2) = 0.08). Low correlation of biomarkers were also found when comparing cut-off ranges, day seven levels or changes from baseline to day seven. High baseline levels of CRP (>100 mg/dL, regression coefficient 1.6, 95 % CI 0.5 to 2.6, sociodemographic-adjusted model) as well as PCT (>0.5ug/L regression coefficient 2.0, 95 % CI 0.0 to 4.0, sociodemographic-adjusted model) were significantly associated with larger number of days with restricted activities. There were no associations of either biomarker with persistence of discomfort at day 14.. CRP and PCT levels do not well correlate, but both have moderate prognostic accuracy in primary care patients with ARI to predict clinical outcomes. The low correlation between the two biomarkers calls for interventional research comparing these markers head to head in regard to their ability to guide antibiotic decisions.. Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN73182671.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biomarkers; Bronchitis; C-Reactive Protein; Calcitonin; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Otitis Media; Pharyngitis; Pneumonia; Primary Health Care; Prognosis; Protein Precursors; Respiratory Tract Infections; Rhinitis; Sinusitis; Tonsillitis

To assess the levels of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in children diagnosed with PFAPA (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis) during their febrile attacks.. 23 patients with diagnosis of PFAPA included into the study prospectively during a three years period. In these patients, CRP and PCT values were recorded during 78 febrile episodes. Furthermore, 20 patients with diagnosis of pneumonia were chosen as a control group and their CRP and PCT values were measured. Normal reference values for CRP and PCT were 0-10 mg/L and 0-0.5 ng/mL, respectively.. Mean CRP and PCT values of patients with PFAPA were 94.8±71.6 mg/L and 0.29±0.14 ng/mL, respectively. In control group, mean CRP value was 153.2±26 mg/L and PCT was 1.59±0.53 ng/mL. CRP and PCT were high in control group. CRP was detected high and PCT was normal in PFAPA. Compared to control group, in PFAPA group, CRP values were not significantly (p>0.05) and PCT values were significantly lower (p<0.001).. During febrile episodes in the patients with diagnosis of PFAPA, CRP values were substantially elevated, whereas PCT values were within normal levels. Concomitant assessment of CRP and PCT in addition to clinical diagnostic criteria may be of help in making diagnosis and distinguishing febrile attacks from infections. However, studies in larger groups are required.

Topics: C-Reactive Protein; Calcitonin; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Hereditary Autoinflammatory Diseases; Humans; Lymphadenitis; Male; Pharyngitis; Prospective Studies; Protein Precursors; Stomatitis, Aphthous; Syndrome