Objective: To evaluate inflammatory markers (C reactive protein [CRP], interleukina-1beta [IL-1beta], IL-6 and tumoral necrosis factor [TNF-alpha]) as predictors of bloodstream infection in elderly patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).
Methods: Blood cultures and markers were performed at admission and on day 4.
Results: Eighty-two patients were included, 34% with positive blood cultures. TNF-alpha and IL-6 values at admission were higher in patients with positive blood cultures (84.5 vs. 28.5 pg/mL [P = .001] and 192.5 vs. 113, [P = .017], respectively). TNF-alpha values on day 4 were higher in patients with positive cultures (50.5 vs. 30; P = .017).
Conclusions: High TNF-alpha and IL-6 values at admission, and TNF-alpha values on day 4 correlated with bloodstream infection.