Procalcitonin-guided treatment of lower respiratory tract infections

JAAPA. 2018 Jan;31(1):50-52. doi: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000527711.69310.ae.

Abstract

The FDA recently approved a procalcitonin assay for use in hospitals and EDs to help prescribers determine if an antibiotic should be prescribed and for what duration. This article reviews the use of procalcitonin testing and evidence-based medical decision-making for patients with sepsis or lower respiratory tract infections.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Calcitonin / blood*
  • Humans
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / blood*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Biomarkers
  • Calcitonin