Use of Procalcitonin in the Diagnosis of Pleural Effusion
Use of Procalcitonin in the Diagnosis of Pleural Effusion
Among several markers of inflammation and sepsis, procalcitonin (PCT) markers is being
 studied to investigate their accuracy for the diagnosis of bacterial infections. PCT is the
 prehormone of calcitonin, which is normally secreted by the C cells of the thyroid in
 response to hypercalcemia; under these normal conditions, negligible serumPCT concentrations
 are detected. The mechanism proposed for PCT production after inflammation and its role are
 still not completely known. It is believed that PCT is produced by the liver and peripheral
 blood mononuclear cells, modulated by lipopolysaccharides and sepsis-related cytokines. It
 binds to polysaccharides in pathogens, activating the classical complement pathway. The
 reported diagnostic accuracy of PCT for the diagnosis of bacterial infections has varied
 across studies.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Clinical diagnosis of pleural effusion

 -  Pleural effusion proved by chest sonography

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Conditions for which thoracentesis are contraindicated

 -  Pregnancy