SERUM PROCALCITONIN AS A PROGNOSTIC MARKER IN ACUTE SEVERE ULCERATIVE COLITIS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

A procalcitonina sérica como marcador prognóstico na colite ulcerativa aguda

ABSTRACT

Background

Procalcitonin may be increased in active ulcerative colitis (UC). We investigated the role of procalcitonin in predicting response in acute severe UC (ASUC).

Methods

Consecutive patients with ASUC diagnosed on basis of Truelove and Witts criteria were enrolled. Serum procalcitonin levels for consecutive patients were measured at admission and day 3. We assessed role of procalcitonin values at presentation and at day 3 in assessing response on day 3 (Oxford’s criteria) and need for second line therapy (day 28).

Results

Of fifty patients (23 males, mean age: 35.98±13.8 years), 16 did not respond (day 3). Ten (20%) patients required second-line therapy. Baseline procalcitonin was significantly associated with response on day 3 (P=0.016). There was no association between day 1 or day 3 procalcitonin and need for second-line rescue therapy.

Conclusion

Serial procalcitonin is not an effective biomarker for predicting outcomes or need for second line therapy in ASUC.

Keywords:
Inflammatory bowel disease; colectomy; surgery; outcomes; ulcerative colitis