HIGHLIGHTS
-
The procalcitonin-guided therapy in COVID-19 reduces antimicrobial use.
-
The procalcitonin serum levels showed an association with mortality.
-
There was a relationship between the PCT serum levels and laboratory markers related to bacterial infection.
ABSTRACT
Objective:
to investigate the relationship between procalcitonin in the differential diagnosis of bacterial coinfection in COVID-19 patients.
Method:
a cross-sectional retrospective study conducted between February and March 2021 in the Intensive Care Unit of a public hospital from southern Brazil by filling in a form. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, as well as of association between variables.
Results:
of the 231 patients, 28.14% presented infection (63.20% in the lungs), 25% had bacteria isolated, 77.49% used antimicrobials and, in 14.72% of the cases, procalcitonin > 2 ng/mL. There was a significant association between antimicrobial use and infection (p=0.001), isolation of bacteria (p<0.001), topography of the infection (p<0.001) and procalcitonin values (p<0.001). Procalcitonin use showed an association with bacterial infection (p<0.001), isolation of bacteria (p<0.001), antimicrobial use (p=0.001) and death (p<0.001).
Conclusion:
procalcitonin can reduce empirical antimicrobial use and stimulate detection and identification of pathogens, taking into account the clinical and epidemiological data.
DESCRIPTORS:
Antimicrobial Management; COVID-19; Procalcitonin; In-hospital Infection Control Services; Intensive Care Unit.