SCCM Resource Library-Pro/Con Debate: Use of Procalcitonin in the Critically Ill

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this debate on the use of procalcitonin in clinical practice, the pro speaker outlined the potential benefits of using procalcitonin as a biomarker, particularly in the ICU setting for the early diagnosis of sepsis and to guide antibiotic treatment. The speaker highlighted the increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance and the need for tools to manage antibiotic use more effectively. Procalcitonin is thought to have the potential to help in this regard by improving the diagnosis and management of sepsis. The speaker discussed the characteristics of procalcitonin, its ability to differentiate between viral and bacterial infections, and its value as a tool to monitor treatment response and predict prognosis. Several studies were mentioned that showed the benefits of using procalcitonin to guide antibiotic treatment, including a reduction in antibiotic consumption and cost, as well as a decrease in mortality. However, the con speaker presented a different perspective. The con speaker argued that procalcitonin is not effective for the initial diagnosis of viral versus bacterial pneumonia, as there is not sufficient evidence to support its use for this purpose. The con speaker also questioned the value of procalcitonin as a marker of illness severity, stating that it does not provide any additional information beyond what is already obtained from other markers. Finally, the con speaker highlighted the limitations of procalcitonin in determining the duration of antibiotic therapy and suggested that more sensible and basic approaches to antibiotic use, such as high doses and shorter courses, may be more effective. Overall, the debate highlighted the potential benefits and limitations of using procalcitonin as a biomarker and emphasized the importance of further research in this area.

Asset Subtitle

Procedures, Sepsis, 2020

Asset Caption

The Society of Critical Care Medicine's Critical Care Congress features internationally renowned faculty and content sessions highlighting the most up-to-date, evidence-based developments in critical care medicine. This is a presentation from the 2020 Critical Care Congress held February 16-19, 2020, in Orlando, Florida, USA.

Learning Objectives

Review the use of procalcitonin in all critically ill patients
Identify limitations in the use of procalcitonin in critically ill patients
Evaluate the relevant literature on procalcitonin and describe the benefits and risks associated with its use

Pro: Procalcitonin

Ricard Ferrer Roca

Con: PCT is Less Useful in the ICU

Ryan C. Maeves

Meta Tag

Content Type Presentation

Knowledge Area Procedures

Knowledge Area Sepsis

Knowledge Level Intermediate

Knowledge Level Advanced

Learning Pathway Sepsis Resources

Membership Level Select

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Associate

Tag Antibiotics

Tag Infection

Year 2020

Keywords

procalcitonin

clinical practice

biomarker

ICU setting

sepsis

antibiotic treatment

antimicrobial resistance

viral infections

bacterial infections

Procedures

Antibiotics

Infection

Presentation

Select

Professional

Associate

2020

Intermediate

Advanced

Sepsis Resources

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