Utility of Procalcitonin in Clinical Practice

Abstract

The rise of multi-resistant infections and complications associated with the overuse of antibiotics has led to the implementation of antibiotic stewardship strategies as a marker of patient safety and quality. Using biomarkers that can accurately predict the presence or absence of bacterial infection, thus signaling the need for antibiotic use, or supporting appropriate and safe discontinuation, has become an increasingly relevant strategy for antibiotic stewardship. Evidence supporting procalcitonin for antimicrobial stewardship has focused mostly on lower respiratory tract infections and sepsis. This review discusses the most relevant evidence to support the use of procalcitonin in clinical practice.