Relevance of procalcitonin levels in comparison to other markers of inflammation in hemodialysis patients.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum procalcitonin (PCT) in hemodialysis (HD) patients and its correlation to other traditional inflammatory markers.

METHODS

We measured plasma PCT levels in 120 patients on maintenance HD. PCT levels were compared with C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), prealbumin, and albumin. We also examined the above parameters subgroups, especially in diabetics and the elderly. Relations between parameters were studied by Spearman's correlation.

RESULTS

PCT concentrations were higher than the upper normal limit of 0.5 ng/ mL in 38% of the patients. All patients with increased CRP had PCT concentrations higher than the upper normal limit. Plasma CRP concentrations were positively correlated to IL-6 (r = 0.304). Prealbumin was negatively correlated with CRP (r = 0.259) and with IL-6 (r = 0.388).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of elevated IL-6 and CRP levels was associated with an altered nutritional status. The concomitant elevations in PCT, CRP, and IL-6 could be more sensitive in the evaluation of inflammation.