Value of Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein in Assessing the Severity and Prognosis of Elderly Patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Objective To evaluate the value of procalcitonin(PCT) and C-reactive protein(CRP) in assessing the severity and prognosis of elderly patients with lower respiratory tract infection.Methods 95 elderly patients with lower respiratory tract infection(case group) and 30 healthy people(control group) were involved into the study.PCT and CRP were detected,and the incidence of respiratory failure and hospital stays were observed.Results The levels of serum PCT and CRP in case group were significantly higher than those in control group(P0.01).The levels of serum PCT and CRP were significantly increased when comparing moderate group with mild group,severe group with moderate group and severe group with mild group(P0.05).Serum PCT was positively correlated with CRP and serum PCT and CRP were positively correlated with the severity of the disease.The levels of serum PCT and CRP in patients with respiratory failure were significantly higher than those in patients without respiratory failure(P0.01).When taking PCT1.5 μg/L as critical value,85 elderly patients with lower respiratory tract infection had increased serum PCT,and their hospital stays(13.39±13.82)d were significantly longer than those without increased serum PCT(9.06±8.67) d(t=2.45,P0.01).When taking CRP10 mg/L as critical value,79 elderly patients with lower respiratory tract infection had increased serum CRP,and their hospital stays(13.87±12.06)d were significantly longer than those without increased serum CRP(9.15±8.24)d(t=2.86,P0.01).Conclusion Combined detection of serum PCT and CRP in elderly patients with lower respiratory tract infection can reflect the severity of the disease and is valuable in assessing prognosis,providing theoretical evidence for correct use of antibiotics.