High Plasma Level of Long Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) Is Associated with Fatal Disease in Bacteremic Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
2011

High PTX3 Levels Linked to Fatal Outcomes in Bacteremia

Sample size: 132 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Huttunen Reetta, Hurme Mikko, Aittoniemi Janne, Huhtala Heini, Vuento Risto, Laine Janne, Jylhävä Juulia, Syrjänen Jaana

Primary Institution: Tampere University Hospital

Hypothesis

The study investigates the prognostic value of plasma PTX3 levels in bacteremic patients.

Conclusion

PTX3 is a specific independent prognostic biomarker in bacteremia, showing better prognostic value than CRP.

Supporting Evidence

  • PTX3 levels were significantly higher in nonsurvivors compared to survivors.
  • High PTX3 (>15 ng/ml) was associated with hypotension and high SOFA scores.
  • PTX3 showed 72% sensitivity and 81% specificity for predicting fatal disease.

Takeaway

If a patient has high levels of PTX3, it might mean they are more likely to get very sick or die from their infection.

Methodology

Plasma PTX3 levels were measured in 132 patients with bacteremia using ELISA, with samples taken at various time points after positive blood culture.

Limitations

PTX3 values for day 0 (blood culture day) were not available, and the study did not assess the effects of antimicrobial therapy on PTX3 levels.

Participant Demographics

Median age was 62 years, with 62 females and 70 males.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI 0.73–0.91

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0017653

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