Procalcitonin Levels in Liver Transplant Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Zazula Roman, Prucha Miroslav, Tyll Tomas, Kieslichova Eva
Primary Institution: Charles University in Prague, the First Faculty of Medicine and Thomayer's Faculty Hospital
Hypothesis
The study aims to compare the early postoperative kinetics of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) serum levels in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) with different immunosuppressive regimens.
Conclusion
ATG administration to patients with OLTx is associated with an increase in serum PCT levels, with peak values on postoperative day 1, and this was in the absence of any evidence of infection.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with ATG therapy had significantly higher PCT levels compared to those without ATG therapy.
- Peak PCT levels occurred on the first postoperative day in both groups of liver transplant patients.
- No evidence of infection was present in either group of patients.
Takeaway
This study found that a medicine called ATG makes a substance called procalcitonin go up in liver transplant patients, but this doesn't mean they have an infection.
Methodology
PCT and CRP serum concentrations were measured in liver transplant patients before anesthesia and at various times post-surgery.
Limitations
The study did not assess long-term effects of PCT levels beyond the early postoperative period.
Participant Demographics
Patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation and liver resection.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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