Procalcitonin, C-Reactive Protein, Albumin, and Blood Cultures as Early Markers of Sepsis Diagnosis or Predictors of Outcome: A Prospective Analysis

PURPOSE: Sepsis is a condition with high mortality rates and its diagnosis remains a challenge. We assessed epidemiological, clinical data, multiple biomarker profiles, and blood culture with respect to sepsis diagnosis and predictors of outcome. METHODS: In total, 183 patients who were suspected of having sepsis and underwent blood culture collection were followed up for 7 days. Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores were calculated daily; biomarkers and blood culture test results were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 78 (43%) had sepsis, 50 (27%) had septic shock, and 55 (30%) had no sepsis. Blood culture was positive in 28% and 42% of the sepsis and septic shock groups, respectively (P < .001). Regarding clinical profiles and biomarker values, there were no differences between the sepsis and non-sepsis groups, but significant differences were observed in the septic shock group. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that age, serum albumin level, APACHE II, and SOFA 1(st) day scores were the independent variables for death. CONCLUSIONS: The challenge in the diagnosis of sepsis continues as clinical and laboratory differences found between the groups were due to septic shock. Older aged patients with lower albumin levels and higher APACHE II and SOFA 1(st) day scores have a greater probability of mortality.