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Biomarkers to improve diagnostic and prognostic accuracy in systemic infections

Schuetz, P. and Christ-Crain, M. and Muller, B.. (2007) Biomarkers to improve diagnostic and prognostic accuracy in systemic infections. Current Opinion in Critical Care, 13 (5). pp. 578-585.

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Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/56696/

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Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We review the advantages and drawbacks of biomarkers in the diagnostic and prognostic assessment of systemic infections. RECENT FINDINGS: Since the signs and symptoms of severe infections can be ambiguous, biomarkers provide a more reliable tool in ascertaining the presence of a relevant bacterial infection, its severity and treatment response. Procalcitonin and, to a lesser extent, C-reactive protein and interleukin-8 can improve the diagnostic assessment of infections and guide antibiotic therapy. Promising prognostic biomarkers include cortisol, proadrenomedullin, copeptin and natriuretic peptides. The strengths and weaknesses of biomarkers must be recognized in order to use them rationally and safely. Cutoff ranges of biomarkers must be chosen according to the specific clinical context and they should be used as a complementary tool, to reinforce the clinical diagnostic workup. Biomarkers cannot determine the causative organisms and associated patterns of antibiotic susceptibility. SUMMARY: If used in the proper setting, serial measurements of diagnostic biomarkers may allow treatments to be adjusted at an early stage in patients with severe infections. This may involve either intensifying treatment when infection levels stay high or avoiding unnecessary prolonged courses of antibiotics when levels rapidly decrease, thereby improving the allocation of healthcare resources.
Faculties and Departments:03 Faculty of Medicine > Bereich Medizinische Fächer (Klinik) > Allgemeine innere Medizin AG > Argovia Professur für Medizin (Müller)
03 Faculty of Medicine > Departement Klinische Forschung > Bereich Medizinische Fächer (Klinik) > Allgemeine innere Medizin AG > Argovia Professur für Medizin (Müller)
UniBasel Contributors:Müller, Beat
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Further Journal Contribution
Publisher:Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
ISSN:1070-5295
e-ISSN:1531-7072
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal item
Identification Number:
Last Modified:28 Nov 2017 08:14
Deposited On:28 Nov 2017 08:14

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