Background: The diagnostic utility of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to discriminate between infective fever and fever due to inflammation was assessed in hemato-oncological patients treated with aggressive chemotherapy.
Patients and methods: Values of PCT and PCR measured on days -1, 0, 1, 3 and 5 of onset of fever were analyzed using longitudinal regression analysis. Of 236 febrile episodes in 166 patients, 39 were due to bacteremia, 62 to other infections and 135 were classified as fever of unknown origin.
Results: PCT concentration increased early only in bacteremia and other infections (p<0.001), with the highest levels at day +1. No different trends were noted in patients with low WBC count (<1,000/microl). CRP increased with a similar trend in all the three groups.
Conclusion: PCT determination may contribute significantly to the management of hemato-oncological patients who experience febrile episodes.