2023, Vol. 5, Issue 3, Part A

Background: Recent research have found a positive association between increased levels of procalcitonin (PCT) and the degree of severity of COVID-19. Increased PCT values have been linked to a 5-fold higher risk of developing severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a meta-analysis. The objective of this study is to better understand how PCT level changes in COVID-19 patients can be used as a diagnostic indicator.

Methods: Based on the New Coronavirus Pneumonia Prevention and Control Program (6th edition), this prospective work was conducted on 75 adult individuals with COVID-19 confirmed by laboratory who were non-pregnant females. Three groups were created out of the subjects. Group I consists of 25 expected Covid-19 patients who had moderate pneumonia. Group II includes 25 moderately ill Covid-19 suspects. Group III: 25 possible Covid-19 patients with severe serious pneumonia

Results: Regarding group I, there was a substantial negative relationship between PCT and total leucocyte count (TLC) at admission, days 3, 5, 7, and discharge, as well as among pct and platelets at discharge (p>0.05), but there was a substantial positive relationship between PCT and neutrophil at admission and day 3, as well as between PCT and ferritin at day 3 and 7 (p>0.05).

In group II, there was a substantial positive relationship between PCT and TLC at day 5 and discharge, as well as between PCT and CRP at admission, day 3, and discharge. However, except at admission (p>0.05), there was a substantial negative correlation between PCT and lymphocyte at discharge and between pct and platelets as well.

Regarding group III, there was a substantial negative connection between PCT and d dimer at admission (p>0.05), but positive association was established between PCT and CRP at days 5, 7, and discharge (p>0.05). In order to distinguish between groups, (moderate + severe) and group I (mild), the serum PCT average exhibited 94% sensitivity, 84% specificity, 87.5% negative predictive value, and 92.2% positive predictive value.

Conclusions: PCT may serve as a marker for the degree of disease and help assess the degree of illness of individuals with covid-19. Serial PCT readings might also be helpful in determining the prognosis.