Evaluation of Plasma Procalcitonin Concentrations in Healthy Foals and Foals Affected by Septic Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.06.007
• Publication Date: 2015-06-18T02:37:08Z
• Authors: Francesca Bonelli; Valentina Meucci; Thomas Divers; Rolfe Radcliffe; Eduard Jose-Cunil...; Michele Corazza; Grazia Guidi; Rosalba Tognetti; Carolina Castagnetti; Luigi Intorre; Micaela Sgorbini
• Keywords: Procalcitonin; Cut-off

Abstract The aim of this work was to evaluate procalcitonin (PCT) concentrations in healthy foals and in foals with septic systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Plasma PCT concentrations were evaluated in 51 foals, and SIRS scale was calculated. Foals were divided into control group (no septic SIRS criteria met) and septic SIRS group (SIRS score ≥2 plus evidence of sepsis or localized infection). Procalcitonin concentrations were evaluated with a commercial ELISA kit. The data were expressed as mean and standard deviation. A t-test was performed between healthy and septic SIRS groups. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was carried out. Finally, correlation analysis between PCT concentration and SIRS scale was performed by using Pearson test. The PCT concentrations in control and septic SIRS groups were 30.0 ± 33.1 and 178.9 ± 76.0 pg/mL, respectively. The t-test showed differences between control group and septic SIRS group (P