P36 Procalcitonin as an antimicrobial stewardship tool in the COVID-19 era: a single centre experience. (16th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Creedon, Margaret; Talento, Alida Fe; Connolly, Roisin; Egan, Aine; Hassan, Tidi; Trzos-Grzybowksa, Marta
• Is Part Of: JAC-antimicrobial resistance. Volume 4(2022)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2022-02-16
• Subjects: Anti-infective agents -- Periodicals; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; Drug resistance in microorganisms -- Periodicals; 616.9041
• DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlac004.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2632-1823

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker which may have greater specificity than other pro-inflammatory markers in identifying bacterial infection and may aid in antimicrobial stewardship in COVID-19 patients. Methods: A PCT assay by Abbott diagnostics was introduced in our hospital in November 2020. Over a 12 week period, we prospectively recorded all PCT results on in-patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU, as well as stewardship actions taken following discussion with the ICU physicians. Microbiology records were reviewed to ascertain whether bacterial infection was subsequently confirmed. Results: Sixty-four PCT results were recorded on 27 patients (Table 1 ). Antimicrobials were discontinued on 12 occasions and withheld on 16 occasions where PCT was <0.5 ng/mL. No cases of confirmed bacterial infection were diagnosed in patients with PCT concentrations of <0.05 ng/mL; however definite bacterial infection was confirmed in two patients (one case of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection; one case of Staphylococcus epidermidis CVC infection), and bacterial infection was designated probable in five patients with PCT ≥0.05 ng/mL and <0.5 ng/mL. Conclusions: PCT may be a useful tool in enabling antimicrobial stewardship actions in patients with severe COVID-19, but results need to be interpreted within the clinical context.