Usefulness of consecutive biomarkers measurement in the management of community-acquired pneumonia

The aim of this study was to investigate whether procalcitonin (PCT), neopterin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and mid regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) levels at admission and during the clinical course can be useful for the management of patients with pneumonia. The study population consisted of 75 patients with clinical and radiological diagnosis of pneumonia. Serum samples were collected at admission and during hospitalization. Complications were defined as intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death. The levels of PCT were significantly higher in pneumonia of definite bacterial origin in comparison to probable bacterial or unknown origin. The PCT levels were higher in pneumococcal pneumonia. The PCT and MR-proANP levels increased significantly according to the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI). All biomarkers levels are higher in patients developing complications and who were dying. The serial levels of MR-proANP remain significantly elevated in patients developing complications and in patients classified in PSI and CURB-65 risk groups. In patients not developing complications, there is a significant decrease in the PCT levels. PCT can be useful for identifying pneumonia etiology. PCT and MR-proANP levels correlate with pneumonia severity rules. PCT and MR-proANP serial measurements can be useful for predicting short-term prognosis. Systemic biomarkers can provide additional information regarding clinical evolution, because these are dynamic and can be measured daily.