Is there any influence of immune deficit on procalcitonin results?

The role of procalcitonin (PCT) in immunocompromised patients is still under investigation. This study evaluated the influence of immune deficiency on the value of PCT concentrations in the diagnosis of early stages of bacterial infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients compared with other inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and white blood cell count. We analyzed major immunologic markers including CD4, CD8, and HIV-1 viral load. PCT concentrations in the early stages of bacterial infections correlated negatively with CD4 count in HIV-infected patients. However, a similar relation was not seen in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. We support the recommendation to change the cutoff value ranges of PCT in patients with immune deficiency. PCT concentrations can be influenced by various factors and hence should be carefully analyzed, especially in immunocompromised patients.