Infective factors and PCT/CRP levels in 112 emergency cases of respiratory tract infection

Abstract

Objectives: To analyze the correlation between (1) the clinical features of respiratory tract infection (RTI) and a poor prognosis in emergency cases and common pathogenic microorganisms and procalcitonin/C-reactive protein (PCT/CRP) in emergency RTIs. Methods: A total of 112 patients were enrolled. The clinical characteristics of RTIs were correlated with common microbes. Patients were grouped based in whether they survived (good prognosis) or died (poor prognosis). Results: (1) Patients with RTIs were mainly elderly, and the poor prognosis group was on average ~10 years older than the good prognosis group (P=0.0073). (2) No difference in the type of infectious pathogens and mixed infections between the poor prognosis group and the good prognosis group. (3) No significant difference in PCT and CRP between the two groups and the findings suggested that an abnormally high PCT indicates poor outcomes in patients with emergency RTIs. Conclusion: (1) Acute RTIs in patients with acute onset and severe illness is generally due to poor immunity. Therefore, in the course of routine anti-bacterial and viral treatment, the basic disease and age of the patient should be taken into consideration. (2) The levels of PCT and CRP may provide guidance for under-diagnosis of viral infections.