The level of procalcitonin (PCT) in children is undetectable in healthy in
dividuals and slightly increased in viral infections and noninfectious inflam
matory responses. It has been described to be notably increased in bacteri
al, parasitic, or fungal infections.
Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) of this study include, pharyngitis,
tonsillitis, rhinosinusitis, otitis media. As much as 75% of antibiotics are
prescribed for ARTI, despite the mainly viral origin.
The objective of this trail is to evaluate, if a PCT-guided diagnostic strat
egy leads to reduction of antibiotic use for patients with ARTI in primary
care compared to staitdard approaches as C-reactive protein (CRP) and to
tal leucocytic count (TLC).
This study included 110 children, 20 of them were apparently healthy as a
control group. Tlte diseased group; 30 children with pharyngotonsillitis, 30
children had acute rhinosinusitis and 30 children with acute otitis media.
PCT, CRP and TLC were evaluated for control and diseased groups.
Culture for diseased group from blood, post nasal and ear discharge was
done. Also, detection for adenovints and respiratory syncetial virus antigen |
