The kinetics of serum Procalcitonin and its significane in predicting outcome following orthopedic surgery

Background: Despite many recent advances in the field of orthopedic surgery, the early diagnosis of SSI is still a challenge to orthopedic surgeon as there is lack of reliable bio marker of infection. In this regard we aimed to find out the diagnostic power of PCT as a marker of SSI and its kinetics in patients who have undergone orthopedic surgical procedure. Material and Methods: After getting informed consent, patients who had undergone orthopaedic surgery were included in this study. It was a prospective study. Those patients who developed post-operative wound discharge were followed up for the development of SSI and wound complications. Serum levels of procalcitonin was measured pre operatively, POD1, POD3. First wound check was done on POD4.So at the end of the study, patients were classified into 3 groups: Group 1 -with SSI: Group 2- wound discharge, Group 3-No wound discharge. The serum levels of PCT was compared among above three groups and results were drawn. Results: Group 1 had higher mean PCT levels than Group 2 (p < 0.05), Group 2 had higher mean level of PCT than Group-3(p < 0.05), Conclusion: A persistent level of PCT is predictive of SSI and wound complications Level of evidence-4