Evaluation of the Relationship Between C-reactive Protein, Lactate, Procalcitonin and Albumin Levels and Procalcitonin/Albumin Ratio with SOFA and APACHE-II Scores in Emergency ICU Patients

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate, procalcitonin and albumin levels and procalcitonin/albumin ratio used as indicators of infection on mortality in critical patients admitted to the intensive care unit and their relationships with APACHE-II and SOFA scores. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using patients' hospital records and patient file scans. Demographic characteristics; procalcitonin, CRP, albumin and lactate levels and APACHE-II and SOFA scores were recorded. Spearman's rank correlation was used to assess non-parametric data. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine the threshold values of blood parameters. Results: A total of 61 patients were enrolled in the present study [35 males (57.4%) and 26 females (42.6%); average age, 69.0 years]. A positive, weakly significant association was detected between APACHE-II score and procalcitonin levels. When the APACHE-II score and lactate level and procalcitonin/albumin ratio were evaluated, Results: APACHE-II score was positively significant and weakly correlated with lactate and the procalcitonin/albumin ratio. A moderate negative correlation was found between albumin level and the APACHE-II score. The SOFA score was positively associated with both procalcitonin and lactate levels. SOFA score was positively significant and weakly correlated with the procalcitonin/albumin ratio. Conclusion: Procalcitonin, lactate and albumin levels and the procalcitonin/albumin ratio can be considered prognostic markers according to the cut-off points in terms of mortality in critically ill patients. In addition, these blood parameters were found to be useful in clinical follow-up as they are related to the APACHE-II and SOFA scoring systems used in intensive care units.