Procalcitonin and liver disease: A literature review

Abstract

Procalcitonin (PCT) is a widely used biomarker for the diagnosis of bacterial infections. It is produced by various organs and the liver is considered to be the most important site of production. Severe liver dysfunction has been shown to influence PCT levels. Patients with no sources of infection who have liver disease are observed to have increased serum levels of PCT, thereby reducing the diagnostic utility and value within this particular patient subset. Here, we have summar-ized the relationship between PCT and liver disease, including liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver transplantation.