期刊名称：International Journal of Collaborative Research on Internal Medicine & Public Health
电子版ISSN：1840-4529
出版年度：2012
卷号：4
期号：12
出版社：DRUNPP Sarajevo
摘要：Introduction: Procalcitonin (PCT), a 116 amino acid is the prohormone precursor of calcitonin, is expressed primarily in C-cells of the thyroid gland and to a smaller extent in neuroendocrine tissue of other organs, such as lungs and intestines. PCT is a marker of inflammatory response to infection. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a widely used marker for diagnosis of infections. Objective: The purpose of our study was to assess the levels of serum PCT, CRP, calcium and phosphorus in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Method: Forty patients diagnosed with tuberculosis were recruited from The Institute of Thoracic Medicine, Chennai, India and compared with age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (n=40). Serum procalcitonin concentration was analyzed using semi-quantitative PCT-Q kit (B.R.A.H.M.S Diagnostica GmBH, Germany). According to standard procedures, CRP level was determined by immunoturbidimetic assay, calcium and phosphorus by photometric Arsenazo III and phosphomolybdate methods respectively. Results: Levels of PCT in 27 out of 40 healthy volunteers was <0.5 ng/dl, 3 showing >2 ng/dl. However, 15 out of 40 patients had PCT >2 ng/dl and 25 had PCT>10 ng/dl. CRP levels was significantly elevated in TB patients (p<0.001); Calcium and phosphorus were significantly decreased (p<0.001and p<0.01 respectively) when compared to healthy volunteers.
