RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the diagnostic value of serum procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The PCT and CRP levels were detected in 56 patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and 58 healthy control subjects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The serum PCT level and positivity rate were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (P<0.05); the serum CRP level was also significantly higher in the case group (P<0.05), but the positivity rate of CRP was similar between the two groups (P>0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy rate of PCT were higher than those of CRP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Serum PCT is more sensitive than CRP in the diagnoses of acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and can be used as a specific indicator for monitoring the condition of the patients.</p>