Diagnostic value of sepsis biomarkers in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients in a condition of high prevalence of gram-negative pathogens

ABSTRACT

Objective / background: A decision about the need for antimicrobial therapy in a patient with febrile neutropenia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation [HSCT] is often complicated because of the low frequency of culture isolation and reduced clinical manifestation of infection. Usefulness and choice of sepsis biomarkers to distinguish bloodstream infection [BSI] from other causes of febrile episode is still argued in HSCT recipients in modern epidemiological situations characterized by the emergence of highly resistant gram-negative microorganisms. In this study a comparative analysis of diagnostic values of presepsin, procalcitonin [PCT], and C-reactive protein [CRP] was performed as sepsis biomarkers in adult patients after HSCT in a condition of high prevalence of gram-negative pathogens