Serial Measurements of C-reactive Protein and Albumin Levels in Prediction of Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Pesticide-Intoxicated Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study attempted to determine whether serial measurements of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin levels can be used for prediction of prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) in patients with pesticide intoxication. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 36 pesticide-intoxicated patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and received mechanical ventilation for >72 hours between January 2010 and December 2011. Patients were divided into two groups patients on mechanical ventilation for > or =15 days (PMV group; n=9) and patients on mechanical ventilation for 4 days [odds ratio (OR), 2.06; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10-3.86] and DeltaAlbumin >2.0 g/dL (OR, 7.81; 95% CI, 1.04-58.67) showed an independent association with PMV. CONCLUSION: Serial measurements of serum CRP and albumin levels can be used for identification of patients at risk for PMV. Increase in serum CRP level for more than four consecutive days and decrease in albumin level greater than 2.0 g/dL could discriminate PMV patients from non-PMV patients.