RESUMO
PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum procalcitonin (PCT) in hemodialysis (HD) patients and its correlation to other traditional inflammatory markers. METHODS: We measured plasma PCT levels in 120 patients on maintenance HD. PCT levels were compared with C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), prealbumin, and albumin. We also examined the above parameters subgroups, especially in diabetics and the elderly. Relations between parameters were studied by Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: PCT concentrations were higher than the upper normal limit of 0.5 ng/ mL in 38% of the patients. All patients with increased CRP had PCT concentrations higher than the upper normal limit. Plasma CRP concentrations were positively correlated to IL-6 (r = 0.304). Prealbumin was negatively correlated with CRP (r = 0.259) and with IL-6 (r = 0.388). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of elevated IL-6 and CRP levels was associated with an altered nutritional status. The concomitant elevations in PCT, CRP, and IL-6 could be more sensitive in the evaluation of inflammation.
