Ultrasonography in thoracic and abdominal stab wound injury: results from the FETTHA study.

BACKGROUND: While the role of Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (eFAST) is well defined in the management of severe blunt trauma, its performance in injuries caused by stab wounds has been poorly assessed. METHODS: Prospective single centre study which included all patients with stab wounds to the thorax or abdomen between December 2016 and December 2018. All patients underwent initial investigation with both eFAST and CT scan, except in cases of haemodynamic or respiratory instability, and in cases with a positive diagnosis by eFAST in which case surgery without CT scan was performed. RESULTS: Of the 200 consecutive patients included, 14 unstable patients underwent surgery immediately after eFAST. In these 14 patients, 9 had cardiac tamponade identified by eFAST and all were confirmed by surgery. In the remaining 186 patients, the median time between eFAST and CT scan was 30 min (IQR 20-49 min). Test characteristics (including 95% CI) for eFAST compared with reference standard of CT scan for detecting pneumothorax were as follows: sensitivity 77% (54%-92%), specificity 93% (90%-97%), positive predictive value (PPV) 60% (49%-83%), negative predictive value (NPV) 97% (93%-99%). Test characteristics (including 95% CI) for eFAST compared with CT scan for detecting haemothorax were as follows: sensitivity 97% (74%-99%), specificity 96% (92%-98%), PPV 83% (63%-93%) and NPV 99% (96%-100%). Finally, test characteristics (including 95% CI) for eFAST compared with CT scan for detecting haemoperitoneum were as follows: sensitivity 75% (35%-97%), specificity 97% (93%-99%), PPV 55% (23%-83%) and NPV 99% (96%-99%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients admitted with stab wounds to the torso, eFAST was not sensitive enough to diagnose pneumothorax and haemoperitoneum, but performed better in the detection of cardiac tamponade and haemothorax than the other injuries. More robust multicentre studies are needed to better define the role of eFAST in this specific population.

Plasma Apolipoprotein Concentrations Are Highly Altered in Severe Intensive Care Unit COVID-19 Patients: Preliminary Results from the LIPICOR Cohort Study.

SARS-CoV-2 infection goes beyond acute pneumonia, as it also impacts lipid metabolism. Decreased HDL-C and LDL-C levels have been reported in patients with COVID-19. The lipid profile is a less robust biochemical marker than apolipoproteins, components of lipoproteins. However, the association of apolipoprotein levels during COVID-19 is not well described and understood. The objective of our study is to measure plasma levels of 14 apolipoproteins in patients with COVID-19 and to evaluate the relationships between apolipoprotein levels, severity factors and patient outcomes. From November to March 2021, 44 patients were recruited on admission to the intensive care unit because of COVID-19. Fourteen apolipoproteins and LCAT were measured by LC-MS/MS in plasma of 44 COVID-19 patients on admission to the ICU and 44 healthy control subjects. Absolute apolipoprotein concentrations were compared between COVID-19 patients and controls. Plasma apolipoproteins (Apo) A (I, II, IV), C(I, II), D, H, J and M and LCAT were lower in COVID-19 patients, whereas Apo E was higher. COVID-19 severity factors such as PaO2/FiO2 ratio, SO-FA score and CRP were correlated with certain apolipoproteins. Lower Apo B100 and LCAT levels were observed in non-survivors of COVID-19 versus survivors. To conclude, in this study, lipid and apolipoprotein profiles are altered in COVID-19 patients. Low Apo B100 and LCAT levels may be predictive of non-survival in COVID-19 patients.

Relationship between liver dysfunction, lipoprotein concentration and mortality during sepsis.

BACKGROUND: High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are synthesized by the liver and display endothelioprotective properties, including anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antithrombotic and antioxidant effects. In both septic and chronic liver failure patients, a low HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration is associated with overmortality. Whereas sepsis-associated liver dysfunction is poorly defined, the aim of this study was to characterize the relationship between liver dysfunction, lipoprotein concentrations and mortality in septic patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in a university hospital ICU. All consecutive patients admitted for septic shock or sepsis were included. Total cholesterol, HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride levels were assessed at admission. Sepsis-associated liver dysfunction was defined as a serum bilirubin≥ 2N or aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase concentrations ≥ 2N. Short-term and one-year prognostic outcomes were prospectively assessed. RESULTS: A total of 219 septic patients were included, and 15% of them presented with sepsis-associated liver dysfunction at admission. Low concentrations of lipoproteins were associated with mortality at Day 28 in the overall population. Sepsis-associated liver dysfunction at admission was associated with overmortality. In this subgroup, patients had a lower HDL-C concentration than patients without hepatic dysfunction (HDL-C = 0.31 [0.25, 0.55] mmol/L vs. 0.48 [0.29, 0.73] mmol/L, p = 0.0079) but there was no relationship with the outcome. Interestingly, no correlation was observed between lipoprotein concentrations and liver dysfunction markers. CONCLUSION: Sepsis-associated liver dysfunction at ICU admission is strongly associated with overmortality and is associated with a lower HDL-C concentration. However, in this subgroup of patients, HDL-C concentration had no relationship with mortality. Further exploratory studies are needed to better understand the interaction between lipoproteins and liver dysfunction during sepsis.

Massive intraoperative red blood cell transfusion during lung transplantation is strongly associated with 90-day mortality.

BACKGROUND: The effect of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion on mortality after lung transplantation (LT) was assessed in some retrospective studies, with contradictory results. The first aim of this study was to assess the 90-day survival of LT recipients according to massive intraoperative transfusion (MIOT). METHODS: This prospective, observational, single-centre study analysed the intraoperative transfusion (IOT) of all consecutive LT recipients between January 2016 and February 2019. MIOT was defined as transfusion of 5 RBC units or more. The results are presented as the median [IQR] and absolute numbers (proportions) and were analysed using χ2, Fisher, and Mann-Whitney tests (p < 0.05 as significance). Multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for MIOT, 90-day and one-year mortality and grade 3 PGD at day 3. Ninety-day and one-year survivals were studied (Kaplan-Meier curves, log rank test). The Paris-North-Hospitals Institutional Review Board approved the study. RESULTS: Overall, 147 patients were included in the analysis, 27 (18%) of them received MIOT. In multivariate analysis, predictive factors of MIOT included preoperative ECMO support (p = 0.017), and bilateral LT (p = 0.023). The SOFA score on ICU admission after LT was higher in cases with MIOT (p < 0.001). MIOT was an independent risk factor for 90-days and one-year mortality (p = 0.002 and 0.008 respectively). The number of RBCs unit transfused during surgery was an independent risk factor for grade 3 PGD at day 3 (OR 1.14, 95% CI [1.00-1.29], p = 0.040). CONCLUSION: Increased preoperative severity of recipients predicts MIOT. MIOT is associated with increased early postoperative morbidity and mortality rates.

Impact of prior antibiotic therapy on severe necrotizing soft-tissue infections in ICU patients: results from a French retrospective and observational study.

Necrotizing soft-tissue infection (NSTI) is a life-threatening pathology that often requires management in intensive care unit (ICU). Therapies consist of early diagnosis, adequate surgical source control, and antimicrobial therapy. Whereas guidelines underline the need for appropriate routine microbiological cultures before starting antimicrobial therapy in patients with suspected sepsis or septic shock, delaying adequate therapy also strongly increases mortality. The aim of the present study was to compare the characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized in ICU for NSTI according to their antimicrobial therapy exposure > 24 h before surgery (called the exposed group) or not (called the unexposed group) before surgical microbiological sampling. We retrospectively included 100 consecutive patients admitted for severe NSTI. The exposed group consisted of 23(23%) patients, while 77(77%) patients belonged to the unexposed group. The demographic and underlying disease conditions were similar between the two groups. Microbiological cultures of surgical samples were positive in 84 patients and negative in 16 patients, including 3/23 (13%) patients and 13/77 (17%) patients in the exposed and unexposed groups, respectively (p = 0.70). The distribution of microorganisms was comparable between the two groups. The main antimicrobial regimens for empiric therapy were also similar, and the proportions of adequacy were comparable (n = 60 (84.5%) in the unexposed group vs. n = 19 (86.4%) in the exposed group, p = 0.482). ICU and hospital lengths of stay and mortality rates were similar between the two groups. In conclusion, in a population of severe ICU NSTI patients, antibiotic exposure before sampling did not impact either culture sample positivity or microbiological findings.

Intensive care readmissions in the first year after lung transplantation: Incidence, early risk factors and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Predictive factors of intensive care readmissions after lung transplantation (LT) have not been established. The main objective of this study was to assess early risk factors for ICU readmission during the first year after LT. METHODS: This retrospective, observational, single-centre study included all consecutive patients who underwent LT in our institution between January 2016 and November 2019. Patients who died during the initial hospitalisation in the ICU were excluded. Surgical and medical ICU readmissions were collected during the first year. The results are expressed as medians, interquartile ranges, absolute numbers and percentages. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate (p < 0.05 as significance). Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for readmission. The Paris-North-Hospitals Institutional Review Board reviewed and approved the study. RESULTS: A total of 156 patients were analysed. Eighteen of them (12%) died during the initial ICU hospitalisation. During the first year after LT, ICU readmission was observed for 49/138 (36%) patients. Among these patients, 14/49 (29%) died during the study period. Readmission was mainly related to respiratory failure (35 (71%) patients), infectious diseases (28 (57%) patients), airway complications (11 (22%) patients), and immunologic complications (4 (8%) patients). In the multivariate analysis, ICU readmission was associated with the use of high doses of catecholamines during surgery, and the increased duration of initial ICU stay. CONCLUSION: The initial severity of haemodynamic failure and a prolonged postoperative course seem to be key determinants of ICU readmissions after LT.

Lipoprotein concentration in patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a relevant technology for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or acute cardiac failure (ACF), is a frequent cause of systemic inflammatory response syndrome. During sepsis, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations decrease, and an association between low lipoprotein levels and poor outcomes was reported. There are no data from patients undergoing ECMO. The goal of this study was to characterize the lipoprotein profiles of ICU patients requiring ECMO. All consecutive patients admitted for ARDS or ACF requiring ECMO were prospectively included. Daily lipoprotein levels and short-term prognosis outcome were assessed. 25 patients were included. On admission, lipoprotein concentrations were low, under the reference values ([HDL-C] = 0.6[0.4-0.8]mmol/L;[LDL-C] = 1.3[1.0-1.7]mmol/L). A statistically significant rise in lipoproteins overtime was observed during the ICU stay. We found no relationship between lipoproteins concentrations and mortality on Day-28 (p = 0.689 and p = 0.979, respectively). Comparison of surviving patients with non-surviving patients did not reveal any differences in lipoproteins concentrations. Stratification between septic and non-septic patients demonstrated that septic patients had lower lipoproteins concentrations on admission (HDL-C: 0.5[0.3-0.6]mmol/l vs 0.8[0.6-0.9]mmol/l, p = 0.003; LDL-C: 1.1[0.9-1.5]mmol/l vs 1.5[1.3-2.6]mmol/l; p = 0.012), whereas these two groups were comparable in terms of severity and outcomes. HDL-C concentrations during ICU hospitalization were also significantly lower in the septic group than in the non-septic group (p = 0.035). In conclusion, Lipoprotein concentrations are low in patients requiring ECMO but are not associated with poor outcomes. The subpopulation of septic patients had lower lipoprotein levels overtime, which reinforces the potential key-role of these particles during sepsis.

Relationship between lipoprotein concentrations and short-term and 1-year mortality in intensive care unit septic patients: results from the HIGHSEPS study.

BACKGROUND: High-density lipoproteins (HDLs), particles characterized by their reverse cholesterol transport function, display pleiotropic properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions. Moreover, all lipoproteins (HDLs but also low-density lipoproteins (LDLs)) neutralize lipopolysaccharides, leading to increased bacterial clearance. These two lipoproteins decrease during sepsis, and an association between low lipoprotein levels and poor outcome was reported. The goals of this study were to characterize the lipid profile of septic patients hospitalized in our intensive care unit (ICU) and to determine the relationship with the outcome. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in a university hospital ICU. All consecutive patients admitted for septic shock or sepsis were included. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride levels were assessed at admission (day 1), at day 3, and at ICU discharge. When available, a prehospitalization lipid profile collected prior to the patient's hospitalization was compiled. Short-term and 1-year prognostic outcomes were prospectively assessed. RESULTS: A total of 205 patients were included. We found a decrease in HDL-C concentration between previous values and those at admission, followed by an additional decrease at day 3. At ICU discharge, the concentration was higher than that at day 3 but did not reach the concentration measured prior to hospitalization (prior HDL-C = 1.22 (1.04-1.57) mmol/l; day 1 HDL-C = 0.44 (0.29-0.70) mmol/l; day 3 HDL-C = 0.30 (0.25-0.48) mmol/l; and HDL-C at discharge = 0.65 (0.42-0.82) mmol/l). A similar trend was found for LDL-C (prior LDL-C = 2.7 (1.91-3.33) mmol/l; day 1 LDL-C = 1.0 (0.58-1.50) mmol/l; day 3 LDL-C = 1.04 (0.64-1.54) mmol/l; and LDL-C at discharge = 1.69 (1.26-2.21) mmol/l). Mixed models for repeated measures of lipoprotein concentrations showed a significant difference in HDL-C and LDL-C concentrations over time between survivors and nonsurvivors at day 28. An HDL-C concentration at admission of less than 0.4 mmol/l was associated with increased mortality at day 28 (log-rank test, p = 0.034) but not at 1 year (log-rank test, p = 0.24). An LDL-C concentration at admission of less than 0.72 mmol/l was associated with increased mortality at day 28 and at 1 year (log-rank test, p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively). No link was found between prior lipid profile and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: We showed no relationship between the prehospitalization lipid profile and patient outcome, but low lipoprotein levels in the ICU were strongly associated with short-term mortality.

Dynamic Changes in Microbial Composition During Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infections in ICU Patients.

Introduction: Recent studies described the threat of emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, but few data are available for necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections (NSTI). In a cohort of ICU patients admitted for NSTI, we describe the dynamic changes of microbial population during repeated surgeries. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study compiled consecutive cases admitted for the management of severe NSTI. Clinical characteristics, NSTI features, morbidity and mortality data were collected. The microbiological characteristics of surgical samples obtained during initial surgery were compared with those obtained during the first reoperation, including persistence of initial pathogens and/or emergence of microorganisms. Risk factors for emergence of microorganisms and MDR bacteria were assessed by univariable and multivariable analyses. Results: Among 100 patients {63% male, 58 years old [interquartile ratio (IQR) 50-68]} admitted for NSTI, 54 underwent reoperation with a median [IQR] delay of 3 (1-7) days. Decreased proportions of susceptible strains and emergence of Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococci and enterococci strains, were reported based on the cultures of surgical specimen collected on reoperation. On reoperation, 22 (27%) of the isolated strains were MDR (p < 0.0001 vs. MDR bacteria cultured from the first samples). Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy as first-line therapy was significantly associated with a decreased emergence of microorganisms. Adequate antibiotic therapy from the initial surgery did not modify the frequency of emergence of microorganisms (p = 0.79) and MDR bacteria (p = 1.0) or the 1-year survival rate. Conclusion: The emergence of microorganisms, including MDR bacteria, is frequently noted in NSTI without affecting mortality.

Impact of a high loading dose of amikacin in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.

BACKGROUND: The therapeutic effect of aminoglycosides is highest and optimal when the peak plasma concentration (C max)/minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ratio is between 8 and 10. The French guidelines recommend to use high doses of aminoglycosides for empiric antibiotic therapy in patients suffering from severe sepsis or septic shock. In clinical practice, the recommended target is an amikacin C max between 60 and 80 mg/L, which corresponds to approximately 8 times the MIC breakpoint, as defined by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and impact on mortality of an amikacin concentration between 60 and 80 mg/L in patients suffering from severe sepsis or septic shock. METHODS: This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted in two intensive care units (ICU). Patients receiving amikacin at a loading dose of 30 mg/kg for severe sepsis or septic shock were enrolled in the cohort. The target C max for amikacin was between 60 and 80 mg/L, as recommended by French guidelines (i.e. C max/MIC breakpoint = 8-10). RESULTS: Over the study period, the amikacin C max was <60 mg/L, between 60 and 80 mg/L, and >80 mg/L in 20 (18.2%), 46 (41.8%) and 44 (40%) of the 110 selected patients, respectively. Mortality rate was 40, 28.3 and 56.8% in the groups of patients with C max < 60 mg/L, 60 mg/L < C max < 80 mg/L and C max > 80 mg/L, respectively. Following multivariate analysis, mortality rate was significantly lower in the group of patients with amikacin C max between 60 and 80 mg/L than in the group of patients with amikacin C max > 80 mg/L (P = 0.004). The multivariate analysis also revealed that the factors independently associated with a higher in-ICU mortality rate were age (P = 0.02) and norepinephrine dose (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: With a loading dose of 30 mg/kg of amikacin, concentration was potentially suboptimal (C max < 60 mg/L) in only 18.2% of patients. The pharmacodynamic target (60 mg/L < C max < 80 mg/L) recommended by French guidelines was reached in 41.8% of patients and was associated with reduced in-ICU mortality. But amikacin overexposure (i.e. C max > 80 mg/L) was frequent and potentially associated with increased mortality.

Current guidelines and recommendations for the management of skin and soft tissue infections.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The incidence of severe skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) has significantly increased over the last years. In addition, major ecological changes have been reported with the emergence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), involved in a large proportion of these cases. A large number of expert opinions, guidelines, and recommendations for the management of SSTIs have been published over the last decade. The purpose of this review is to compare these guidelines. RECENT FINDINGS: A total of six official publications have presented recommendations for the management of SSTIs. During the same period, other guidelines for the management of MRSA infections have also been published, including some recommendations for SSTIs. SUMMARY: The applicability of the guidelines is questionable in many ways. The distinction between necrotizing/nonnecrotizing infections is valuable but difficult to apply prior to surgical management. The prescribers should choose a pragmatic approach to empirical antibiotic therapy, taking into account the patient's initial severity, the extent of infection and risk factors for resistant microorganisms essentially related to healthcare-associated circumstances.

Postoperative pneumonia following cardiac surgery in non-ventilated patients versus mechanically ventilated patients: is there any difference?

INTRODUCTION: No studies have compared ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and non-VAP following cardiac surgery (CS). The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, clinical and microbiologic features, treatment characteristics and prognosis of postoperative pneumonia following CS with a special focus on non-VAP. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study based on a prospectively collected database. We compared cases of non-VAP and VAP following CS observed between January 2005 and December 2012. Statistical analysis consisted of bivariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 257 (3.5%) of 7,439 consecutive CS patients developed postoperative pneumonia, including 120 (47%) cases of non-VAP. Patients with VAP had more frequent history of congestive heart failure (31% vs. 17%, P = 0.006) and longer duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (105 vs 76 min, P < 0.0001), than patients with non-VAP. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of the types of microorganisms isolated with high proportions of Enterobacteriaceae (35%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20.2%) and Haemophilus spp (20.2%), except for a lower proportion of Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus in the non-VAP group (3.2% vs 7.9%, P = 0.03). In the intensive care unit, patients with non-VAP had lower sequential organ failure assessment scores than patients with VAP (8 ± 3 versus 9 ± 3, P = 0.004). On multivariate analysis, in-hospital mortality was similar in both groups (32% in the non-VAP group and 42% in the VAP group, adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 1.4; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.7-2.5; P = 0.34) and appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy was associated with a reduction of in-hospital mortality (aOR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2-1; P = 0.05). Piperacillin/tazobactam or imipenem monotherapy constituted appropriate empiric therapy in the two groups, with values reaching 93% and 95% with no differences between VAP and non-VAP cases. CONCLUSIONS: Intensive care patients with VAP are more severely ill than non-VAP patients following CS. Nevertheless, patients with non-VAP and VAP following CS have similar outcomes. This study suggests that the empiric antibiotic regimen in patients with pneumonia following CS should include at least a broad-spectrum antibiotic targeting non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli, regardless of the type of pneumonia, and targeting S. aureus in VAP patients.

Objective assessment of the immediate postoperative analgesia using pupillary reflex measurement: a prospective and observational study.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of pain intensity during the immediate postoperative period is a key factor for pain management. However, this evaluation may be difficult in some circumstances. The pupillary dilatation reflex (PDR) has been successfully used to assess the analgesic component of a balanced anesthetic regimen. We hypothesized that PDR could be a reliable index of pain intensity and could guide morphine administration in the immediate postoperative period. METHODS: One hundred patients scheduled to undergo general surgery were included in this prospective observational study. Pain intensity was assessed by using a simple five-item verbal rating scale (VRS). After patients awoke from general anesthesia, those experiencing mild or more severe pain (VRS more than 1) received intravenous morphine titration. Before and after intravenous morphine titration, the PDR induced by a standardized noxious stimulus was measured with a portable pupillometer. A receiver-operating curve was built to estimate the accuracy of PDR in objectively detecting patients requiring morphine titration. Results are given as median (95% CI). RESULTS: On the initial evaluation, a correlation was found between VRS and PDR (ρ = 0.88 [0.83-0.92], P < 0.0001). In the 39 patients that had a VRS more than 1, PDR before and after morphine titration was respectively 35% (31-43) versus 12% (10-14); P < 0.0001. The PDR threshold value corresponding to the highest accuracy to have VRS more than 1 was 23%, with 91% and 94% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. CONCLUSION: In the immediate postoperative period, the PDR is significantly correlated with the VRS. The pupillometer could be a valuable tool to guide morphine administration in the immediate postoperative period.

Impact of previous sepsis on the accuracy of procalcitonin for the early diagnosis of blood stream infection in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: Blood stream infections (BSI) are life-threatening infections in intensive care units (ICU), and prognosis is highly dependent on early detection. Procalcitonin levels have been shown to accurately and quickly distinguish between BSI and noninfectious inflammatory states in critically ill patients. It is, however, unknown to what extent a recent history of sepsis (namely, secondary sepsis) can affect diagnosis of BSI using PCT. METHODS: review of the medical records of every patient with BSI in whom PCT dosage at the onset of sepsis was available between 1st September, 2006 and 31st July, 2007. RESULTS: 179 episodes of either primary (n = 117) or secondary (n = 62) sepsis were included. Procalcitonin levels were found to be markedly lower in patients with secondary sepsis than in those without (6.4 [9.5] vs. 55.6 [99.0] ng/mL, respectively; p < 0.001), whereas the SOFA score was similar in the two groups. Although patients in the former group were more likely to have received steroids and effective antibiotic therapy prior to the BSI episode, and despite a higher proportion of candidemia in this group, a low PCT value was found to be independently associated with secondary sepsis (Odd Ratio = 0.33, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.16-0.70; p = 0.004). Additional patients with suspected but unconfirmed sepsis were used as controls (n = 23). Thus, diagnostic accuracy of PCT as assessed by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUROCC) measurement was decreased in the patients with secondary sepsis compared to those without (AUROCC = 0.805, 95% CI: 0.699-0.879, vs. 0.934, 95% CI: 0.881-0.970, respectively; p < 0.050). CONCLUSION: In a critically ill patient with BSI, PCT elevation and diagnosis accuracy could be lower if sepsis is secondary than in those with a first episode of infection.