Cardiothoracic & vascular anesthesia
Procalcitonin for the diagnosis of postoperative bacterial infection after adult cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
These results suggest that PCT may be used to help rule out infection after cardiac surgery.
Study context
- Population
- Adult cardiac surgery patients with suspected postoperative bacterial infection10 studies in meta-analysis
- Participants
- 2,984 patients
- Outcome
- Accuracy of PCT for the diagnosis of postoperative bacterial infection
Methodological detailsbivariate regression model, multiple-thresholds random effects model, 11 studies in systematic review; all single-centre observational, 5 with retrospective data collection, Quality issues mainly lack of prespecified thresholds for the index test in all studies
- Bivariate regression model
- Multiple-thresholds random effects model
- 11 studies in systematic review; all single-centre observational, 5 with retrospective data collection
- Quality issues mainly lack of prespecified thresholds for the index test in all studies
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Diagnostic accuracy of PCT at optimal threshold 3 ng/mL
| Group | Mean sensitivity | Mean specificity | AUC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procalcitonin (PCT) | 0.67 (0.47-0.82) | 0.73 (95% CI 0.65-0.79) | 0.75 (IC95% 0.29-0.95) |
Procalcitonin (PCT)
Mean sensitivity0.67 (0.47-0.82)
Mean specificity0.73 (95% CI 0.65-0.79)
AUC0.75 (IC95% 0.29-0.95)
Further pooled results
Predictive values of PCT
- PPV at most close to 50%, also with high prevalence (30%)
- NPV always > 90% when prevalence < 20%
Original publication
Procalcitonin for the diagnosis of postoperative bacterial infection after adult cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Care. Published 7 February 2024. doi:10.
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