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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 5/2005

01-05-2005 | Short Communication

Procalcitonin—a marker of invasive fungal infection?

Authors: H. J. Dornbusch, V. Strenger, R. Kerbl, H. Lackner, W. Schwinger, P. Sovinz, C. Urban

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 5/2005

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Abstract

Procalcitonin (PCT) has been described as a marker of bacterial sepsis. However, little is known of its diagnostic value in fungal infections. We calculated the sensitivity of PCT for detection of invasive fungal infections (IFI) by analyzing 55 episodes of proven or probable IFI (three in our series, 52 reported in the recent literature). In the early phase of IFI, PCT was elevated in fewer than half of invasive candidiasis episodes and in only one patient (5.3%) with invasive aspergillosis. Due to low sensitivity and specificity, PCT adds little to the diagnosis of IFI.
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Metadata
Title
Procalcitonin—a marker of invasive fungal infection?
Authors
H. J. Dornbusch
V. Strenger
R. Kerbl
H. Lackner
W. Schwinger
P. Sovinz
C. Urban
Publication date
01-05-2005
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 5/2005
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-004-0721-3

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