DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i02.079

Pages: 798-804

Sepsis is systemic inflammatory response to acute infection; it is very common in elderly and is one of the leading causes of mortality. Due to immunosenescence and other ageing changes, atypical and subtle presentations are common and there will be diagnostic difficulties. There is a need `for means to diagnose sepsis early so that appropriate treatment can be initiated. The aim of the study was to determine the significance of procalcitonin as a biomarker in the early diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis in elderly patients and to compare it with conventional markers of sepsis. This cross sectional and observational study was done in the patients admitted to Geriatric medical ward and Geriatric intensive care unit (GICU) of Rajiv Gandhi Government general Hospital, Chennai. Ethical committee clearance for conducting the study was obtained and the study period was 6 months. The sample size was 75. Those who are above 60years, fulfilling the criteria for sepsis (Signs of systemic response to infection+ Evidence of atleast one organ dysfunction as per definition) and patients willing to and consenting to participate in the study. The patients with h/o trauma, pancreatitis and unwilling to participate were excluded. After admission, routine blood investigations including inflammatory markers like TLC, ESR, CRP were done. Severity scoring done using APACHE and SOFA scoring systems. Serum procalcitonin level was also measured using chemiluminiscence technique. Results were statistically analysed.