Vnitr̆ní lékar̆ství
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Vnitr̆ní lékar̆ství · Feb 2004
Review[Procalcitonin as an indicator of infection in patients with liver cirrhosis].
Incidence of bacterial infections in hospitalised patients with liver disease is high. Due to a liver dysfunction immune reactivity is significantly impaired and bacterial infections are more frequent. Also incidence of nosocomial infections is higher in patients with liver disease compared to patients hospitalised for other conditions. ⋯ They usually include spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, infection of the respiratory system, urinary infections, and bacteremia. A timely proof of a bacterial infection and an appropriate and effective antibiotic therapy lead to an improvement of the general state of a patient and to his/her better prognosis. Procalcitonin determination is appropriate for diagnosing infections and control of treatment.