Application of B·R·A·H·M·S PCT-guided algorithm could improve outcome
B·R·A·H·M·S PCT (Procalcitonin) level >0.25 μg/L is indicative of infection and antibiotic treatment is recommended in patients with dyspnea
Secondary analysis of 233 patients with a history of Chronic Heart Failure (CHF), formerly included in a multicenter randomized-controlled trial, to compare antibiotic guidance with and without PCT algorithm. In 110 patients with low initial PCT value (<0.25 μg/L)
- 30 day adverse outcome was significantly decreased (-16%) in PCT-guided group
- Significant reduction of antibiotic exposure in PCT-guided group (-2.8 days)
Time to the first adverse outcome by randomization group in patients with low initial PCT levels (<0.25 μg/L); adverse outcome included all-cause mortality or intensive care unit (ICU) admission Ref-1