Procalcitonin levels to guide antibiotic therapy in adults with non-microbiologically proven apparent severe sepsis: a randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Some patients with the phenotype of severe sepsis may have no overt source of infection or identified pathogen. We investigated whether a procalcitonin-based algorithm influenced antibiotic use in patients with non-microbiologically proven apparent severe sepsis.

Design

This multicentre, randomised, controlled, single-blind trial was performed in two parallel groups.

Setting

Eight intensive care units in France.

Participants

Adults with the phenotype of severe sepsis and no overt source of infection, negative microbial cultures from multiple matrices and no antibiotic exposure shortly before intensive care unit admission.

Intervention

The initiation and duration of antibiotic therapy was based on procalcitonin levels in the experimental arm and

SUBMITTER: Annane D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3586059 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature