Accuracy of Day 1 Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein Levels for Predicting Mortality in Burn Patients

Objective: Although serum procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are currently used to predict infection, sepsis, and death in intensive care units, their application in burn mortality has received little attention. Thus, it is essential to do study on how day-one PCT and CRP patterns affect burn mortality. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Settings: Department of Plastic Surgery, Nishtar Medical University, Multan. Duration of study: January 2024 to May 2024. Methodology: Total 111 patients, both male and female, aged 18 to 60, within 48 hours of a thermal burn injury, with 20–60% of their total burn surface area free of inhalational injuries were included. Based on their medical history and medical records, patients with concomitant chronic diseases were not included. Venous blood samples were obtained aseptically on the first day of hospitalization and sent for CRP analysis; a cutoff of 71 mg/dl was used to predict mortality. PCT determination (PCT cutoff of 1770 ng/ml was used to predict mortality) and a level > 71 predicted mortality and <71 predicted survival. < 1770 predicted survival and >1770 projected mortality. The ultimate outcome (survivor or non-survivor) was recorded. Results: Day 1 CRP levels provide a 93.62% sensitivity, 93.75% specificity, 91.67% PPV, 95.24% NPV, and 93.69% diagnostic accuracy for predicting burn patient mortality. 90.99% diagnostic accuracy, 91.49% sensitivity, 90.62% specificity, 87.76% PPV, 93.55% NPV, and day 1 procalcitonin levels for burn patient mortality prediction. Conclusion: A poor prognosis is linked to increasing trends in serum PCT and CRP levels in patients with burn injuries.