Serum levels of PTEN and progranulin as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for severe pneumonia in the elderly

Background Severe pneumonia presents a critical challenge clinically, especially for elderly patients. This study investigates the diagnostic and prognostic potential of serum Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Deleted on Chromosome Ten (PTEN) and Progranulin in this population. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and Progranulin as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for differentiating severe pneumonia from common pneumonia in elderly patients, so as to enhance clinical practice. Methods This comparative study was conducted on 90 elderly patients with severe pneumonia (Observation Group) and 90 elderly patients with common pneumonia (Control Group). Based on the survival outcome 28 days post-admission, the Observation Group was further divided into the Survival Group ( n = 51) and the Deceased Group ( n = 39). This study continued to measure and compare the white blood cell counts, albumin, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as serum levels of PTEN and Progranulin. Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess correlations between PTEN and Progranulin levels. In addition, the diagnostic efficacy of PTEN and Progranulin was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Besides, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to determine mortality-related factors. Results Patients with severe pneumonia were measured with significantly higher white blood cells, CRP, procalcitonin, PTEN, and Progranulin levels (all P < 0.05), but lower albumin levels (all P < 0.05). PTEN exhibited a moderately positive correlation with Progranulin. The combined use of PTEN and Progranulin yielded a higher area under the curve (AUC) of 0.887. Additionally, elevated CRP and Progranulin levels were linked to worse outcomes, and Progranulin was a novel independent risk factor for patient death. Conclusion Serum PTEN and Progranulin are promising diagnostic biomarkers for severe pneumonia in elderly patients, with Progranulin showing prognostic value in particular.