Background:

The relevance of parapneumonic effusion (DPN) and empyema lies in it’s morbidity and mortality and the upward trend. It has recently taken interest in exploring new biomarkers able to influence its outcome. Procalcitonin is a solid marker of systemic infection, however, few studies describe the role in DPN and empyema. The current study analyzed if procalcitonin has a role in the approach of unilateral pleural effusion such as parapneumonic pleural effusion and/or empyema.

Material and methods:

We designed a prospective observational clinical study involving patients admitted to our institution with unilateral pleural effusion for a period of 18 months. The contrast of the absolute value of serum PCT in 2 groups of study and the ability to discriminate infection such as parapneumonic pleural effusion and/or empyema was analyzed.

Results:

49 patients divided into 2 groups (infectious vs. noninfectious) were included. At admission, the value of serum PCT was different between the two groups (1.42 ng/mL vs. 0.83 ng/mL). Regression analysis identified that serum PCT had adequate association with pleural infection. The PCT value that best discriminated this finding was ≥ 2 ng/mL, OR 4.1 (95% CI 1.1-15.3; p = 0.038).

Conclusions:

Procalcitonin is a useful serum biomarker in the diagnosis of pleural infection. However, more studies should be performed to reinforce our results.