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UNLABELLED: Procalcitonin (PCT) has emerged as a marker of infection, a frequent complication in hemodialysis (HD). We analyzed PCT levels in chronic non-acutely infected HD subjects, assessed its correlation with inflammatory and nutritional markers and propose a PCT reference value for non-infected HD patients. In an observational cross-sectional study, 48 chronic HD patients and 36 controls were analyzed. VARIABLES: age, gender, time on HD; diabetes; vascular access, PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, malnutrition inflammatory score (MIS), hematocrit, leukocyte count, and body mass index (BMI). Subsequently, control (G1, n = 36, 43%) vs. non-infected patients (G2, n = 48, 57%) groups were compared. In control subjects (G1), age: 54.3 ± 13.7 years, range (r): 30-81; males: 19 (53%); median PCT 0.034 ng/ml (r: 0.02-0.08); median CRP 0.80 mg/ dl (r: 0.36-3.9); p95 PCT level: 0.063 ng/ml. In G2, age: 60.2 ± 15.2 years; males 32 (67%), time on HD: 27.0 ± 24.4; diabetics: 19 (32%); median PCT: 0.26 ng/ml (r: 0.09-0.82); CRP: 1.1 mg/dl (r: 0.5-6.2); p95 PCT level: 0.8 ng/ml. In control subjects, PCT and CRP were significantly lower than in G2: PCT: 0.034 vs. 0.26 ng/ml, p = 0.0001; CRP: 0.8 vs. 1.1 mg/dl, p = 0.0004. PCT-CRP correlation in G2: p = 0.287, p = 0.048. PCT and CRP concentrations are elevated in chronic non-acutely infected HD subjects, independently of infection, diabetes and vascular access. A p95 PCT level of 0.8 ng/ml may be considered as the upper normal reference value in non-acutely infected HD subjects. The PCT cut-off level in HD is yet to be determined in HD.
Assuntos
Calcitonina/sangue , Precursores de Proteínas/sangue , Diálise Renal/efeitos adversos , Vasculite/sangue , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Infecções Bacterianas/sangue , Biomarcadores/sangue , Proteína C-Reativa/análise , Peptídeo Relacionado com Gene de Calcitonina , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Falência Renal Crônica/terapia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estado Nutricional , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Valores de Referência , Fatores Sexuais , Fatores de Tempo , Vasculite/etiologiaRESUMO
RESUMEN Introducción:La insuficiencia renal agudaes una complicación descripta en pacientes con infección por SARS-CoV-2que ronda 0,5-7% de los casos. Objetivo: evaluar el valor pronóstico del compromiso renal en los pacientes internados por enfermedad por COVID-19. Material y métodos:Se analizó una cohorte prospectiva de pacientes mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de enfermedad por COVID-19 en el período comprendido entre los meses demayo a octubre de 2020.Todos fueron seguidos hasta el alta hospitalaria o muerte. Se evaluaron parámetros clínicos, laboratorio, score de Charlson, mortalidad y gravedad de enfermedad COVID-19. Resultados:Ingresaron 412 pacientes al estudio, 57% hombres y con promedio de edad de 51 ±16 años. El 20% tenía un score de Charlson≥3, la incidencia de insuficiencia renal aguda, definida como el aumento de la creatinina sérica 0,3 mg/dl del valor basal, fue 5,5% (n=23) yla mortalidad hospitalaria de2,2% (n=9). El análisis bi y multivariado mostró que el sexo masculino[OR= 0,32(IC0,12-0,82), p=0,017], dímero D>500ng/ml[OR= 3,68(IC 1,23-10,96), p=0,019], relación proteinuria/creatininuria >0,20[OR=2,43 (IC 1,03-5,74), p=0,043],insuficiencia renal aguda[OR=10,53 (IC 2,99-37,09), p0,0001]fueron predictores de COVID-19 grave, definido como frecuencia respiratoria 30 x min, saturación de oxígeno <93% o PO2/FIO2300.En el análisis bivariado la mortalidad se asoció con el desarrollo de COVID-19graveOR= 68.76 (IC 8,39-563,36), p0,0001 e insuficiencia renal agudaOR= 45,41 (IC 10,45-197,22), p0,0001. Conclusión:El compromiso renal está asociado a peor evolución y mayor mortalidad en COVID-19. La valoración de la función renal y la proteinuria son parámetros accesibles que deberían ser incluidos como factores de riesgo en la evaluación inicial.
ABSTRACT Introduction:Acute kidney injuryis a complication described in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection that is around 0.5-7% of cases. Objective:evaluate the prognostic value of kidney involvement in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 disease. Methods:A prospective cohort of patients over 18 years with a diagnosis of COVID-19 disease in the period from May to October 2020 was analyzed. All were followed up until hospital discharge or death.Clinical and biochemicalparameters, Charlson score, mortality and severity of COVID-19 disease were evaluated. Results:Four hundred twelve patients entered the study, 57% men and mean age 51 ± 16 years. Twenty percent had a Charlson score ≥3, the incidence of acute kidney injury, defined as the increase in serum creatinine 0.3 mg / dl from baseline, was 5.5% (n = 23) and hospital mortality was 2.2% (n = 9). The bivariate and multivariate analysis showed that the male sex [OR= 0.32 (IC 0.12-0.82), p =0.017], D-dimer> 500 ng/ml [OR= 3.68 (IC 1.23-10.96), p = 0.019], urinary protein/creatinine> 0.20 [OR= 2.43 (CI 1.03-5.74), p = 0.043], and AKI [OR= 10.53 (CI 2.99-37.09), p <0.0001] were predictors of severe COVID-19, defined as respiratory rate>30 x min, oxygen saturation <93% or PO2/FIO2300. The univariate analysis of mortality was associated with the development of severe COVID-19 [OR= 68.76 (CI 8.39-563.36), p <0.0001 and acute kidney injury OR= 45.41 (CI 10.45-197.22), p 0.0001. Conclusion:Renal involvement is associated with worse evolution and higher mortality in COVID-19. The assessment of renal function and proteinuria are accessible parameters that should be included as risk factors in the initial evaluation of these patients.
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RESUMEN Introducción: La bacteriuria asintomática (BA), en el primer año postrasplante renal,tiene una incidencia mayor al 50%. La infección urinaria (ITU) es la complicación infecciosa más común en trasplante renal, su incidencia oscila entre el 30 y el 70% en el primer año.Objetivo:Analizar la incidencia de ITU y BA en el primer año postrasplante renal y su impacto en la función renal. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, de pacientes trasplantados renales, mayores de 18 años, en el período comprendido entre enero de 2006 y diciembre de 2017, en nuestro centro. Fueron excluidos pacientes con trasplantes renales combinados, pérdida del injerto renal durante el primer año por complicaciones quirúrgicas (trombosis, rotura renal) o médicas (rechazo, recidiva de enfermedad de base).Resultados: Fueron analizados 161 pacientes adultos trasplantados renales. La incidencia en el primer año postrasplante de ITU y BA fue del 32% y del 25%, respectivamente. La función renal promedio al año del trasplante fue: de los pacientes con ITU(n=53) Cr 1,36(±0,44), de los pacientes con BA no tratada(n=30) Cr 1.36(±0,41), de los pacientes con BA tratada(n=11)Cr 1,39(±0,42), y de los pacientes sin ITU ni BA(n=90) Cr 1,31(±0,43) p=0,95. El riesgo de ITU en las BA no tratadas fue del 55% y en las tratadas del 57%, con un RR 0,96 (IC 95% 0,52-1,8). Conclusión: No hubo diferencias significativas en la función renal al año del trasplante en los pacientes que tuvieron ITU y BA en relación a los pacientes que no tuvieron. El tratamiento de las BA no redujo el riesgo de padecer ITU.
ABSTRACT Introduction:Asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB) during the first year post-renal transplantation has an incidence higher than 50%. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most frequent complication of renal transplantation; its incidence is between 30 and 70 % during the first year. Objective: To analyze the incidence of UTI and AB during the first year post-renal transplantation and their impact on renal function. Methods: Retrospective study in renal transplantation patients older than 18 between January 2006 and December 2017 in our center. Patients who had received combined renal transplantation, lost renal graft during the first year due to surgical complications (thrombosis, allograft rupture) or medical complications (rejection, underlying disease recurrence) were excluded. Results: A study was performed with 161 adult patients who had undergone kidney transplantation. The incidence of UTI and AB during the first year after receiving transplantation was 32% and 25%, respectively. The mean renal function one year after transplantation was as follows: (n=53) Cr 1.36(±0.44) for UTI patients; (n=30) Cr 1.36(±0.41) for AB non-treated patients; (n=11) Cr 1.39(±0.42) for AB treated patients, and (n=90) Cr 1.31(±0.43) p=0.95 for patients not suffering from UTI or AB. The risk of UTI was 55 % for non-treated AB and 57% for treated AB, with RR 0.96 (95% CI: 0.52-1.8).Conclusion: No significant differences in renal function were found in UTI and AB patients one year after transplantation as compared to patients not suffering from these conditions. AB treatment did not reduce UTI risk.
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AIM: To assess residual diuresis and diverse variables according to body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Cross-sectional study (n = 57), with 3 groups. Group A: BMI < 25, n = 22; Group B: BMI 25-30, n = 15; Group C: BMI > 30, n = 20. Diuresis, hematocrit, albumin, C-reactive protein, Malnutrition inflammatory score, Pro-BNP, Troponin T, leptin and insulin levels are expressed as median and ranges (r). RESULTS: Albumin (g/dL): GA vs GC, 3.70 (r2.20-4.90) vs 3.85 (r3.40-4.90), P = 0.02. Diuresis (mL/d): GA 690 (r0-1780); GB 660 (r60-1800); GC 840 (r40-2840). Diuresis GA vs GC, P = 0.01. Leptin (ng/mL): GA vs GC, 3.81 (r0.78-69.60) vs GC, 32.80 (r0.78-124.50), P < 0.001. Insulin (µU/mL): GA vs GB, 7 (r2-44) vs 11.50 (r4-38), P = 0.02; GA vs GC, 7 (r2-44) vs 19.5 (r5-155), P = 0.0001. Troponin T and Pro-BNP levels were not different. Significant correlations: GC, Insulin-UF: ρ = 0.53; P = 0.03; TroponinT-diuresis: ρ = -0.48, P < 0.05; Pro-BNP-diuresis: ρ = -0.39, P < 0.01; Troponin T-ProBNP: ρ = 0.77, P < 0.0001; albumin-Troponin T: ρ = -0.66, P < 0.0001; albumin-ProBNP: ρ = -0.44, P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: High BMI associated positively with higher diuresis and albuminemia, and negatively with TropT and Pro-BNP. High BMI-associated better survival may be explained by better urinary output, lowering cardiovascular stress.
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Background. Precise estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the identification of markers of progression are important. We compared creatinine, cystatin, and combined CKD-EPI equations with (99m)Tc-DTPA scintigraphy to measure GFR and proteinuria as markers of progression. Methods. Cross-sectional, observational study including 300 subjects. CKD was classified by (99m)Tc-DTPA scintigraphy. Determinations. Creatinine, 24-hour creatinine clearance, cystatin, Hoek formula, and creatinine, cystatin, and combined CKD-EPI equations. Results. In the global assessment, creatinine CKD-EPI and combined CKD-EPI equations yielded the highest correlations with (99m)Tc-DTPA: ρ = 0.839, P < 0.0001 and ρ = 0.831, P < 0.0001. Intergroup analysis versus (99m)Tc-DTPA: control G, creatinine clearance ρ = 0.414, P = 0.013; G3, combined CKD-EPI ρ = 0.5317, P < 0.0001; G4, Hoek ρ = 0.618, P < 0.0001, combined CKD-EPI ρ = 0.4638, P < 0.0001; and G5, creatinine clearance ρ = 0.5414, P < 0.0001, combined CKD-EPI ρ = 0.5288, P < 0.0001. In the global assessment, proteinuria displayed the highest significant correlations with cystatin ( ρ = 0.5433, P < 0.0001) and cystatin-based equations (Hoek: ρ = -0.5309, P < 0.0001). When GFR < 60 mL/min: in stage 3, proteinuria-cystatin ( ρ = 0.4341, P < 0.0001); proteinuria-Hoek ( ρ = -0.4105, P < 0.0001); in stage 4, proteinuria-cystatin ( ρ = 0.4877, P < 0.0001); proteinuria-Hoek ( ρ = -0.4877, P = 0.0026). Conclusions. At every stage of GFR < 60 mL/min, cystatin-based equations displayed better correlations with (99m)Tc-DTPA. Proteinuria and cystatin-based equations showed strong associations and high degrees of correlation.
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BACKGROUND: Certain adipokines exert direct effects on proteinuria, a cardiovascular risk factor ignored in hemodialysis. We measured different adipokines according to body mass index (BMI) in relation to proteinuria. METHODS: Patients numbered 57: group A (GA), BMI<25, n = 22; GB, BMI 25-30, n = 15; and GC, BMI > 30, n = 20. There were no statistical differences in age, sex, time on dialysis, cause of renal failure, diabetes, hypertension, C-reactive protein, or nutritional status. Measures were taken of 24-hour diuresis and proteinuria, ultrafltration, albumin, pro-brain natriuretic peptide (Pro-BNP), insulin, adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin. RESULTS: Proteinuria was signifcantly higher in GC versus (vs) GA (1.5 g/day, range 0.30-14 vs 0.72 g/day, range 0.1-2.7; P < 0.01) and correlated signifcantly with leptin levels (ρ = 0.47, P < 0.05). In GA, elevated levels of Pro-BNP, adiponectin, and ghrelin were associated with lower degrees of proteinuria. Signifcant correlations were found between adiponectin and leptin (ρ = -0.54, P = 0.03), and adiponectin and Pro-BNP (ρ = 0.59, P = 0.02). Though not signifcant, there were more diabetics in GC (GA four, GB three, GC ten). As BMI increased in GB and GC, Pro-BNP, adiponectin, and ghrelin levels decreased signifcantly, while proteinuria, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance increased. Leptin levels were signifcantly elevated in GC vs GA and GB. In GC, ghrelin correlated signifcantly with Pro-BNP (ρ = 0.51, P = 0.03), while leptin correlation with Pro-BNP was inverse and signifcant in GA (ρ = -0.74, P < 0.001) and inverse and nonsignifcant in GB and GC. CONCLUSION: In patients with BMI < 25, higher adiponectin, ghrelin, and Pro-BNP levels were associated with lower proteinuria and leptinemia. In obesity, hyperleptinemia and hyperinsulinemia associated with higher proteinuria; whether decreased adiponectin-ghrelin-ProBNP and/or elevated leptin-insulin levels aggravate proteinuria remains to be determined.
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Procalcitonin (PCT) has emerged as a marker of infection, a frequent complication in hemodialysis (HD). We analyzed PCT levels in chronic non-acutely infected HD subjects, assessed its correlation with inflammatory and nutritional markers and propose a PCT reference value for non-infected HD patients.In an observational cross-sectional study, 48 chronic HD patients and 36 controls were analyzed. Variables: age, gender, time on HD; diabetes; vascular access, PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, malnutrition inflammatory score (MIS), hematocrit, leukocyte count, and body mass index (BMI). Subsequently, control (G1, n = 36, 43%) vs. non-infected patients (G2, n = 48, 57%) groups were compared. In control subjects (G1), age: 54.3 ± 13.7 years, range (r): 30-81; males: 19 (53%); median PCT 0.034 ng/ml (r: 0.02-0.08); median CRP 0.80 mg/dl (r: 0.36-3.9); p95 PCT level: 0.063 ng/ml. In G2, age: 60.2 ± 15.2 years; males 32 (67%), time on HD: 27.0 ± 24.4; diabetics: 19 (32%); median PCT: 0.26 ng/ml (r: 0.09-0.82); CRP: 1.1 mg/dl (r: 0.5-6.2); p95 PCT level: 0.8 ng/ml. In control subjects, PCT and CRP were significantly lower than in G2: PCT: 0.034 vs. 0.26 ng/ml, p = 0.0001; CRP: 0.8 vs. 1.1 mg/dl, p = 0.0004. PCT-CRP correlation in G2: ρ = 0.287, p = 0.048. PCT and CRP concentrations are elevated in chronic non-acutely infected HD subjects, independently of infection, diabetes and vascular access. A p95 PCT level of 0.8 ng/ml may be considered as the upper normal reference value in non-acutely infected HD subjects. The PCT cut-off level in HD is yet to be determined in HD.
La procalcitonina (PCT) puede ser un marcador de infección en la hemodiálisis (HD). Analizamos los niveles de PCT en sujetos sin infección aguda en HD crónica, su correlación con marcadores inflamatorios y nutricionales y, de acuerdo a ello, proponemos niveles de referencia de PCT. En un estudio observacional transversal se estudiaron 48 pacientes en HD y 36 controles. Variables: edad; sexo, tiempo en HD; diabetes; acceso vascular, PCT, proteína C-reactiva (PCR), albúmina, score de malnutrición-inflamación, hematocrito, recuento leucocitario, e índice de masa muscular (IMC). En los controles se determinaron PCT y PCR. Se comparó grupo control (G1, n = 36, 43%) vs. pacientes (G2, n = 48, 57%). G1: edad, 54.3 ± 13.7, rango (r): 30-81 años; hombres: 19 (53%); PCT mediana: 0.034 ng/ml (r: 0.020-0.080); PCR mediana: 0.8 mg/dl (r: 0.36-3.9); el nivel p95 de PCT: 0.063 ng/ml. En el G2, edad media 60.2 ± 15.2 años, hombres: 32 (66%), tiempo en HD: 27.0 2 4.4; diabéticos: 19 (32%); PCT: 0.26 ng/ml (r: 0.09-0.82); PCR: 1.1 mg/dl (r: 0.5-6.2); p95 PCT: 0.8 ng/ml. En G1 los niveles de PCT y PCR fueron significativamente más bajos que en G2: PCT: 0.034 vs. 0.26 ng/ml, p = 0.0001; PCR: 0.8 vs 1.1 mg/dl, p = 0.0004. Correlación PCT- PCR en G2: ρ = 0.287, p = 0.048. La PCT y la PCR están elevadas en HD crónica independientemente de infección, diabetes y acceso vascular. Se propone p95 de PCT de 0.8 ng/ml como límite superior del intervalo de referencia en sujetos sin infección aguda en HD. El valor de PCT en HD está por determinarse.
Assuntos
Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Calcitonina/sangue , Precursores de Proteínas/sangue , Diálise Renal/efeitos adversos , Vasculite/sangue , Fatores Etários , Infecções Bacterianas/sangue , Biomarcadores/sangue , Proteína C-Reativa/análise , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Estudos Transversais , Falência Renal Crônica/terapia , Estado Nutricional , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Valores de Referência , Fatores Sexuais , Fatores de Tempo , Vasculite/etiologiaRESUMO
Procalcitonin (PCT) has emerged as a marker of infection, a frequent complication in hemodialysis (HD). We analyzed PCT levels in chronic non-acutely infected HD subjects, assessed its correlation with inflammatory and nutritional markers and propose a PCT reference value for non-infected HD patients.In an observational cross-sectional study, 48 chronic HD patients and 36 controls were analyzed. Variables: age, gender, time on HD; diabetes; vascular access, PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, malnutrition inflammatory score (MIS), hematocrit, leukocyte count, and body mass index (BMI). Subsequently, control (G1, n = 36, 43%) vs. non-infected patients (G2, n = 48, 57%) groups were compared. In control subjects (G1), age: 54.3 ± 13.7 years, range (r): 30-81; males: 19 (53%); median PCT 0.034 ng/ml (r: 0.02-0.08); median CRP 0.80 mg/dl (r: 0.36-3.9); p95 PCT level: 0.063 ng/ml. In G2, age: 60.2 ± 15.2 years; males 32 (67%), time on HD: 27.0 ± 24.4; diabetics: 19 (32%); median PCT: 0.26 ng/ml (r: 0.09-0.82); CRP: 1.1 mg/dl (r: 0.5-6.2); p95 PCT level: 0.8 ng/ml. In control subjects, PCT and CRP were significantly lower than in G2: PCT: 0.034 vs. 0.26 ng/ml, p = 0.0001; CRP: 0.8 vs. 1.1 mg/dl, p = 0.0004. PCT-CRP correlation in G2: ρ = 0.287, p = 0.048. PCT and CRP concentrations are elevated in chronic non-acutely infected HD subjects, independently of infection, diabetes and vascular access. A p95 PCT level of 0.8 ng/ml may be considered as the upper normal reference value in non-acutely infected HD subjects. The PCT cut-off level in HD is yet to be determined in HD.(AU)
La procalcitonina (PCT) puede ser un marcador de infección en la hemodiálisis (HD). Analizamos los niveles de PCT en sujetos sin infección aguda en HD crónica, su correlación con marcadores inflamatorios y nutricionales y, de acuerdo a ello, proponemos niveles de referencia de PCT. En un estudio observacional transversal se estudiaron 48 pacientes en HD y 36 controles. Variables: edad; sexo, tiempo en HD; diabetes; acceso vascular, PCT, proteína C-reactiva (PCR), albúmina, score de malnutrición-inflamación, hematocrito, recuento leucocitario, e índice de masa muscular (IMC). En los controles se determinaron PCT y PCR. Se comparó grupo control (G1, n = 36, 43%) vs. pacientes (G2, n = 48, 57%). G1: edad, 54.3 ± 13.7, rango (r): 30-81 años; hombres: 19 (53%); PCT mediana: 0.034 ng/ml (r: 0.020-0.080); PCR mediana: 0.8 mg/dl (r: 0.36-3.9); el nivel p95 de PCT: 0.063 ng/ml. En el G2, edad media 60.2 ± 15.2 años, hombres: 32 (66%), tiempo en HD: 27.0 2 4.4; diabéticos: 19 (32%); PCT: 0.26 ng/ml (r: 0.09-0.82); PCR: 1.1 mg/dl (r: 0.5-6.2); p95 PCT: 0.8 ng/ml. En G1 los niveles de PCT y PCR fueron significativamente más bajos que en G2: PCT: 0.034 vs. 0.26 ng/ml, p = 0.0001; PCR: 0.8 vs 1.1 mg/dl, p = 0.0004. Correlación PCT- PCR en G2: ρ = 0.287, p = 0.048. La PCT y la PCR están elevadas en HD crónica independientemente de infección, diabetes y acceso vascular. Se propone p95 de PCT de 0.8 ng/ml como límite superior del intervalo de referencia en sujetos sin infección aguda en HD. El valor de PCT en HD está por determinarse.(AU)
Assuntos
Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Calcitonina/sangue , Precursores de Proteínas/sangue , Diálise Renal/efeitos adversos , Vasculite/sangue , Fatores Etários , Infecções Bacterianas/sangue , Biomarcadores/sangue , Proteína C-Reativa/análise , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Estudos Transversais , Falência Renal Crônica/terapia , Estado Nutricional , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Valores de Referência , Fatores Sexuais , Fatores de Tempo , Vasculite/etiologiaRESUMO
UNLABELLED: Procalcitonin (PCT) has emerged as a marker of infection, a frequent complication in hemodialysis (HD). We analyzed PCT levels in chronic non-acutely infected HD subjects, assessed its correlation with inflammatory and nutritional markers and propose a PCT reference value for non-infected HD patients. In an observational cross-sectional study, 48 chronic HD patients and 36 controls were analyzed. VARIABLES: age, gender, time on HD; diabetes; vascular access, PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, malnutrition inflammatory score (MIS), hematocrit, leukocyte count, and body mass index (BMI). Subsequently, control (G1, n = 36, 43
) vs. non-infected patients (G2, n = 48, 57
) groups were compared. In control subjects (G1), age: 54.3 ± 13.7 years, range (r): 30-81; males: 19 (53
); median PCT 0.034 ng/ml (r: 0.02-0.08); median CRP 0.80 mg/ dl (r: 0.36-3.9); p95 PCT level: 0.063 ng/ml. In G2, age: 60.2 ± 15.2 years; males 32 (67
), time on HD: 27.0 ± 24.4; diabetics: 19 (32
); median PCT: 0.26 ng/ml (r: 0.09-0.82); CRP: 1.1 mg/dl (r: 0.5-6.2); p95 PCT level: 0.8 ng/ml. In control subjects, PCT and CRP were significantly lower than in G2: PCT: 0.034 vs. 0.26 ng/ml, p = 0.0001; CRP: 0.8 vs. 1.1 mg/dl, p = 0.0004. PCT-CRP correlation in G2: p = 0.287, p = 0.048. PCT and CRP concentrations are elevated in chronic non-acutely infected HD subjects, independently of infection, diabetes and vascular access. A p95 PCT level of 0.8 ng/ml may be considered as the upper normal reference value in non-acutely infected HD subjects. The PCT cut-off level in HD is yet to be determined in HD.