Procalcitonin in AECOPD

A patient presents to the hospital in an AECOPD. They have severe dyspnea, increased sputum volume, and purulence. Their procalcitonin is 0.06 ng/mL.

Should this patient be started on antibiotics ?

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Best Answer

✅ Yes

Explanation: The GOLD guidelines recommend patients with the cardinal symptoms receive antibiotics. This patient has severe dyspnea with increased sputum volume and purulence.

Despite a ⬇️ procalcitonin, it is NOT recommended to use procalcitonin to withhold antibiotics for AECOPD.

Cardinal symptoms should determine if an AECOPD patient gets antibiotics, NOT procalcitonin!