The effect of cystatin-C and pro-BNP in determining mortality in elderly patients with sepsis

Abstract

In this study we examined whether cystatin-C, pro-BNP, procalcitonin and C-reactive protein (CRP) is valuable in predicting multiorgan failure and mortality in elderly (>= 65) patients with sepsis. A total of 35 patients who were treated for sepsis in hospital were included in the study. Chronic renal failure, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, known history of diabetes and patients with heart failure were excluded from the study. Cystatin-C, pro-BNP, procalcitonin and CRP levels were measured besides the routine biochemical examinations. Patients were divided into two groups according to their in hospital outcome in terms of mortality. There was no statistically significant difference in patients age, CRP, cystatin-C, pro-BNP, procalcitonin, BUN, creatinine, leukocyte count, hemoglobin and platelet count according to the etiology of sepsis. However there was a significant difference in mortality rate between pneumonia and cholangitis groups with the others. Cystatin-C (p=0.031) and pro-BNP (p=0.023) levels were significantly higher in mortality group when both groups were compared. Increase of cystatin-C and pro-BNP levels were detected in elderly patients with sepsis or septic shock. The cystatin-C and pro-BNP levels can be used as an indicator of early mortality in these patients.