Comparison of blood culture results and clinical biochemistry laboratory parameters in geriatric patients with regards to infective agents

Aslı Karadeniz; Mustafa Erinç Sitar; Belkız Öngen

doi:10.28982/josam.808114

Authors

Aslı Karadeniz https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3799-1090
Mustafa Erinç Sitar https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5114-8660
Belkız Öngen https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2998-263X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.28982/josam.808114

Keywords:

bacteremia, elderly, procalcitonin

Abstract

Aim: Bacterial infections can cause life-threatening sepsis and should be identified and managed accurately, especially in the elderly. We aim to examine the relationships between positive blood cultures, Gram staining pattern and biochemistry parameters, in particular, procalcitonin (ProCT) levels. Methods: This was a single center retrospective study, in which patients with positive blood cultures detected in Maltepe University Faculty of Medicine Research and Education Hospital were included. Two groups were formed according to age and evaluated with regards to bacterial Gram staining and biochemistry laboratory findings. Group 1 consisted of patients under 65 years of age (n=69) and Group 2 included those over 65 years of age (n=198). Results: Two hundred and sixty-seven episodes of bacteremia (Gram-negative: 49.43%, Gram-positive bacteremia: 50.56%) were evaluated in two groups. CRP values, lymphocyte and thrombocyte counts, creatinine, AST, ALT, albumin, CRP/albumin ratio values were similar between two groups (P>0.05 for all), while leukocyte counts, neutrophil counts and BUN values were lower in group 1 (P=0.020, P=0.020 and P<0.001 respectively) and ProCT levels were lower in group 2 (P=0.049). ProCT values (independent of age) had significantly increased in patients with Gram-negative bacteremia (P<0.001 in both group 1 and 2). Conclusion: ProCT measurement can be helpful as a distinguishing biomarker in different bloodstream infections, regardless of age.

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