Enhanced Understanding of Procalcitonin Utilization as an Infection Biomarker in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

[BACKGROUND] This investigation aimed to assess the diagnostic relevance of procalcitonin (PCT) in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and determine factors impacting its diagnostic precision. Additionally, the study endeavored to delineate its judicious application in clinical settings.

[METHODS] By employing a retrospective analysis of clinical records, serum PCT levels were gauged utilizing an automated immunoassay, followed by the generation of a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

[RESULTS] The established threshold for serum PCT in diagnosing infection was identified as 0.120 ng/mL. Serum PCT levels were markedly elevated in patients with bloodstream infections compared to those with localized infections. Infections due to Gram-negative bacilli manifested higher PCT levels relative to those caused by Gram-positive cocci. Within the bloodstream infection cohort, patients with coagulase-negative staphylococci infections ex-hibited increased PCT levels compared to those in the contamination cohort. The interplay of various elements induces the onset of tumor metastasis and progression as notable risk factors that augment serum PCT levels in NHL patients.

[CONCLUSIONS] Serum PCT levels are heightened in NHL patients, influenced by tumor stage and evolution. The diagnostic application of a solitary PCT test is limited for infection detection. It is recommended that NHL patients be hospitalized to establish a baseline serum PCT level, facilitating its use as a benchmark in infection diagnostics.