What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to assess the value of procalcitonin, hs-CRP, and IL-6 in diagnosing and predicting outcomes in burn sepsis.

March 21, 2026Open Access

The Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Procalcitonin and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Early-Stage Burn Sepsis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Key Points

This study aims to assess the value of procalcitonin, hs-CRP, and IL-6 in diagnosing and predicting outcomes in burn sepsis.
Conducted a retrospective cohort study with 159 critically ill burn patients.
Divided patients into burn sepsis group (n=72) and non-sepsis group (n=87).
Analyzed clinical data for biomarkers’ diagnostic value using multivariate logistic regression.
Sepsis patients showed significantly higher early PCT and hs-CRP compared to non-sepsis patients (P < 0.05).
PCT and hs-CRP were identified as independent diagnostic factors.
Combined areas under the curve (AUC) for PCT and hs-CRP was 0.821, outperforming temperature, WBC, and IL-6.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate procalcitonin (PCT), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) for early diagnosis and prognosis of burn sepsis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study included 159 critically ill burn patients (2021– 2024) divided into burn sepsis group (n=72) and non-sepsis group (n=87). Clinical data were analyzed to evaluate the biomarkers’ diagnostic value. Sepsis patients were further grouped by outcome (mortality/survival) to explore biomarkers’ relationship with severity and prognosis. Results: Compared with the non-sepsis group, the sepsis group had significantly higher early PCT and hs-CRP (P < 0.05), with no significant differences in IL-6, white blood cell (WBC) count, or body temperature. Multivariate logistic regression identified PCT and hs-CRP as independent diagnostic factors. Their areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were 0.802 and 0.768, respectively; combined areas under the curve (AUC) was 0.821, all higher than those of body temperature, WBC, and IL-6 (0.536, 0.536, 0.579; P < 0.05). In sepsis patients, PCT was positively correlated with creatinine (r=0.625, R 2 =0.362; P < 0.05). Mortality subgroup had higher early PCT, hs-CRP, and IL-6 (P < 0.05), but these were not independent mortality risk factors. Conclusion: PCT and hs-CRP are useful for early burn sepsis diagnosis, with combined detection improving efficacy. Body temperature, WBC, and IL-6 have limited diagnostic value. Elevated PCT may relate to acute kidney injury. Early biomarker levels correlate with sepsis severity but have limited prognostic value. Keywords: procalcitonin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, burn sepsis, diagnosis, prognosis

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