Case study 2 – PCT outside of the ICU

Now we will introduce a second case study, this time focusing on the use of procalcitonin outside of the ICU. First, we will examine the introduction to the case, the next step will provide an opportunity to discuss your initial thoughts, then step 2.8 will provide a resolution to the case.

Background

The patient was a fit and active 65-year-old male who was in full time employment. He had an 80% occlusion of the left anterior descending artery, also known as “the Widow maker.” He had a CABG cardiac surgery in July 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was discharged from the cardiac centre on Day 10 after surgery.

On day 15 after surgery, the patient collapsed twice at home then was taken to a local emergency department which was not a cardiac centre. Upon admission PCT = 0.46 and CRP = 220 therefore sepsis was diagnosed. Four hours after admission, the patient collapsed again and the emergency medical team was called.

In the next step, you will discuss the case so far.