Antibiotics
Procalcitonin-Informed Decision-Making in Abdominal and Emergency Surgery: A WSES Position Paper
By Catena F, De Simone B, Kryvoruchko IA and 22 others.
Abstract
Background
Procalcitonin (PCT) may support decision-making in abdominal and emergency surgery when infection is difficult to distinguish from non-infectious inflammation. Its interpretation remains challenging because clinical settings, sampling schedules, and proposed thresholds vary. This WSES position paper examines the evidence across six clinical scenarios to provide a practical framework for PCT-informed decision-making.
Methods
A structured literature review covering January 1980 to December 2025, with targeted updates through August 2026, informed six PICO-based clinical questions. Evidence appraisal drew on selected GRADE domains, including consistency, directness, and precision. Recommendations were developed through iterative expert review and consensus.