Using procalcitonin (PCT) to improve the odds in sepsis management

There are more cases of sepsis than of lung-, breast-, prostate-cancer and HIV combined. The incidence of sepsis has increased over time, although this may be related to better reporting. With sepsis being more prevalent in the elderly and in patients with comorbidities it is likely to become an even greater challenge in the future as both populations are increasing. As the pathogenesis of sepsis is not fully understood and no specific sepsis treatment is available, early sepsis recognition is vital so that curative and supportive measures can be implemented without delay. Optimal clinical management has a clear impact on outcome.