Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein as a Specific Marker of Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

INTRODUCTION The heart lung machine is perhaps the most important contribution to the cardiac surgery in last century. Artificial surface of cardiopulmonary bypass causes various inflammation processes which will make difficult to differentiate from post operative sepsis. Aim of the study to find out specific marker of sepsis with Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Materials and methods, 35 patients of rheumatic heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonarybypass whos procalcitonin and C-reactive protein was recorded. Results showed intial increase in level of PCT and CRP, but on second postop day level of PCT significantly dropped to normal in patients without systemic inflammatory response syndrome whwn compared with patients with SRIS P value 0.01. The level of CRP was elevated throughout hospital stay. This shows PCT was a specific marker for sepsis.