Jornal de Patologia Clínica e Experimental

Abstrato

The Role of C-Reactive Protein in Guiding Antibiotic Therapy: Is it Worth it?

Vandack Nobre* , Raphael Figuiredo Dias, Ursula Gramiscelli Hasparyk and Ana Clara Rivetti Bitencourt de Paula

The management of bacterial infections in hospitalized patients is a challenge in clinical practice and the decision-making process for initiating or discontinuing antimicrobial therapy is one of the main axes of this medical condition. This mini-review outlines the ideal features of an effective and safe circulating biomarker and provides valuable insights into the role of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in the care of patients with suspected or confirmed bacterial infections, including those admitted to intensive care units. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of early intervention and appropriate antimicrobial use in this population and present some comparative data on Procalcitonin (PCT) and CRP as biomarkers to guide antibiotic therapy in hospitalized patients with bacterial infections.