Procalcitonin and CRP as Biomarkers in Discrimination of Community-Acquired Pneumonia and Exacerbation of COPD

Abstract

Procalcitonin and CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with community-acquired pneumonia presenting to the emergency department with indications for hospitalization than in patients with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Serum CRP and procalcitonin concentrations were strongly correlated. CRP might be a more valuable marker in these patients with lower respiratory tract infections.