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Ugajin, M., Miwa, S., Shirai, M., Ohba, H., Eifuku, T., Nakamura, H., Suda, T., Hayakawa, H. and Chida, K. (2011) Usefulness of Serum Procalcitonin Levels in Pulmonary Tuberculosis. European Respiratory Journal, 37, 371-375.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/09031936.00011910

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Role of Serum Procalcitonin Level in Differentiating between Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Community-Acquired Pneumonia

  AUTHORS: Mohammad Shameem, Mazhar Alam, Shagufta Moin, Rakesh Bhargava, Zuber Ahmad, Jamal Akhtar

  KEYWORDS: Procalcitonin, Tuberculosis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia

  JOURNAL NAME: International Journal of Clinical Medicine, Vol.5 No.15, August 7, 2014

  ABSTRACT: Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) and Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) are common causes of consolidation patch in chest radiograph. Sputum Z-N staining is positive in 30% to 60% cases only and sputum examination has poor yield in CAP. This study aimed to assess the value of serum Procalcitonin (PCT) levels in patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) and Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP). Patients with new opacity in chest radiograph were included in the study. Serum sample were taken at admission and stored. Patient’s diagnosis were confirmed and categorized into pulmonary TB group (32) and community-acquired pneumonia group (23). Their mean PCT level was compared with mean PCT level of 25 controls. Serum procalcitonin levels were found to be significantly elevated in patients of community-acquired pneumonia as compared to patients of pulmonary tuberculosis. In presence of consolidation in x-ray chest, increased level of serum procalcitonin might be used to differentiate pulmonary tuberculosis from community-acquired pneumonia. High level of serum procalcitonin was associated with high mortality rate in community-acquired pneumonia patients.