Plasma procalcitonin concentration in healthy calves and those with septic systemic inflammatory response syndrome

Plasma PCT concentrations in healthy calves and those with septic SIRS were 33.3 pg/mL (0-44.3 pg/mL) and 166.5 pg/mL (85.9-233.0 pg/mL), respectively (P < 0.001). The optimal cut-off value to predict septic SIRS was 67.39 pg/mL (81.0% sensitivity, 95.0% specificity). Plasma PCT concentrations were 127.4 pg/mL (72.2-216.0 pg/mL) and 234.3 pg/mL (204.5-309.4 pg/mL) in the SSS and SSNS subgroups, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found among groups (control vs. SSS and SSNS, P < 0.0001; SSS vs. SSNS, P > 0.05). These results confirmed an increase in plasma PCT concentrations in calves with septic SIRS, as previously reported in humans and other species.