Procalcitonin to Guide 7 vs 14 Days of Antibiotics in Bloodstream Infections

In patients with bacteremia, is a high day 7 procalcitonin (PCT) level associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes if treated with 7 vs 14 days of antibiotics?In this cohort study of 125 patients with bacteremia, antibiotic duration beyond 7 days was not associated with improved outcomes in patients with a residually high PCT level.These findings suggest a 7-day course of antibiotics is sufficient for patients with uncomplicated bacteremia independent of serum PCT level.

Corresponding Author: Rayoun Ramendra, MD, University of Toronto, 27 King’s College Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada (rayoun.ramendra@mail.utoronto.ca).

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