Changes in procalcitonin and presepsin before and after immunoglobulin administration in septic patients

Methods The changes in sepsis markers (procalcitonin, presepsin, interleukin-6, Creactive protein) followed by IVIg administration were investigated in severe sepsis or septic shock patients. The subjects were 410 patients admitted to an ICU with a diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock and from whom informed consent had been obtained for the present study. IVIg was administered intravenously for 3 days (5.0 g/ day) and measurements were undertaken before administration (day 1), on the day after completion of administration (day 4), and on day 7. The items measured were procalcitonin, presepsin, IL-6, and CRP. The effect of IVIg administration on these markers was then studied. The IVIg studied was polyethylene glycol-treated human immunoglobulin injection fluid (2.5 g, 50 ml, one vial).