The correlation between elevated procalcitonin levels and poor short-term clinical outcomes in patients with resectable colorectal cancer

Hotiatun; Ida Bagus Budhi Surya Adnyana; Darmawan Ismail

doi:10.18203/2349-2902.isj20260839

Authors

Hotiatun Faculty of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University, Dr Moewardi General Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia
Ida Bagus Budhi Surya Adnyana Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University, Dr Moewardi General Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia
Darmawan Ismail Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University, Dr Moewardi General Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20260839

Keywords:

Procalcitonin, Colorectal cancer, Inflammation, Clinical outcome, Quality of life

Abstract

Background: Elevated procalcitonin (PCT) levels reflect systemic inflammation, a common condition in colorectal cancer (CRC) that is associated with unfavorable prognosis. Inflammatory responses may negatively affect postoperative recovery and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between increased PCT levels and short-term clinical outcomes in patients with resectable CRC.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, Surakarta, from November 2022 to November 2023. Fifty patients with resectable CRC who underwent pre-operative PCT testing were included. Short-term clinical outcome was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire, categorizing patients into good (score >50) and poor (score≤50) quality of life groups. The relationship between PCT levels and clinical outcomes was analyzed using the Spearman rank correlation test.

Results: The mean PCT level was 0.54±1.15 ng/ml, with a median of 0.09 ng/ml. Patients with poor quality of life had significantly higher mean PCT levels (1.61±2.55 ng/ml) compared to those with good quality of life (0.08±0.05 ng/ml). A strong and statistically significant correlation was found between elevated PCT levels and poor short-term clinical outcomes (r=0.795; p=0.001). Higher PCT levels were also significantly associated with all eight SF-36 domains, including physical functioning, role limitations, bodily pain, and general health.

Conclusions: Increased PCT levels are strongly correlated with poorer short-term clinical outcomes in patients with resectable CRC. PCT may serve as a useful biomarker for monitoring inflammation and predicting postoperative quality of life.

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