Procalcitonina y proteína C reactiva como biomarcadores séricos tempranos en pacientes infectados con úlcera de pie diabético: Revisión sistemática

Abstract

Title: Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein as Early Serum Biomarkers in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review. Objective: To identify whether procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are beneficial as early serum biomarkers in the diagnosis of patients with infected diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Methodology: Studies in English and Spanish published in the last five years (clinical trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies) on PCT and CRP in diabetic foot ulcers are included. Incomplete or unsupported publications were excluded. The databases used were PubMed and ProQuest, with searches conducted up to October 2024. The risk of bias was assessed using the JBI tool, and results were synthesized in tables based on sensitivity, specificity, and effectiveness. Results: Seventeen studies were included, comprising approximately 3,200 patients. PCT and CRP demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity in predicting infection and differentiating ulcer severity, and significant effectiveness in predicting severity and prognosis regarding mortality and amputation. Discussion: Small sample sizes in some studies represent a limitation in this research. Although PCT and CRP are valid, their use should be considered in combination with other diagnostic methods due to the variability of results regarding sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: PCT and CRP are promising biomarkers for managing diabetic foot ulcers improving early diagnosis. However, their implementation should be supported by further studies.