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ASN / Education & Meetings / Kidney Week /
Abstract: TH-PO0957

Association of Procalcitonin Levels with Vascular Access Infections in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis

Session Information

Category: Dialysis

  • 803 Dialysis: Vascular Access

Authors

  • Carmona Cruz, Martha Jocelyn, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico
  • Ibarra Pedroza, Virginia, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico
Background

Vascular access infections are the leading cause of mortality in hemodialysis. CRP is poorly specific due to chronic microinflammation. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a superior biomarker, but requires specific thresholds in this population.

Methods

Observational, retrospective study, including chronic hemodialysis patients, >18 years, in whom procalcitonin (PCT) was measured for suspected vascular access infection during the 2024-2025 period. Clinical and biochemical variables were measured. Patients with missing data or other causes of infection were excluded.

Results

The 10 ng/mL cut-off point was the only independent predictor of bacteremia (aOR 12.45; 95%CI), with an AUC of 0.89. Levels >1.5 ng/mL optimize overall diagnosis. Significantly higher levels were observed in Gram-negative vs. Gram-positive infections (48.0 vs. 15.4 ng/mL; p=0.001).

Conclusion

PCT >10 ng/mL is a critical predictor of bacteremia, superior to classic markers. Its use allows for accurate risk stratification and early antibiotic therapy, improving patient survival

Procalcitonin levels by diagnostic group. Scatter plot (log scale) comparing control, Gram-positive, and Gram-negative cohorts. The dashed red line represents the 10 ng/mL diagnostic threshold.

Diagnostic utility of procalcitonin. ROC curve with an AUC of 0.89. The 10 ng/mL cut-off point (red marker) optimizes bacteremia detection with 82.0% sensitivity and specificity, confirming the high discriminatory power of PCT in vascular access infections.

Funding

  • Private Foundation Support