PulmCCM - November 4, 2018
..." Most of the small studies testing procalcitonin-driven algorithms have shown the method to be generally safe and effective at reducing antibiotic use. But a new study suggests that in patients with COPD exacerbations admitted to the ICU, withholding or stopping antibiotics based on PCT levels could be harmful...
Procalcitonin shouldn't be used as a reason to withhold antibiotics from seriously ill patients with acute exacerbations of COPD, sepsis, or any other potential bacterial infection -- especially early in their clinical course."