Elevated procalcitonin concentrations in severe Covid-19 may not reflect bacterial co-infection.

Background: The variability of Covid-19 severity between patients has driven efforts to identify prognosticating laboratory markers that could aid clinical decision-making. Procalcitonin is classically used as a diagnostic marker in bacterial infections, but its role in predicting Covid-19 disease severity is emerging. We aimed to identify the association between procalcitonin and Covid-19 disease severity in a critical care setting and whether bacterial co-infection is implicated.

Role of bile acid measurement in pregnancy.

The diagnosis of obstetric cholestasis (OC) has serious implications for maternal, and especially fetal, health. Total serum bile acid concentration is an important investigation in any woman with itching in the absence of a rash during pregnancy. Results should be available within 1-2 working days.